Score Differentials

Score Differentials, Handicap Indexes, Course Handicaps & Playing Handicaps

What are the differences?

Overview

    • A Score Differential compares your round to the relative difficulty of the course and is calculated for every acceptable score you post.
    • The lowest number of Score Differentials in your scoring history are used to produce your Handicap Index. (Handicap Indexes may contain decimals.)
    • Your Course Handicap is derived from your Handicap Index to reflect the number of strokes you require to play to par on a specified course from a specified tee.  (Course Handicaps are always whole numbers.)
    • Playing Handicaps are used in some competitions to allow for more equitable play and are generally calculated by applying specified percentages to Course Handicaps.

Score Differential

A score differential measures the performance of your round in relation to the relative difficulty of the course that was played, measured by the Course Rating and Slope Rating. 

A score differential is calculated as follows:

For an 18-hole score

Score Differential = (113 ÷ Slope Rating) x

(Adjusted Gross Score – Course Rating 

– PCC* adjustment)

 

For a 9-hole score

Score Differential = (113 ÷ 9-hole Slope Rating) x (9-hole Adjusted Gross Score – 9-hole Course Rating – (0.5 x PCC* adjustment))

 

*PCC = Playing Conditions Calculation

Additional calculations – not detailed above – may be used when scores posted are deemed “exceptional”. Full details can be found in Rule 5.9 (Rules of Handicapping)

Handicap Index

A Handicap Index is the average of the total of your lowest score differentials, plus an adjustment to take into account your demonstrated ability. Once you have posted 20 scores, a Handicap Index is produced using the lowest 8 score differentials out of the last 20.

A Handicap Index is reflective of your demonstrated ability and is a portable value that can be used at golf courses worldwide. 

The maximum Handicap Index that can be issued to a player is 54.0. 

Note: The maximum Handicap Index used for net calculation in some competitions may be less than 54 and is generally set at 40. 

Course Handicap

A Course Handicap is converted from a Handicap Index to determine the number of strokes required to play to par on a specified course from a specified tee. A Course Handicap is also used in the correct application of the Maximum Adjusted Score (Net Double Bogey), Net Par and other net scoring.

A Course Handicap is calculated as follows:

For an 18-hole score

Course Handicap = Handicap Index x (Slope Rating ÷113) + (Course Rating – Par)

 

For an 18-hole score played over the same 9 holes from the same tee, and where there is no 18-hole rating 

Course Handicap = Handicap Index x (9-hole Slope Rating ÷113) + ((2 x 9-hole Course Rating) – (2 x 9-hole Par))

 

For a 9-hole score 

Course Handicap = Handicap Index ÷ 2 x (9-hole Slope Rating ÷113) +

(9-hole Course Rating – 

9-hole Par)

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: These formulas are for your interest and knowledge. They are all applied automatically in the Score Centre when you post your scores!

Playing Handicap

Playing Handicaps determine the actual number of strokes each player gives or receives, to ensure that all players can enjoy a fair and equal game when playing with or competing against one another. 

Playing Handicap calculations differ from event to event and are outlined by event organizers or in format instructions. Some Playing Handicaps are determined by the size and make-up of the field of the event, some are used to adjust equitable play in team events, including mixed team events. If no Playing Handicap adjustment is specified, then 100% of your Course Handicap will be used.