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Handicapping

The World Handicap System™ was launched in January 2020 to enable golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair and equal basis, no matter how or where they play. On November 8, 2023, the USGA and The R&A announced the first update to the World Handicap System as part of an ongoing review of the Rules of Handicapping with a continued emphasis on accuracy, consistency and equity. The latest revisions went into effect on January 1, 2024.

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Popular Topics

Handicap Index® Calculation

Your Handicap Index is a portable number that represents your demonstrated golfing ability.

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Using Your Course Handicap™

A Course Handicap is used to adjust hole scores, set a target score, or convert into a Playing Handicap™. 

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Net Double Bogey

For score posting purposes, the maximum hole score is net double bogey, equal to double bogey + any handicap strokes you receive based on your Course Handicap.

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Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC)

At the end of each day, scores made at each course are compared to the expected scores of the players who made them. If the scores were significantly higher or lower than expected, an adjustment is automatically applied to everyone who played the course on the day.

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Exceptional Score Reduction

When a player submits a score at least 7 strokes below their Handicap Index at the time the round was played, an additional adjustment is made to the updated Handicap Index.

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Soft Cap & Hard Cap

The soft cap and hard cap are built into the Handicap Index calculation as a safeguard to prevent extreme upward movement of a Handicap Index. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a topic to learn more about handicapping. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. 

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