How is my Handicap Index calculated?
One of the most common questions golfers will ask each other is, “what is your handicap?”
Under WHS, the way in which a handicap is calculated will change slightly, and golfers will receive a new Handicap Index.
A Handicap Index is designed to represent your demonstrated ability. It is calculated by averaging the best 8 score differentials out of the most recent 20 within your scoring record. These best 8 score differentials an be made up of both competition and general play scores.
For example, see below the calculation for one of our own Handicapping and Course Rating team - Adam:
By taking Adam’s best 8 from his last 20 scores, his Handicap Index is calculated as 12.0.
If your record does not have 20 scores on it already, a modified calculation will be carried out to provide you with a Handicap Index. The below table highlights how this will be done:
A Handicap Index will be the measure of a player’s demonstrated ability calculated against the Slope Rating of a golf course of standard playing difficulty (that is, a course with a Slope Rating of 113).
Your Handicap Index provides you with a portable measure of your demonstrated playing ability that is consistent with how all other golfers will be measured around the world. It can be used to track your progress and to play in a casual or a competitive round with any other player from course to course and country to country.
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