Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Handicap Index is a portable WHS measure of demonstrated playing ability, not average score. It uses recent acceptable Score Differentials reflecting course, tees and playing conditions. With 20 differentials, the calculation averages the lowest eight and rounds to one decimal place.
How it matters in match play
A Handicap Index is not usually the number of strokes exchanged directly in a match. It is first converted to a Course Handicap and then a Playing Handicap for the format. For individual match play, the recommended allowance is 100%; the player with the lowest Playing Handicap plays off zero and the others receive the difference. The Terms of the Competition can specify a different allowance.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Handicap Index |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 5.2 (Handicap Index calculation); Rule 6 (Course Handicap and Playing Handicap calculation); Appendix C (recommended handicap allowances) |
| Related concepts | World Handicap System, Rules of Handicapping, Score Differential, Course Handicap, Playing Handicap |
Worked example
Illustrative only: if Alex's relevant Playing Handicap is 13 and Ben's is 19, Alex plays off zero and Ben receives six handicap strokes, applied at the holes specified by the Stroke Index.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 5.2 (Handicap Index calculation); Rule 6 (Course Handicap and Playing Handicap calculation); Appendix C (recommended handicap allowances)
Sources: www.usga.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is a Handicap Index the same as my Course Handicap?
No. A Handicap Index is portable and represents demonstrated ability. The Course Handicap converts it for the difficulty of the course and tees being played, using the applicable Course Rating and Slope Rating.
How is a Handicap Index calculated?
Under the WHS, it is calculated from the lowest Score Differentials in the scoring record. When a player has at least 20 differentials, the lowest eight of the most recent 20 are averaged, then the result is rounded to the nearest tenth, subject to WHS safeguards.
How does a Handicap Index affect individual match play?
The Index is converted to each player's Course Handicap and Playing Handicap. Under the recommended 100% individual match-play allowance, the lowest Playing Handicap is set to zero and the opponent receives the difference, with strokes allocated by the relevant Stroke Index.
Does a Handicap Index show my average score?
No. It is a measure of demonstrated playing ability or potential, calculated from Score Differentials relative to course difficulty and playing conditions. It is not simply the average of your gross scores.
Can my Handicap Index rise or fall after one score?
A newly submitted acceptable score can affect the calculation, but the WHS also includes safeguards such as a cap on upward movement and an Exceptional Score Reduction when applicable. The exact effect depends on the full scoring record and the applicable Rules of Handicapping.
Who issues a Handicap Index?
An authorised national or regional association, or a golf club acting under delegated authority, administers and issues a Handicap Index under the WHS in its jurisdiction.