⛳ Golf Handicap Calculator

Calculate golf handicap index, course handicaps, and scoring differentials using USGA standards.

Calculator
Handicap Ranges
Score Tracking
Scoring Guide
Course Info

Golf Handicap Calculator

Calculate handicap index and course handicaps based on USGA handicap system using course rating and slope rating.
⛳
Handicap Index
Calculate official handicap
🏌️‍♂️
Course Handicap
Handicap for specific course
📊
Score Differential
Single round differential
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Target Score
Expected score calculation
📈
Improvement
Progress tracking

Golf Course Layout

Course rating and slope rating determine handicap calculations

Golf Handicap Ranges

Understanding different handicap levels and what they represent in terms of golfing ability.

Handicap Categories

🏆
Scratch Golfer
0.0 Handicap
Exceptional player who typically shoots par or better. Represents less than 2% of golfers. Consistent accuracy and course management.
⭐
Plus Handicap
+1 to +6
Elite amateur players who regularly shoot under par. Professional-level skill. Often compete in high-level tournaments.
🥇
Low Handicap
1 to 9
Very skilled players who shoot in the 70s to low 80s. Strong fundamentals, good course management, and consistent play.
🏌️‍♂️
Mid Handicap
10 to 18
Average recreational golfers shooting 80s to low 90s. Solid understanding of the game with room for improvement.
🏌️‍♀️
High Handicap
19 to 28
Developing players typically shooting 90s to 100s. Learning fundamentals and building consistency.
🌱
Beginner
29 to 54
New golfers learning the basics. Maximum USGA handicap is 54. Focus on fundamentals and enjoying the game.

Score Tracking & History

Track your recent scores to calculate and monitor your handicap index over time.

📊 Recent Scores

Date Course Score Course Rating Slope Rating Differential Action
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Golf Scoring Guide

Understanding golf scoring, handicap calculations, and improvement strategies.
🎯 Score Differential Formula
Formula: (Score - Course Rating) × 113 ÷ Slope Rating
Example: (85 - 72.5) × 113 ÷ 131 = 10.8
The score differential normalizes scores across different courses and tee sets. 113 is the standard slope rating.
📊 Handicap Index Calculation
Method: Best 8 of most recent 20 scores
Average: Sum of best 8 ÷ 8
Result: Average × 0.96
USGA uses the best 8 differentials from your most recent 20 scores, then applies a 96% bonus for excellence.
🏌️‍♂️ Course Handicap
Formula: Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113)
Adjustment: + Course Rating - Par
Rounds: To nearest whole number
Course handicap adjusts your index for the specific difficulty of the course and tee you're playing.
🎮 Playing Handicap
Match Play: Difference between course handicaps
Stroke Play: Full course handicap
Team Events: Various percentage allowances
Playing handicap is the actual strokes received in competition, which may differ from course handicap.
📈 Improvement Tips
Short Game: Practice within 100 yards
Course Management: Play conservative
Consistency: Focus on eliminating big numbers
The fastest way to lower handicap is improving short game and avoiding penalty strokes through better decisions.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Score Posting: Post all acceptable rounds
ESC: Apply Equitable Stroke Control
Conditions: Consider weather/course conditions
Accurate handicap requires posting all qualifying scores and applying ESC to limit hole scores based on handicap.

Course Information & Ratings

Understanding course ratings, slope ratings, and how they affect handicap calculations.

⛳ Course Rating System

📏 Course Rating
The expected score for a scratch golfer (0 handicap) under normal conditions. Typically ranges from 67 to 77. Considers distance, obstacles, and playing conditions.
📈 Slope Rating
Measures course difficulty for bogey golfers relative to scratch golfers. Ranges from 55 to 155, with 113 being standard. Higher slope = more difficult for high handicappers.
🏌️‍♂️ Tee Ratings
Each tee set has different ratings. Championship tees typically have the highest ratings, while forward tees have lower ratings for easier play.
🌤️ Playing Conditions
Daily adjustments may apply for unusual conditions like wind, rain, or temporary tees. PCC (Playing Conditions Calculation) may adjust scores.
📋 Equitable Stroke Control (ESC)
Limits maximum hole scores for handicap purposes. Ranges from double bogey +1 (low handicaps) to 10 (high handicaps). Prevents one bad hole from skewing handicap.
🌍 International Systems
Different countries use variations: USGA (US), EGA (Europe), Golf Australia, R&A (UK). All moving toward World Handicap System (WHS) standardization.