World Handicap System™ FAQs

Your Handicap ID is provided to you through a golf club and your local Allied Golf Association (AGA). You may look up your Handicap ID here. You may also contact your club or your AGA for assistance.

Beginning in 2020, the WHS™ unified six different handicap systems that were used around the world into a single system that:

• Enables golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair basis, in any format, on any course, anywhere around the world;
• Is easy to understand and implement, without sacrificing accuracy; and
• Meets the varied needs and expectations of golfers, golf clubs and golf authorities all around the world and is adaptable to suit all golfing cultures.

The WHS is jointly governed worldwide by the USGA and The R&A and encompasses both the Rules of Handicapping™ and the Course Rating System™ (formerly the USGA Course Rating System).

Prior to 2020, golfers were already playing to a unified set of Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status and Equipment Rules. Now, the WHS has been added to this list as part of the joint governance structure between the USGA and The R&A. The cultural diversity that exists within the game, including different formats of play and degrees of competitiveness, is what makes the game so universally popular. Through collaboration with National Associations, the goal has been to try to accommodate those cultural differences within a single WHS. With that in mind, while the WHS introduced a new Handicap Index® calculation and other key changes for golfers in the U.S., it has not impacted the way the game is played. Golfers are simply expected to play the game, have fun, and post their scores while understanding the basic fundamentals of handicapping.

A Handicap Index represents your demonstrated playing ability. It is based on your scores relative to the course and tees played during those rounds.

Your Handicap Index is calculated the same way as golfers around the world, and it can be used on any course with a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™. In addition, it can be used:

• To have a fair game during a casual round with friends
• As a progress tracker for your game
• To enter a competition
• For equity in a competition

To establish and maintain a Handicap Index, you must be a member of an authorized golf club. Below are three easy options:

1. Simply click HERE to join a growing community of golfers in your area. Sign up is on the USGA website, but you’ll receive a membership with your local Allied Golf Association based on your location.
2. Most golf courses, public and private, are authorized – so if there is a course you play often, reach out to them and they can likely set you up on the spot. Search for an authorized golf club by clicking HERE.
3. Your Allied Golf Association can recommend clubs in your area. To find your local AGA, search HERE.

Finally, click HERE for an article that also addresses how to get a Handicap Index and some tips for when you’re first starting out.

In order to establish a Handicap Index, a total of 54 holes must be played and posted to your scoring record. These scores can be made up of any combination of 9- or 18-hole rounds. (Rule 4.5, Rules of Handicapping)

Start with your Handicap Index®! This drives everything. Your Handicap Index forms the basis for your Course Handicap™ and Playing Handicap™.

Course Rating™, Slope Rating™, and par are used to determine your Course Handicap, which represents the number of strokes you need to play to par.

Your Playing Handicap is the actual number of strokes you give or receive for the round being played. It is typically the same number as your Course Handicap. However, one exception is when a term of the competition applies, such as a handicap allowance used for equity in certain formats of play. Another exception is for match play, where the player with the lowest Playing Handicap plays off zero strokes and the other players(s) receive the difference. (Rules 5.2, 6.1, 6.2, and Appendix C, Rules of Handicapping)

Peer review is the process by which either a player’s score or Handicap Index® can be confirmed or challenged. While the Handicap Index calculation has built in safeguards to protect against handicap manipulation, the human element is equally important to ensure fair play.

Peer review is normally conducted by someone playing in the same group during a round, or by someone who has knowledge of a player’s demonstrated ability and can reasonably verify or challenge the player’s Handicap Index.

To facilitate the process of peer review, scores must be posted as soon as possible after completion of the round. Challenges and disputes should be raised with the player and/or reported to the Handicap Committee of the golf club where the player is a member for consideration. (Rule 4.4, Rules of Handicapping)

Once you have 20 scores in your scoring record, your Handicap Index is calculated by averaging your 8 best Score Differentials™ out of your most recent 20, which means 12 of your last 20 scores are not used in the calculation. If your Handicap Index remains unchanged after posting score(s), it is most likely because the same 8 scores are still being used in your 8 best of 20 calculation.

If you have at least three but fewer than 20 scores in your scoring record, a fewer number of scores are used to calculate your Handicap Index. (Rule 5.2, Rules of Handicapping)

A score of 80 on a difficult course may be a better performance than a 77 on an easier one, and it is the Score Differential calculation that allows this to be captured.

A Score Differential measures the performance of a round in relation to the relative difficulty of the course that was played, measured by the Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ . The result of the daily playing conditions calculation (PCC) is also included in the Score Differential calculation, which may provide an adjustment if course and/or weather conditions significantly impacted scores on that day.

A Score Differential is calculated using the following formula:

(113 / Slope Rating) x (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating - PCC adjustment)

There may be additional adjustments to the Score Differential, such as an exceptional score reduction or Committee-applied adjustment. These would be clearly identified within the scoring record. (Rule 5.1, 5.9 and 7.1a, Rules of Handicapping)

Click here for an FAQ that explains how an 18-hole Score Differential is created after a 9-hole score is posted.

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)

A Handicap Index is not established from a particular set of tees. Every time a score is posted, it is converted into a Score Differential™ that evaluates your performance as if it were made on a course of standard difficulty. As a result, your Handicap Index is a portable number and each time you play, it is converted into a Course Handicap™ as if you are playing that course for the very first time. (Rule 5, Rules of Handicapping)

The maximum Handicap Index is 54.0 for all players.

The Committee in charge of a competition may set a maximum limit for entry and a Committee may also set a maximum Course Handicap™/Playing Handicap™ to be used for the competition. (Rule 5.3, Rules of Handicapping)

A Handicap Index is updated the day after a score is posted, at midnight local time based on the location of your Allied Golf Association. As a result, players are expected to post their scores the day they play. (Rule 5.4, Rules of Handicapping)

The cap is an automatic step in the Handicap Index calculation. It is not an additional adjustment, but a built-in safeguard designed to prevent extreme upward movement of a Handicap Index, ensuring it remains consistent with a player’s recently demonstrated ability.

During the Handicap Index calculation, the player's average of their best 8 out of 20 Score Differentials is compared to their Low Handicap Index. If this average exceeds the Low Handicap Index by more than 3.0 strokes, the soft cap reduces any further increase by 50%. The hard cap stops any additional increase beyond 5.0 strokes after the soft cap is applied.

Once a new Handicap Index is calculated, it will be shown in the player's scoring record along with the Low Handicap Index from the past 365 days.

A player remains affected by a cap until the difference between their 8 of 20 average and Low Handicap Index is 3.0 strokes or less. Therefore, the impact of a cap can vary with each score that is posted, and there is no fixed duration for a cap.

Often, the soft cap's effect is minimal, such as a few tenths of a stroke. Many players can quickly overcome the cap by posting one or two good scores or if, after a Handicap Index revision, their previous Low Handicap Index is no longer within the last 365 days.

A cap should only be overridden by the Handicap Committee in special circumstances, such as injury or illness.

To prevent extreme upward movement of a Handicap Index, every time it is updated, the new value is compared to your Low Handicap Index™ and:

• If the result is more than 3.0 strokes higher, a soft cap will be applied to slow additional upward movement by 50%.
• If the result is more than 5.0 strokes higher (after the application of the soft cap), a hard cap will be applied to restrict any additional upward movement beyond 5.0 strokes.

For example: Player A has a Low Handicap Index of 10.0 and a current 8 of 20 calculation of 13.4. Since any upward movement beyond 3.0 strokes is reduced by 50%, the player’s Handicap Index calculates at 13.2.

The Handicap Committee at the player’s club can override the soft cap or hard cap if circumstances such as injury or illness exist. (Rule 5.8, Rules of Handicapping)

A Low Handicap Index is the lowest Handicap Index® achieved over the 365-day period preceding the most recent score in your scoring record. The Low Handicap Index serves as a reference point against which your current Handicap Index can be compared.

A Low Handicap Index is established once you have 20 scores in your scoring record. (Rule 5.7, Rules of Handicapping)

At the end of each day, the playing conditions calculation takes place automatically to determine if scores made at the course were significantly higher or lower than the expected scores of the players who made them, primarily due to weather and/or course set up.

If scores were abnormally low or high, a PCC adjustment between -1 and +3 will be applied in the calculation of Score Differentials™ of everyone who played that day. A negative (-) adjustment means the course played easier than expected and a positive (+) adjustment means the course played more difficult than expected. A PCC of 0 means the course played as expected, which will be the case on most days.

The PCC:

• Uses scoring data so no action is required by the club/course staff or golfer (except for posting scores),
• Includes only scores made by players with a Handicap Index® of 36.0 or below,
• Considers both 9-hole and 18-hole scores in the calculation, and
• Only takes place if at least 8 scores were posted on a given day.

(Rule 5.6, Rules of Handicapping)

The PCC only takes place once, at midnight local time, so if your score was posted after midnight, it will not be included in the calculation. However, the score would still be subject to the resulting adjustment as long as you provide the correct date played. (Rule 5.6, Rules of Handicapping)

Any score that produces a Score Differential™ that is at least 7.0 strokes better than your Handicap Index® at the time the round was played is considered exceptional and is subject to the exceptional score reduction.

• If the Score Differential is between 7.0 and 9.9 strokes better, a -1 adjustment is applied to each of the most recent 20 Score Differentials in your scoring record. This has a net impact of reducing the Handicap Index by 1 stroke.
• If the Score Differential is 10.0 strokes or better, a -2 adjustment is applied to each of the most recent 20 Score Differentials. This has a net impact of reducing the Handicap Index by 2 strokes.

Scores made following the exceptional score will not contain the -1 or -2 adjustment (unless they are also exceptional) which will slowly diminish the impact of the reduction as you continue to post scores. Also, reductions for multiple exceptional scores are applied cumulatively. (Rule 5.9, Rules of Handicapping)

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.

As part of this change, golfers are required to play and post all 9 holes with a valid 9-hole Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™. Click here to watch a video about the treatment of 9-hole scores.

Once the player’s 9-hole Score Differential™ has been calculated, it is combined with an expected Score Differential based on the player’s current Handicap Index® to create an 18-hole Score Differential.

The expected score is based on the average Score Differential of a player with a given Handicap Index and a normal distribution of scores – so it is not specific to each player.

An expected score can be thought of as a neutral value, meaning that a good 9-hole round (relative to the player’s ability) will result in a good 18-hole Score Differential. An average 9-hole round will result in an average 18-hole Score Differential, etc. Click here for a detailed infographic about use of expected score to create an 18-hole Score Differential.

When 9 holes are played and a score is posted, the 9-hole score will be displayed. You will also see the 9-hole Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ for the tees played, along with the 18-hole Score Differential™ that was created using the 9-hole Score Differential from the 9 holes you played, and a 9-hole expected Score Differential based off your current Handicap Index. Lastly, a score type of “N” will also be displayed.

The “N” score type may represent one of the following – a 9-hole score combined with an expected Score Differential to produce an 18-hole Score Differential (beginning with the 2024 World Handicap System™ revision) or two 9-hole scores combined (prior to the 2024 WHS™ revision).

To establish a Handicap Index, a player must play and post a total of 54 holes, which can be made up of 9- and/or 18-hole scores. The use of expected score does not come into play until a golfer plays and posts 54 individual hole scores.

Once the player has posted scores from a total of 54 holes and an expected score can be determined for the player, an 18-hole Score Differential™ will be calculated for each 9-hole score and displayed within their scoring record. At this time the player will have established their initial Handicap Index.

If you have an established Handicap Index®, the maximum score for each hole played is limited to a net double bogey, equal to double bogey plus any handicap strokes you are entitled to receive based on your Course Handicap™.

For example: A player with a Course Handicap of 15 receives one handicap stroke on holes with a stroke index of 1 through 15 on the scorecard.

On a par 4 hole with a stroke index of 10, the player’s maximum hole score is 7. Double bogey (6) + 1 handicap stroke = 7.

For players posting initial scores to establish a Handicap Index, the maximum hole score is limited to par + 5. (Rule 3.1, Rules of Handicapping)

When the format of play allows you to start a hole but not complete it, the score recorded for handicap purposes is your most likely score, equal to:

• The number of strokes already taken on the hole, plus
• Any penalty strokes incurred during the hole, plus
• The number of strokes you would most likely require to complete the hole.

A most likely score is a reasonable assessment made by you based on the score you are most likely to make from that spot more than half the time. The following guidelines should be used to determine a most likely score:

• If the ball lies on the putting green no more than 5 feet from the hole, add one stroke.
• If the ball lies between 5 feet and 20 yards from the hole, add 2 or 3 additional strokes depending on the position of the ball, difficulty of the green and your ability.
• If the ball lies more than 20 yards from the hole, add 3 or 4 additional strokes depending on the position of the ball, difficulty of the green and your ability.

(Rule 3.3, Rules of Handicapping)

For a score to be acceptable for handicap purposes, at least 9 holes that have a 9-hole Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ must be played. If between 10-17 holes are played (typically due to darkness, inclement weather, or match play), hole-by-hole score entry is required for the holes played.

Once a score is posted for the holes played – for example, holes 1-16 – a Score Differential™ will be created based on the 16 holes played, and the expected Score Differential™ for two holes not played will be added to that value to produce an 18-hole Score Differential.

For a player who has yet to establish a Handicap Index (working toward posting scores from 54 holes played), only the 9- and 18-hole score posting option will be available.

Note: Expected score is the default position for holes not played. However, net par may be an option in very limited circumstances subject to approval from the local Allied Golf Association. The Handicap Committee/golf club will be responsible for communicating to all golfers when net par should be applied. (Rule 3.2, Rules of Handicapping)

This allows the appropriate Score Differential™ to be calculated from the holes that were played to combine with the expected Score Differential for the number of holes not played.

When 10-17 holes are played and a score is posted, the total number of strokes taken will be displayed, with the number of holes played also denoted. Display of the number of holes played could vary depending on the score posting product used. For example, if you play 14 holes and take 62 strokes, your score may be displayed as 62 (14). You will also see the 18-hole Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ for the tees played, along with the 18-hole Score Differential™ that was created using your expected Score Differential for the number of holes not played.

When establishing a Handicap Index, or building up to 54 holes played and posted, if you play between 10 and 17 holes, the score made on the 9 holes with a 9-hole Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ would be posted for handicap purposes. Any remaining holes would be disregarded.

To receive a Course Handicap, or a Playing Handicap, you must have first established a Handicap Index by posting at least 54 holes comprised of 9- and/or 18-hole rounds.

A Course Handicap represents the number of strokes needed to play to par of the tees being played. This is the number used to adjust hole scores for net double bogey.

A Playing Handicap is the actual number of strokes you receive or give during a round and is the number used for the purposes of the game or competition. This number is often the same as a Course Handicap, however, if a handicap allowance is applied, if the format is match play, or if players are competing from tees with different pars, it may be different.

Visit the USGA Course Handicap™ Calculator here.

(Rule 6.1 and 6.2, Rules of Handicapping)

A Course Handicap is calculated using the following formula, but a mobile app or Course Handicap table at the course will do the math for you:

Course Handicap = Handicap Index® x (Slope Rating™ / 113) + (Course Rating™ – par)

This number is rounded to the nearest whole number when applying net double bogey adjustments. Otherwise, the unrounded result is retained and used to calculate a Playing Handicap.

Playing Handicap = Course Handicap x handicap allowance.

The result is then rounded to the nearest whole number. (Rule 6.1 and 6.2, Rules of Handicapping)

Since a Course Handicap™ represents the number of strokes received to play to par, an adjustment is only necessary if players are competing from tees with different pars.

When par is different, the player(s) competing from the tees with the higher par simply add the difference in par to their Playing Handicap(s)™. (Rule 6.2b, Rules of Handicapping)

To avoid multiple rounding points during the conversion of a Handicap Index® into a Playing Handicap, it is recommended that the handicap allowance (if applicable) be applied to the unrounded Course Handicap, which will result in additional accuracy.

This recommendation relies on the fact that, in most cases, golf clubs and Committees have access to tournament management software that can run the calculations automatically – and every authorized technology provider has been instructed to use this method for consistency. (Rule 6.1 and 6.2, Rules of Handicapping)

A score is acceptable for handicap purposes if the round has been played:

• In an authorized format of play (see Rule 2.1a) over at least the minimum number of holes required for either a 9-hole or an 18-hole score to be acceptable (see Rule 2.2),
• In the company of at least one other person, who may also act as a marker (subject to satisfying any other requirements of the Rules of Golf),
• By the Rules of Golf (see Rule 2.1b),
• On a golf course with a current Course Rating and Slope Rating, where length and normal playing difficulty is maintained at a consistent level (see Appendix G),
• On a golf course during its active season.

If one or more of the requirements set out above is not met, the score is not acceptable for handicap purposes. (Rule 2.1, Rules of Handicapping)

For a score to be acceptable for handicap purposes, at least 9 holes that have a 9-hole Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ must be played. (Rule 2.2, Rules of Handicapping)

Simply reach out to someone on the Handicap Committee at your club. That person will be able to correct the posted score.

If the tees you would like to play are between 100 and 300 yards (50-150 yards for 9 holes) longer or shorter than the nearest rated set of tees for your gender, the Handicap Committee at your club must consult with the local Allied Golf Association to utilize the table found in Appendix G of the Rules of Handicapping to provide a temporary Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™.

For differences under 100 yards (50 for 9 holes), no adjustment is necessary and scores can be submitted as usual. If the difference in yardage is greater than 300 (150 for 9 holes), your golf club must contact the Allied Golf Association for assistance. (Appendix G, Rules of Handicapping)

Scores posted with a Competition, or “C” designation are not used any differently for the purposes of calculating a Handicap Index®.

The Competition score designation provides a way for Committees to evaluate if any players perform better or worse in competitive versus recreational rounds, which may be used during a handicap review.

Peer review is the process by which either a score or a player’s Handicap Index® can be confirmed or challenged, and when rounds are played without another person present, the process cannot be facilitated. (Rule 2.1, Rules of Handicapping)

You are expected to post your score the same day you play so that your score will be included in the daily playing conditions calculation and your Handicap Index can be updated overnight and ready for the next day.

The Handicap Committee can post a penalty score if you fail to post in a timely manner. (Rule 4.3, Rules of Handicapping)

Through your mobile app or other application, you should be able to search for the golf course you played and find the set of tees played and appropriate ratings for your gender. Alternatively, you can search the Course Rating and Slope Database™ found here. If the Rating information cannot be found in your posting application or on the database, you should contact the club or Allied Golf Association to see if valid Ratings are available.

If you are playing a set of tees that are not rated for your gender, please contact a club representative, who in consultation with the Allied Golf Association can determine if a temporary Course Rating and Slope Rating can be created to post your score by utilizing the table found in Appendix G of the Rules of Handicapping.

You should always use the published Rating information when available, and most courses and tees have been rated for both genders by the Allied Golf Association. However, there may be times when you must manually enter the course information to post a score, including when:

• The set of tees has not been rated for your gender, or
• The round was played outside of the United States and a course search does not find the course played

In these cases, you should first reach out to the club and/or Golf Association in the area to obtain the Rating information. At that point, you can manually enter the Course Rating, Slope Rating, and par along with the score details. If no Course Rating, Slope Rating, and par can be determined, the score will not be acceptable for handicap purposes.

If you are playing a set of tees that is not rated for your gender, the club representative in consultation with the Allied Golf Association can determine if a temporary Course Rating and Slope Rating can be created to post your score by utilizing the table found in Appendix G of the Rules of Handicapping.

Manually entering the Rating information and par should be considered a last resort. In addition, if the score is not identified with any particular course, then it will not contribute to the playing conditions calculation data pool.

A handicap allowance is the percentage of a Course Handicap™ recommended to create equity based on the format of play.

Since higher-handicap players typically have more variance in their scores and an increased potential to shoot lower net scores, when full Course Handicaps are used in certain formats, players with lower Course Handicaps are generally at a disadvantage. By taking a percentage of Course Handicap, the higher handicap players are impacted more, which brings the expected scores for all players or teams to a more consistent level. Handicap allowances are mainly applied in team formats, where the combination of players can produce lower scores compared to other teams.

Millions of scores and/or simulations were used to determine and validate the handicap allowances used under the WHS™, and the recommendations for each format of play can be found (Appendix C, Rules of Handicapping)

A handicap allowance does not favor any particular golfer. When a handicap allowance is applied to a Course Handicap, the resulting Playing Handicap moves closer to zero regardless of whether they are a plus handicap player or a player above zero.

For example, playing at 100% of Course Handicap, the spread of two players, a +5 and 10 Course Handicap, is 15 strokes. In a competition where a handicap allowance of 80% is utilized, the +5 becomes a +4 Playing Handicap (+5 x 0.8) and the 10 becomes an 8 Playing Handicap (10 x 0.8). The spread between those two numbers is 12, which is 80% of the original spread of 15 using 100% of Course Handicap. Relative to a scratch player, both have been adjusted by the same percentage. In this example, a scratch player would receive one less stroke from a plus handicap player and give two fewer strokes to a higher handicap player.

It is not about providing an advantage or gaining/losing strokes, it is about applying a percentage to a Course Handicap to make the competition more equitable based on the expected spread of scores in the specific format of play.

For ease of competition administration purposes, it is recommended that the Committee in charge of the competition use the Handicap Index at the start of the competition for all rounds of a multi-round competition played on consecutive days.

With that said, the Committee reserves the right to modify the Playing Handicap™ of any player(s) before or between rounds of a competition. (Rule 7.2, Rules of Handicapping)

Yes. When a hole is started but a player does not hole out, the player must record their most likely score for handicap purposes. (Rule 3.3, Rules of Handicapping)

If the match ends with holes left to play and the players continue to play, the actual scores must be posted on every hole played.

If a match ends with holes left to play and the players do not play the remaining holes, the players should post using the hole-by-hole feature for each hole played (keeping in mind at least 9 holes associated with a 9-hole Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ must be played for a score to posted).

By stroking off the low ball, the higher handicap player(s) receive their handicap strokes on the holes where they need them most – resulting in more holes tied compared to holes won or lost. If players used full Playing Handicaps in match play, the better player would have the advantage on the more difficult holes (because he or she would also be getting strokes) and the other player(s) would have an advantage on the easier holes.

The World Handicap System™ enables players to play from different tees and still have a fair game or competition, which is why the USGA does not recommend any particular set of tees based on factors such as age, gender, or driving distance. For recreational rounds, it is up to the player to decide which tees to play. For competition purposes, it is up to the Committee in charge of the competition.

Handicap strokes are received based on the stroke index, or "handicap" row on the scorecard. For example, a player with a Playing Handicap™ of 14 receives one handicap stroke on holes allocated 1 through 14. Players with a plus Playing Handicap will be required to give strokes back starting with the 18th ranked stroke index hole. (Appendix E, Rules of Handicapping)

It is ultimately up to the Handicap Committee along with the Committee in charge of the competition to determine which scores are designated as “Competition" scores. However, the designation should be limited to events that are significant to the club. For example, a club championship or member-guest.

In competitions with a round robin or other format where multiple individual nines are played, the USGA recommends each nine be posted independently for handicap purposes. This provides consistency with the Rules of Golf where they are treated as separate rounds (for example – a player can swap out clubs between rounds, escalating penalties are reset, and the player can receive separate penalties for being late to the tee in respective rounds). As a result, each 9-hole score will receive an 18-hole Score Differential™ in the scoring record.

In Four-Ball Stroke Play, the recommended handicap allowance is 85%. Assuming there are no other Terms of the competition that might impact a player’s Playing Handicap™, it will be equal to the unrounded Course Handicap multiplied by the handicap allowance, with the final step to round to the nearest whole number.

One of the recommendations under the previous USGA Handicap System (not in use since 2019) was to try to keep the difference between partners’ Course Handicaps to 8 strokes or less. If this difference could not be avoided, then an additional 10% reduction for both partners was encouraged.

However, with Four-Ball Stroke Play having a lower handicap allowance under the WHS™ (85% for all players) as compared to the previous USGA Handicap System (90% for men and 95% for women), the 8-stroke limit between partners is not necessary to produce equity among teams of various handicap levels. As a result, it is no longer recommended to assign an additional reduction if partners have more than an 8-stroke difference in their Course Handicaps.

The USGA Handicap Review Tool is used by the golf club’s Handicap Committee to analyze all scores within the previous 365 days and is used to identify players who are scoring above or below their expected scoring range more often than anticipated or have other abnormalities within their scoring record. In these instances, a recommended adjustment to the player’s Handicap Index is provided.

An adjustment will be applied only at the discretion of the Handicap Committee. If the adjustment is applied, the player's Handicap Index will be updated to reflect the adjustment and will be identified with an “M” next to their Handicap Index, e.g., 14.3M.

For any further questions, please contact your Handicap Committee.

If scores made following an injury demonstrate that you can no longer play to your current Handicap Index®, the Handicap Committee can make an adjustment to better reflect your ability. Once an adjustment has been made, the Committee will monitor your scoring record as new scores are posted.

If it becomes evident that the injury has caused a permanent change in ability, the Handicap Committee can disregard the scores made prior to the injury so that your Handicap Index is based on scores posted after the injury.

A Handicap Index that has been modified will be displayed with an “M.” In addition, where a Handicap Committee applied adjustment increases a player's Handicap Index, the Committee should consider resetting the player's Low Handicap Index™ to the same value as the adjusted Handicap Index. (Rule 7.1, Rules of Handicapping)

There are several safeguards to ensure the integrity of a player’s Handicap Index® – including a soft cap and hard cap that limits extreme upward movement over a rolling 365-day time frame and an exceptional score reduction that reduces a player’s Handicap Index each time they post a score that produces a Score Differential™ at least 7.0 strokes below their Handicap Index.

A club’s Handicap Committee, along with the local Allied Golf Association, also has access to reporting tools that provide additional insight.

The Committee in charge of a competition can protect the field by modifying a player’s Playing Handicap™ before or between rounds when appropriate.

A penalty score is a score posted at the discretion of the Handicap Committee for a player who does not post their score in a timely manner. To ensure that their score is included in the daily playing conditions calculation and that their Handicap Index® is up-to-date, players are expected to post their scores on the same day of play.

The Handicap Committee can decide the appropriate penalty score based on the intent of the player and can select a high or low penalty score equal to the highest or lowest Score Differential™ in the player’s scoring record. If discoverable, the Handicap Committee can also post the actual score.

The Handicap Committee does not need to provide the player with notice before posting a penalty score.

All penalty scores are designated with a “P.” (Rule 7.1b, Rules of Handicapping)

It is ultimately up to the Handicap Committee at the club to determine their stroke index allocation, however, the recommended method uses Course Rating™ data and is provided to clubs by their local Allied Golf Association. It is recommended that each course has one stroke index allocation for men and one for women, based on the most commonly played set of tees for each gender.

The Handicap Committee must ensure that the stroke index allocation used at the course is consistent on the scorecard and within technology products. When making changes to their stroke index allocation, the Handicap Committee should consult their AGA to ensure that the changes are reflected where necessary. (Appendix E, Rules of Handicapping)

You must have a designated home club to ensure that your Handicap Index® is managed in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping. By designating a home club, everyone involved in the dispute resolution process (if one arises) knows which club and corresponding Allied Golf Association is responsible for making a final decision. The selection of a home club should be based upon where you play most frequently for proper oversight purposes.

The Handicap Committee at each club will have access to your scoring record and have the ability to correct any errors or omissions. However, the Handicap Committee at your home club should be responsible for making any adjustments to your Handicap Index.

In addition, the designation serves as the trigger to update the Handicap Index at 12:00 midnight local time based on the location of the AGA that the home club is affiliated. (Rule 1.4b, Rules of Handicapping)

The local Allied Golf Association, with support from the USGA, is responsible for training staff and volunteers for conducting the on-course rating of all golf courses within their jurisdiction.

The Course Rating System™ is what allows players to use their Handicap Index® at the various courses and sets of tees they may play. Without the dedication of the AGA staff and volunteers, the World Handicap System™ would not function successfully.

To find your local AGA, click here.

A Course Rating represents the score a scratch player, with a Handicap Index® of 0.0, should achieve on a golf course under normal course and weather conditions. For example, a Course Rating of 71.8 would equate to a scratch player’s expected score of 72 on a good round.

The Course Rating is determined by assessing the effective length of the golf course and the obstacles and challenges that face scratch players in their respective landing zones around the course. (Appendix G, Rules of Handicapping)

Playing length and obstacles impact higher-handicap players more than lower-handicap players, and Slope Rating measures the relative difficulty of a golf course for players who are not scratch players compared to those who are scratch players.

It is determined by comparing the Course Rating™ to the Bogey Rating™. A course of standard difficulty has a Slope Rating of 113. (Appendix G, Rules of Handicapping)

To have a valid Course Rating and Slope Rating, a tee set must be at least 1,500 yards for 18 holes, or 750 yards for 9 holes.

Any golf course interested in obtaining a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ is encouraged to contact their local Allied Golf Association. A facility is not required to have an authorized golf club for its course to be rated. If the course has frequent play by golfers with a Handicap Index®, then it should be rated by the AGA.

You will need to confirm with your club. The Handicap Committee must notify the AGA of temporary changes like using temporary tees/greens or closing holes, especially if the course length changes by more than 100 yards. The AGA will then decide if scores under these conditions are acceptable for handicap purposes and if a temporary Course Rating and Slope Rating should be issued.

If a temporary Rating is issued, the Handicap Committee must notify members/guests and inform them when to resume posting scores to the permanent Ratings.

If temporary Ratings are not issued, the Committee must notify members/guests to use hole-by-hole score entry for holes not played or where temporary tees/greens are used, so an expected score can be calculated for holes not played.

Alternatively, under limited and practical circumstances, the Handicap Committee may advise players to use net par. Use of net par is only permitted for use one or two holes not played. If the holes not played and holes where temporary tees/greens are used exceed 9 holes (and the AGA has decided not to issue temporary Ratings), then the score is not acceptable for handicap purposes.

Be sure to confirm with your Committee to determine the correct posting procedure.