5.2a For Fewer Than 20 Scores

A Handicap Index is calculated from the lowest Score Differentials in the scoring record. If a scoring record contains fewer than 20 Score Differentials, the table below is used to determine the number of Score Differentials to be included in the calculation and any adjustment that may apply. The result of the calculation is rounded to the nearest tenth.

Number of Score Differentials in scoring record	Score Differential(s) to be used in calculation of Handicap Index	Adjustment
3	Lowest 1	-2.0
4	Lowest 1	-1.0
5	Lowest 1	0
6	Average of lowest 2	-1.0
7 or 8	Average of lowest 2	0
9 to 11	Average of lowest 3	0
12 to 14	Average of lowest 4	0
15 or 16	Average of lowest 5	0
17 or 18	Average of lowest 6	0
19	Average of lowest 7	0
20	Average of lowest 8	0

Allocation of an Initial Handicap Index

(i)

If a player’s initial Handicap Index is calculated to be greater than the maximum Handicap Index of 54.0 (see Rule5.3 Maximum Handicap Index), the player is allocated a Handicap Index of 54.0.

(ii)

Based on any additional evidence available about a player’s demonstrated ability, a Handicap Committee may modify a player’s initial Handicap Index upward or downward, up to a maximum of 54.0 (see Rule ).

Rule 5.2a Clarifications:

5.2a/1 – Modification of a Player’s Initial Handicap Index Due to Evidence of Previous Ability A player submits three scores to obtain an initial Handicap Index, which result in calculated Score Differentials of 15.3, 15.2 and 16.6. This would result in an initial Handicap Index of: Lowest Score Differential – Adjustment = Initial Handicap Index 15.2 2 13.2 The Handicap Committee is aware that the player, who is rejoining a golf club after many years out of the game, had played well as a junior golfer and maintained a Handicap Index of around 8.0. Based on the evidence available, the Handicap Committee may adjust the player’s calculated initial Handicap Index to better reflect their previously demonstrated ability. 5.2a/2 – Modification of a Player’s Initial Handicap Index When Subsequent Scores Are Significantly Different Than Expected A player submits three scores to obtain an initial Handicap Index, which result in calculated Score Differentials of 40.7, 42.4 and 36.1. This would result in an initial Handicap Index of: Lowest Score Differential – Adjustment = Initial Handicap Index 36.1 2 34.1 The player then goes on to submit three more scores which result in calculated Score Differentials of 45.9, 43.6 and 45.0. After these six scores, the player’s Handicap Index would be: Average of Lowest Two Score Differentials – Adjustment = Initial Handicap Index 38.4 1 37.4

In reviewing the player’s calculated Handicap Index against their scores, the Handicap Committee may conclude in this case that the -1 adjustment should be removed to ensure the calculated Handicap Index better reflects the player’s ability.