The handicap index is the United States Golf Association's (USGA) mark which is used to indicate a measurement of a player’s potential scoring ability on a course of standard difficulty. It allows golfers of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis by determining their course handicap or the number of strokes a player receives depending on the length and difficulty of the course he plays.

A basic premise underlies the USGA Handicap System, namely that every player will try to make the best score he can at each hole in every round he plays, regardless of where the round is played, and that he will post every acceptable round for peer review.

Calculating a handicap index requires the following: an adjusted gross score, a USGA Course Rating and a USGA Slope Rating.

An adjusted gross score is your gross score adjusted by unfinished holes, conceded strokes and the equitable stroke control. ESC sets a maximum number that a player can post on any hole depending on the player’s Course Handicap.

A USGA Course Rating is an evaluation of the playing difficulty of the course for scratch golfers. A USGA Slope Rating is an evaluation of how much more difficult the course plays for individuals who are not scratch golfers.

USGA Handicap Formula

The USGA Handicap Index is calculated by taking 96 percent of the average of the best handicap differentials, usually the best 10 differentials of the most recent 20 scores.

A handicap differential is computed by subtracting the USGA Course Rating from the adjusted gross score; multiply the difference by 113; then divide the resulting number by the USGA Slope Rating. Round the number to the nearest tenth.

Handicap Differential = (Adjusted Gross Score - USGA Course Rating)x 113 / USGA Slope Rating

(Aren’t you glad we have a handicap chairman to figure this out!)