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Golf Handicap Formula:
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The golf handicap calculation using 2020 World Handicap System (WHS) rules determines a player's Handicap Index by averaging the best 8 Score Differentials from their most recent 20 scores, multiplied by an adjustment factor of 0.96.
The calculator uses the WHS 2020 formula:
Where:
Explanation: The system takes the average of your best 8 scores from your last 20 rounds and applies a slight reduction to create your Handicap Index.
Details: The Handicap Index allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly. It represents a player's potential ability rather than average performance, enabling equitable competition across various courses and conditions.
Tips: Enter at least 8 score differentials (one per line). The calculator will automatically select the best 8 scores and apply the WHS 2020 calculation formula. Score differentials should be calculated based on course rating and slope.
Q1: What is a Score Differential?
A: A Score Differential measures a player's performance relative to the course difficulty, calculated as: (113 / Slope Rating) × (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating - PCC adjustment).
Q2: Why use only the best 8 of 20 scores?
A: This focuses on a player's potential ability rather than average performance, rewarding consistency and peak performance.
Q3: What does the 0.96 adjustment factor do?
A: It slightly reduces the handicap to account for potential improvement and prevent handicaps from being too generous.
Q4: How often should handicaps be updated?
A: Under WHS, handicaps are updated after each round, typically overnight when the system processes new scores.
Q5: What's considered a good handicap index?
A: For men, below 10 is good, below 5 is excellent. For women, below 15 is good, below 10 is excellent. Scratch golfers have handicaps near 0.