skip to main content

USGA Handicap Review Tool – Data Points for Phase 3last updated April 7, 2026

 

The following data points are available to authorized golf clubs in the United States to support the handicap review process. Additional data points may be available with future enhancements to the USGA Handicap Review Tool. 

The factors that impact a recommended Handicap Index® adjustment from the USGA include the player’s Handicap Index at the time of the handicap review, the number of scores in the review period, and the number of high/low flags.

 

1.   Player Name – The first and last name of the player who received a handicap review.

2.   Handicap ID (e.g., GHIN #) – The player’s unique identification number. Each player in the United States whose Handicap Index® is calculated by the USGA has a Handicap ID.

3.   Review Run - The date the handicap review was run.

  1. Note: The audit log lists who ran the review.

4.   Handicap Index – The Handicap Index on the date the handicap review was run. 

5.   Low Handicap Index™ – The Low Handicap Index on the date the handicap review was run.

6.   Review Period  - The date range in which the handicap review was based upon (the time frame is a rolling 12 months).

7.   Number of Scores Posted – A count of the total number of scores posted to the player’s scoring record during the review period, based on the date played. 

8.   Total High/Low Flags – A count of each of the total number of high and low flags during the review period. A flagged score is one that is significantly outside of the player’s expected scoring range.

9.   Percentage of High/Low flags – The percentage of each of the high and low flags based on the number of scores posted during the review period. 

10. Recommended Adjustment – The upward or downward value recommended after the handicap review was run. Once applied by the golf club, the player’s Handicap Index will be adjusted by that value (e.g., -1) and designated with the letter “M”. 

11. Handicap Index During Review

  1. Start – Handicap Index at the beginning of the review period.
  2. End – Handicap Index at the end of the review period.
  3. Soft Caps – The number of times the player’s Handicap Index had a soft cap applied during the review period.
  4. Hard Caps – The number of times the player’s Handicap Index had a hard cap applied during the review period.
  5. ESRs – The number of times the player had an exceptional score reduction (either a -1 or -2 reduction) during the review period.
  6. Min H.I.™ The player’s lowest Handicap Index during the review period. This value may differ from the Low Handicap Index.
  7. Max H.I. – The player’s highest Handicap Index during the review period.

 

12. Played to Handicap Index – A Score Differential™ that is equal to or better than the Handicap Index.

  1. Expected range – Based on the specific Handicap Index and normal scoring variation, shows the range in the percentage of time a player is expected to play to their Handicap Index (or better). Fewer scores in the review period increase the variability between actual and expected performance.
  2. Played to Handicap (Day of Play) – Percentage of scores in the review period where the Score Differential was at or below the Handicap Index on the day the round was played – indicating how accurately the Handicap Index reflected the player’s ability during the review period.
  3. Played to Handicap (Time of Review) – Percentage of scores in the review period where the Score Differential is at or below the Handicap Index at the time of review – indicating how past performance aligns with the player’s current Handicap Index.

 

13. Competition Factor – The difference between performance in casual and competition rounds. A (+) value means better performance in casual rounds, whereas a (-) value means better performance in competition rounds.

  1. General Rounds – The number of general (or not designated as competition) rounds in the review period and the average Score Differential of those rounds.
  2. Competition Rounds – The number of competition rounds in the review period and the average Score Differential of those rounds.

 

14. Scores in Review – A detailed listing of each posted score during the review period, with the high/low flags clearly identified.

15. Quartile Breakdown - Displays quarterly scoring data and trends to help Committees decide whether to apply or deny a Handicap Index adjustment. For each quarter in the review period, it includes:

  • High flag and low flag counts
  • General play rounds count and average Score Differential
  • Competition rounds count and average Score Differential
  • Competition factor