I just started playing and am not sure what a Handicap Index is.
A Handicap Index® is a portable number that measures your demonstrated ability; for example, 15.2. The maximum Handicap Index is 54.0 for all players, so no matter your skill level, all players are encouraged to get a Handicap Index.
Don’t forget that 9-hole scores are acceptable for handicap purposes. So even if you prefer to play nine, a Handicap Index is still for you!
I don’t have a home course.
You don’t have to be a member of a private club or some other “green grass facility” to get a Handicap Index. Anyone can sign up at usga.org/getahandicap or by contacting their local Allied Golf Association.
Sometimes I decide to pick up and move to the next hole.
That’s OK! Having a Handicap Index can actually help you improve pace of play. When posting your initial scores to establish a Handicap Index, the maximum hole score is par + 5, so you can pick up once you’ve reached that number (for example, if it’s a par 3, pick up once you’ve hit 8).
Once you have a Handicap Index, the max hole score becomes a net double bogey, which is equal to double bogey + any handicap strokes you receive on the hole. In casual rounds, you can pick up whenever you reach that number and still post your score!
I’m not good enough to have one.
There are plenty of reasons to establish and maintain a Handicap Index, no matter how often you play or how competitive you are, if at all! You can use a Handicap Index to:
- Have a universal number that represents your game. The Handicap Index calculation is the same for millions of golfers worldwide.
- Track your individual progress over time and set goals for your game.
- Have a more accurate evaluation of your performance in each round. For example, a 95 on a difficult course may be more impressive than a score of 92 on an easier one – and having a Handicap Index will show that.
- Set a target score before your round – which is the score you would shoot if you play to your ability. Players can expect to shoot 2-5 strokes higher in most rounds, so when you play to your target score, you’ve had a great day! (Target Score = Par + your Course Handicap™ from the tees being played.)
- Have a fun and fair game with your friends. Even non-competitive players can have fun in a four-ball match among friends, with the losing team buying the post-round beverages!