A golf handicap indicates how many strokes over par a golfer is likely to shoot in 18 holes of golf. For example, a golfer with a handicap of 10 would typically shoot 10 over par. This value allows amateur golfers with varying skill levels to play together and still determine a winner of a round of golf. The estimated value of a handicap is calculated using recent golf scores; the course rating, which is the average score of a scratch golfer on the course, and the slope rating, which is the difficulty of the course.
Step 1
Record the scores from the last five 18-hole rounds of golf you played.
Step 2
Determine the values of both the slope and course rating for each course played. To obtain this information, look on your scorecard or ask the staff at the course.
Step 3
Subtract the course rating value for each course from your score for the round of golf you played on that course.
Step 4
Multiply each number by 113, then divide that number by the value of the slope rating for each course. The resulting five numbers are called the differentials.
Step 5
Take the lowest of your five differentials and divide it by 0.96. Round the number down at the 10th decimal for your estimated handicap.
Handicaps may be calculated including more course scores if desired. For seven or eight scores, average your lowest two differentials. For nine through 19 scores, average your lowest three differentials. For 20 or more scores, average your lowest 10 differentials. Divide the average value by 0.96 for your handicap.
Things You'll Need
- Recent golf scores
- Course rating and slope rating
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