A Handicap Index is a number that represents a golfer’s demonstrated ability. In general, a lower number means a stronger player. It is not simply an average score over par: it is calculated from acceptable scores and then adjusted for the course and tees being played.
The World Handicap System gives golfers of different standards a way to compete more fairly. Switzerland uses this system, but the number of strokes received on a particular day still depends on the course, tees and format.
What does a Handicap Index tell you?
Think of the Handicap Index as an estimate of the level a golfer can demonstrate when playing well. A player with an index of 10 is generally stronger than a player with an index of 30. An index of 0 is commonly described as scratch, while very strong players may have a plus index.
An index of 20 does not mean that every round will finish exactly 20 strokes over par. The same player can receive a different Course Handicap from different tees or on a different course.
How is it calculated?
Once a scoring record contains 20 Score Differentials, the Handicap Index is normally based on the average of the lowest eight. A Score Differential accounts for the adjusted gross score, Course Rating, Slope Rating and, where applicable, a playing-conditions adjustment.
See How is a Score Differential calculated? for the formula and a worked example.
Golfers with fewer than 20 acceptable scores use a smaller number of differentials under the Rules of Handicapping. The system normally performs the calculation automatically.
Handicap Index, Course Handicap and Playing Handicap
- Handicap Index: the portable measure of demonstrated ability.
- Course Handicap: the number of strokes needed to play to handicap from a particular set of tees.
- Playing Handicap: the strokes actually received in a specific format or competition after any allowance.
- 01
A golfer has a Handicap Index of 20.0.
- 02
The selected course and tees convert it to a Course Handicap.
- 03
The competition format may then apply an allowance to produce the Playing Handicap.
The essential point
Your Handicap Index describes demonstrated ability; it does not promise a particular score. The course, tees and format determine how that index becomes the strokes used for a round or competition.
Sources
The following official or specialist sources were used to verify this independently written guide.
- Swiss Golf – official information Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
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