Golf Handicap Calculator

Calculate your golf handicap index and course handicap for free

Course Handicap Calculator

Use this calculator to find out the handicap of a golfer for a specific course.

Index of Handicap Calculator

Use this calculator to compute the index of handicap for a golfer given data from at least 54 holes (3 rounds of 18-holes) of playing data. When filling the form, please provide either an 18-hole or 9-hole score. Do not provide both. The playing condition adjustment is an optional value between -1 and 3. If left blank, it will be treated as 0.

Rating of Course Rating of Course Slope 18-hole Score 9-hole Score Playing Condition Adjustment
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Understanding Golf Handicap System

🎯 How to Use This Tool

Course Handicap Calculator:

  • Enter your current Handicap Index
  • Input the Course Rating and Slope Rating from the tee you'll play
  • Add the Course Par Score
  • Click Calculate to get your Course Handicap for that specific course

Handicap Index Calculator:

  • Enter scores from at least 5 rounds (minimum 54 holes)
  • Fill in Course Rating and Slope Rating for each round
  • Use either 18-hole OR 9-hole scores (not both)
  • Add Playing Condition Adjustment if applicable (-1 to +3)
  • Click Calculate to determine your Handicap Index

📊 Calculation Accuracy

This tool uses the official USGA Handicap System formulas:

Score Differential Formula:

(Gross Score - Course Rating) × 113 ÷ Slope Rating

Course Handicap Formula:

Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating - Par)

Results are accurate to official USGA standards and updated to current regulations.

⛳ Course Rating & Slope Rating

Course Rating: The expected score for a scratch golfer (0 handicap) under normal playing conditions. Typically ranges from 67-77 for 18 holes, 30-40 for 9 holes.

Slope Rating: Measures the relative difficulty of a course for bogey golfers compared to scratch golfers. Range: 55-155, with 113 being standard difficulty.

Slope Rating Guide:

  • 55-100: Easier course
  • 100-125: Moderate difficulty
  • 125-155: More challenging course

🌤️ Playing Conditions Adjustment (PCA)

PCA accounts for unusual weather or course conditions that significantly affect scoring:

  • -1: Conditions made the course significantly easier
  • 0: Normal playing conditions (default)
  • +1 to +3: Conditions made the course progressively more difficult

Examples: Heavy rain, strong winds, extreme heat, poor course maintenance, or unusually firm/soft greens.

Note: PCA is automatically calculated by most golf associations and is not always necessary for casual calculations.

🏌️ Golf Handicap Explained

Handicap Index: A measure of your potential playing ability, calculated from your best recent scores. Represents the number of strokes above par you typically shoot.

Course Handicap: Your handicap adjusted for the specific course and tee you're playing. This accounts for the course's difficulty relative to your skill level.

Typical Handicap Ranges:

  • Scratch Golfer: 0 handicap
  • Low Handicap: 1-9
  • Mid Handicap: 10-20
  • High Handicap: 21-36
  • Beginner: 36+

📋 Requirements & Guidelines

Minimum Scores Needed:

  • 5 scores: Uses lowest differential
  • 6-8 scores: Uses lowest 1-2 differentials
  • 9-11 scores: Uses lowest 3 differentials
  • 12-14 scores: Uses lowest 4 differentials
  • 15-16 scores: Uses lowest 5 differentials
  • 17-18 scores: Uses lowest 6 differentials
  • 19 scores: Uses lowest 7 differentials
  • 20+ scores: Uses lowest 8 differentials

Best Practices:

  • Submit scores promptly after each round
  • Play from appropriate tees for your skill level
  • Include both good and bad rounds for accuracy
  • Update handicap regularly with new scores