What is a Golf Handicap Index? USGA System Explained
A handicap index is a portable number representing your golf potential, used to calculate course handicap at any course. Learn how it's calculated.
A golf handicap index is a portable number (typically ranging from +8 to 54) that represents your potential scoring ability and can be used to calculate your course handicap at any golf course worldwide.
How Handicap Index Works
Your handicap index is calculated using your best 8 score differentials from your last 20 rounds. Each score differential compares your adjusted gross score to the course rating, factoring in the slope rating to account for course difficulty.
The formula for a score differential is:
Score Differential = (113 / Slope Rating) × (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating)
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Range | +8.0 (excellent) to 54.0 (beginner) |
| Portability | Works at any course worldwide |
| Update Frequency | Recalculated after each posted round |
| Rounds Required | Minimum 3 rounds to establish |
Why Handicap Index Matters
The handicap index system allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly against each other. When you arrive at a new course, you convert your handicap index to a course handicap that accounts for that specific course's difficulty.
Related Resources
- Golf Handicap Calculator - Convert your index to course handicap
- Golf Handicap Index Calculator - Calculate your handicap index
- How to Calculate Golf Handicap - Step-by-step guide