The USGA Handicap System created by the United States Golf Association allows golfers of different skill levels to compete on a level playing field. Players use prior golf scores to calculate their Handicap Index, a universal number that can be converted for use on any rated golf course.
Definitions
The Handicap Index is a measure of a golfer's potential ability based on average scores from past rounds of golf called Handicap Differentials. Each golf course has its own difficulty or Slope Rating, which is expressed in a Course Handicap. The Course Handicap includes a chart that converts the player's Handicap Index to a number of strokes applicable to that particular course.
Function
The golfer deducts the number of strokes designated by the Course Handicap from her score during a round. The USGA recommends evenly distributing the handicap strokes throughout the round based on the decisions of the handicap committee for the golf course. Handicap strokes are designed to equalize play and should be used on holes where the weaker player will most likely need them.
Differentials
A Handicap Differential is calculated by subtracting the USGA Course Rating from the golfer's adjusted gross score, multiplying the result by 113, which represents a standard difficulty for a course, and dividing that number by the specific course's Slope Rating.
The golfer uses a percentage of his best or lowest Handicap Differentials to compute his Handicap Index, with the percentage increasing as the number of differentials increases. He must use at least five but no more than 20 differentials. For example, a player using five or six differentials will use only one differential for the calculation; with 11 or 12 differentials, he'll use his four best scores; and with the maximum 20 differentials, he'll use his 10 best scores for the Handicap Index.
Calculations
The player first calculates the average of her Handicap Differentials, then multiplies the result by .96. The Handicap Index consists of the whole number and the first digit after the decimal; additional digits after tenths are dropped, and the tenths aren't rounded up or down.
To determine the Course Handicap, the Handicap Index is multiplied by the course's Slope Rating, and that number is divided by 113. The resulting number is rounded to the nearest whole number.
Considerations
USGA rules require golfers to register their scores with a licensed golf association or golf club in order for the scores to be used for his Handicap Index. Golfers can recalculate their Handicap Index at intervals designated by the rules of their golf organization.
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