Difference between revisions of "Calculate Your Golf Handicap"
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=== Calculating Your Handicap Index === | === Calculating Your Handicap Index === | ||
| − | #Find your adjusted gross score. To calculate your Handicap Index, you’ll first need a minimum of five golf scores (and no more than 20).<ref>http://www.iowagolf.org/html/handicapping/HcpSystemAndYou.pdf</ref> | + | #Find your adjusted gross score. To calculate your Handicap Index, you’ll first need a minimum of five golf scores (and no more than 20).<ref name="rf15642">http://www.iowagolf.org/html/handicapping/HcpSystemAndYou.pdf</ref> |
#*Gather at least five scores 18-hole scores or ten 9-hole scores and use them to calculate your Adjusted Gross Score. | #*Gather at least five scores 18-hole scores or ten 9-hole scores and use them to calculate your Adjusted Gross Score. | ||
#*To determine your Adjusted Gross Score (AGS), total up the number of strokes taken during a round, then adjust for the maximum per-hole scores (determined by the USGA’s Equitable Stroke Control guidelines). Most golf courses make the information on maximum per-hole scores available to the general public. Check the course’s website or inquire at the clubhouse. | #*To determine your Adjusted Gross Score (AGS), total up the number of strokes taken during a round, then adjust for the maximum per-hole scores (determined by the USGA’s Equitable Stroke Control guidelines). Most golf courses make the information on maximum per-hole scores available to the general public. Check the course’s website or inquire at the clubhouse. | ||
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#*The equation for a Handicap Differential is the Course Rating minus your AGS, multiplied by 113, and divided by the Slope Rating, or (AGS - Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating. | #*The equation for a Handicap Differential is the Course Rating minus your AGS, multiplied by 113, and divided by the Slope Rating, or (AGS - Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating. | ||
#*The Course Rating is the numerical value given by the UGSA to each set of tees on a course. It approximates the number of strokes it should take a scratch golfer to complete the course. Most courses make this information available via the course website or at the clubhouse. | #*The Course Rating is the numerical value given by the UGSA to each set of tees on a course. It approximates the number of strokes it should take a scratch golfer to complete the course. Most courses make this information available via the course website or at the clubhouse. | ||
| − | #*The Slope Rating shows the difficulty of a course for an average golfer and is calculated by comparing the Course Rating to the scores of bogey golfers. Most golf courses make the Slope Rating available to their guests; again, check their website or at the clubhouse.<ref>http://www.scga.org/handicap/faqs#How is a Handicap Index calculated?</ref> | + | #*The Slope Rating shows the difficulty of a course for an average golfer and is calculated by comparing the Course Rating to the scores of bogey golfers. Most golf courses make the Slope Rating available to their guests; again, check their website or at the clubhouse.<ref name="rf15643">http://www.scga.org/handicap/faqs#How is a Handicap Index calculated?</ref> |
#*For example, say your AGS is 85, the Course Rating is 69.3, and the Slope Rating is 117. You would have the equation (AGS - Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating, or (85 - 69.3) x 113 / 117, which results in a Handicap Differential of 15.2. | #*For example, say your AGS is 85, the Course Rating is 69.3, and the Slope Rating is 117. You would have the equation (AGS - Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating, or (85 - 69.3) x 113 / 117, which results in a Handicap Differential of 15.2. | ||
#Calculate your Handicap Index. The formula for your Handicap Index is the sum of your differentials divided by the number of differentials, multiplied by 0.96, or (Sum of Differentials / Number of Differentials) x 0.96. | #Calculate your Handicap Index. The formula for your Handicap Index is the sum of your differentials divided by the number of differentials, multiplied by 0.96, or (Sum of Differentials / Number of Differentials) x 0.96. | ||
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#*You divide by 113 because it represents the Standard Slope Rating established by the UGSA. | #*You divide by 113 because it represents the Standard Slope Rating established by the UGSA. | ||
#*Many courses offer conversion charts that allow you to skip the formula altogether when looking up your Course Handicap. The UGSA also offers a [https://ncrdb.usga.org/NCRDB/ comprehensive listing] of Course Handicap conversion charts specific to the course you’ll be playing on. | #*Many courses offer conversion charts that allow you to skip the formula altogether when looking up your Course Handicap. The UGSA also offers a [https://ncrdb.usga.org/NCRDB/ comprehensive listing] of Course Handicap conversion charts specific to the course you’ll be playing on. | ||
| − | #*For example, if you have a handicap index of 10.0 and a slope rating of 117, you would use the following equation: (10.0 x 117) / 113, which results in a course handicap of 10.3.<ref>http://www.scgolf.org/handicapping/understandingyourhandicap.shtml</ref> | + | #*For example, if you have a handicap index of 10.0 and a slope rating of 117, you would use the following equation: (10.0 x 117) / 113, which results in a course handicap of 10.3.<ref name="rf15644">http://www.scgolf.org/handicapping/understandingyourhandicap.shtml</ref> |
=== Improving Your Handicap === | === Improving Your Handicap === | ||
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#Check your equipment. Having ill-fitting or over-used equipment can have a noticeably negative impact on your game. | #Check your equipment. Having ill-fitting or over-used equipment can have a noticeably negative impact on your game. | ||
#*Check that your equipment is still in good working order (no disintegrating grips, no worn-down grooves, etc.). If it isn’t, invest in replacements. | #*Check that your equipment is still in good working order (no disintegrating grips, no worn-down grooves, etc.). If it isn’t, invest in replacements. | ||
| − | #*Get your equipment properly fitted to you. Having equipment properly sized to your body can make a significant difference to the quality of your game.<ref>http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-instruction/2014-03/ways-to-lower-your-handicap-photos#slide=3</ref> | + | #*Get your equipment properly fitted to you. Having equipment properly sized to your body can make a significant difference to the quality of your game.<ref name="rf15645">http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-instruction/2014-03/ways-to-lower-your-handicap-photos#slide=3</ref> |
#Challenge yourself. Challenging yourself will help keep your skills sharp and diversified. | #Challenge yourself. Challenging yourself will help keep your skills sharp and diversified. | ||
#*Play different courses. Don’t get stuck only playing at your home course--challenge yourself by playing on new and different courses that will help you practice a variety of skills. | #*Play different courses. Don’t get stuck only playing at your home course--challenge yourself by playing on new and different courses that will help you practice a variety of skills. | ||
#*Play in less-than-ideal conditions. If it’s windy, rainy, or otherwise less-than-ideal outside, don’t stay home--instead, challenge yourself by playing in the more difficult conditions. Doing so will help you develop a broader, more diverse range of skills that you can then use to your advantage when playing in comparatively easier conditions. | #*Play in less-than-ideal conditions. If it’s windy, rainy, or otherwise less-than-ideal outside, don’t stay home--instead, challenge yourself by playing in the more difficult conditions. Doing so will help you develop a broader, more diverse range of skills that you can then use to your advantage when playing in comparatively easier conditions. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
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*Some golfers refer to their Handicap Index simply as their “index,” which, though technically incorrect, is a fairly common shorthand. | *Some golfers refer to their Handicap Index simply as their “index,” which, though technically incorrect, is a fairly common shorthand. | ||
*If your math skills are rusty or you’re having trouble with the formulas, you can find a number of Handicap Index Calculators online. | *If your math skills are rusty or you’re having trouble with the formulas, you can find a number of Handicap Index Calculators online. | ||
| − | *In general, a Handicap Index of 18 or below is considered good, while a Handicap Index of less than 10 is considered very good, and of 5 or less exceptional.<ref>http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2008-06/usopenhandicap?currentPage=2</ref> | + | *In general, a Handicap Index of 18 or below is considered good, while a Handicap Index of less than 10 is considered very good, and of 5 or less exceptional.<ref name="rf15646">http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2008-06/usopenhandicap?currentPage=2</ref> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
