Lifestyle
Golf Handicap Calculator
Calculate your World Handicap System (WHS) handicap index from up to 20 rounds. Course handicap by slope and tee rating included.
Your rounds
5 / 20Enter at least 3 rounds (max 20). The most recent 20 are used in the World Handicap System. PCC defaults to 0; change it only when the local committee posted a different value.
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Handicap Index
12.0
Mid (10 to 19). Averaged the best 1 of 5 differentials, multiplied by 0.96.
| Round | Differential | Used |
|---|---|---|
| Round 3 | 12.5 | Best N |
| Round 1 | 15.0 | |
| Round 5 | 15.2 | |
| Round 2 | 15.8 | |
| Round 4 | 17.2 |
Score Differential = (113 / Slope Rating) x (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating - PCC). The Handicap Index is the average of the best differentials times 0.96, plus the WHS sample-size adjustment, rounded to one decimal and capped at 54.0.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Golf Handicap Calculator
What is a golf handicap?
A handicap index measures your potential ability as a golfer relative to par. Lower is better. A 10-handicap golfer is expected to shoot about 10 over par on a course of standard difficulty. The handicap lets players of different skill levels compete fairly.
How is the World Handicap System (WHS) handicap calculated?
The WHS averages your best score differentials from your last 20 rounds. If you have fewer than 20 rounds, fewer differentials count: 3 rounds use the lowest 1, 10 rounds use the lowest 3, 20 rounds use the lowest 8. The result is your handicap index.
What is a score differential?
Score differential = (adjusted gross score - course rating) x 113 / slope rating. It converts your round into a number that can be compared across courses of different difficulty. The 113 is the slope rating of a course of standard difficulty.
How do I convert handicap index to course handicap?
Course handicap = handicap index x (slope rating / 113) + (course rating - par). It tells you how many strokes you get on the specific course and tees you are playing. The calculator does this when you enter slope, course rating, and par.
How many rounds do I need to establish a handicap?
You need at least 3 18-hole rounds (or equivalent in 9-hole rounds) to get an initial WHS index. It gets more accurate as you add rounds, stabilizing at 20. The calculator gracefully handles 3 to 20 rounds.
Related Calculators
More calculators in "Lifestyle"