5.2c For Plus Handicap Index

When there are 20 Score Differentials in a player’s scoring record and the Handicap Index calculates as a negative figure, this represents a plus Handicap Index.

When a player’s initial Handicap Index calculates at the lower end of the handicap range for both men and women, the Handicap Committee must follow any procedures established by the Authorized Association before issuing a Handicap Index below a specified level (see Rule 5.2c For Plus Handicap Index).

Rule 5.2c Clarifications:

5.2c/1 – Designation of a Plus (+) Handicap Index

The Rules of Handicapping contain a number of references to a ‘Plus Handicap’, which is the terminology traditionally used for a golfer who has achieved a Handicap Index better than Scratch (0.0).

However, when calculating a net score, the correct denotation of a ‘plus’ handicap is a negative, and this mathematical contradiction can lead to a lack of consistency in the way players denote their Handicap Index on entry forms and how software providers code their calculators.

In an effort to achieve consistency across all jurisdictions, the following guidance is provided:

Players with a ‘Plus Handicap’ should be encouraged to always prefix their Handicap Index with a ‘Plus’ sign (+).

All other players should be encouraged to refrain from using any prefix.

The default assumption for competition organizers should be that a Handicap Index pre-fixed with a Plus (+) sign is a Plus Handicap. Any Handicap Index pre-fixed with a negative (-) sign should be queried.