How to Calculate a Golf Handicap
A handicap is a way for you to even out the playing field against more skilled opponents or less skilled ones. Enable yourself to compete with players at varying skill levels by calculating golf handicaps. Here’s how.
To calculate a golf handicap, you must have a record of the previous games you’ve played
List the scores from the last five rounds that you have played. Each round is comprised of 18 holes each.
Each course that you have played has an equivalent rating and slope. Look for these ratings and slopes for each round. You will usually get that information from your scorecards.
golf handicap
For each course that you played, subtract the course rating for that round. (ie: Course rating - score earned )
Multiply the difference by 113.
Once you’ve gotten the product, divide it by the slope of the course.
Compare the different differentials you’ve gotten, and choose the lowest number.
Multiply this number by 0.96.
If you have more than five scores to consider. For a record of seven or eight scores, take the average of the two lowest differentials you end up with before multiplying the average by 0.96
If you have a record of nine scores, average the three lowest differentials before multiplying said average by 0.96.
If you have a record of 20 or more scores, average the ten lowest differentials before multiplying said average by 0.96.
This website will help you calculate your handicap easier.
Keep in mind that your own calculation won’t fly in an official game. Only the United States Golf Association can hand out official handicaps in official games or tournaments.
Fun facts: A golfer that has a zero handicap is called a scratch golfer. A golfer with a handicap of 18 is a bogey golfer, while a golfer who has a handicap below zero is referred to having plus handicaps.