1. What is the Golf Handicap Index?

The Handicap Index (HI) is a measure of a golfer's potential ability under the World Handicap System (WHS). It represents the number of strokes a player receives to adjust their score to the level of a scratch golfer.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the WHS 2022 formula:

Where:

• \( HI \) — Handicap Index (unitless)
• \( SD \) — Score Differential (unitless)
• Best 8 — The 8 lowest score differentials from the last 20 rounds
• 0.96 — Bonus for Excellence multiplier

Explanation: The formula takes the average of your best 8 score differentials and applies a 0.96 multiplier to encourage improvement.

3. Importance of Handicap Index

Details: The Handicap Index allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly. It's used worldwide under the WHS to standardize handicap calculations across different courses and conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your score differentials (one per line). You need at least 8 score differentials for an accurate calculation. The calculator will automatically select your best 8 scores.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a Score Differential?
A: Score Differential measures your performance relative to the course rating and slope. It's calculated as: (113 / Slope Rating) × (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating - PCC adjustment).

Q2: Why use the best 8 out of 20 rounds?
A: This system reflects a player's potential ability rather than average performance, focusing on their best performances.

Q3: What is the 0.96 multiplier for?
A: The "Bonus for Excellence" multiplier encourages improvement by slightly reducing the handicap index of better performers.

Q4: How often should I update my handicap?
A: Handicaps should be updated after each acceptable round, with a new index calculated daily based on the most recent 20 scores.

Q5: Is this calculator WHS compliant?
A: Yes, this calculator follows the official WHS 2022 formula for calculating Handicap Index.