How is a Handicap Index Calculated?

A Handicap Index can be calculated with as few as three 18-hole scores. When you have fewer than 20 scores in your scoring record, a smaller number of scores is used to calculate your Handicap Index.

Once you have 20 scores posted, your Handicap Index is calculated by averaging the lowest 8 Score Differentials from your most recent 20 scores. This calculation may be adjusted by built-in safeguards if:

• you post an exceptional score, which is 7.0 strokes or more better than your Handicap Index at the time the round was played, or
• your 8-of-20 calculation is 3.0 or more strokes higher than your Low Handicap Index from the previous 365 days.

If either safeguard is applied, it will be clearly noted in your scoring record under Rule 5 of the Rules of Handicapping.