Q. How is a Handicap Index® calculated?
A. A Handicap Index can be calculated with as few as three 18-hole scores. When less than 20 scores are in your scoring record, a fewer number of scores are used to calculate your Handicap Index.
Once you have 20 scores in your scoring record, your Handicap Index is calculated by first averaging the best 8 Score Differentials™ out of your most recent 20 scores.
This value may be adjusted due to built-in safeguards that are applied when:
- You submit an exceptional score, which is 7.0 strokes or better than your Handicap Index at the time the round is played, or
- Your 8 of 20 calculation is 3.0 or more strokes above your Low Handicap Index™ from the previous 365 days.
If either one of those safeguards are applied, it will be clearly identified in your scoring record. (Rule 5, Rules of Handicapping)
CHANGES IN 2024:
Beginning in January 2024, when a player posts a 9-hole score, the WHS™ will automatically calculate an 18-hole Score Differential™ for the round, based on the player’s 9-hole Score Differential and expected Score Differential based on their current Handicap Index®, allowing the 9-hole round to be considered in the player’s Handicap Index calculation right away.