Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Net Double Bogey is the maximum hole score used for handicap purposes once a player has an established Handicap Index. It equals the hole's par plus two strokes, adjusted by any handicap stroke the player receives on that hole under the full, unrestricted Course Handicap.
How it matters in match play
Net Double Bogey does not decide who wins a hole or how a match is recorded; match play uses the actual result under its terms. It matters when a player later submits the round for handicap purposes, including a match that finishes early, because the Rules of Handicapping cap each played hole separately. A competition allowance is not substituted for the unrestricted Course Handicap in this adjustment.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Net Double Bogey |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Handicapping Rule 3.1b |
| Related concepts | Course Handicap, Handicap Index, Stroke Index, Adjusted Gross Score, Maximum Hole Score |
Worked example
Alex has a Course Handicap of 15 and receives one stroke on a par-4 hole with Stroke Index 10; his Net Double Bogey maximum is 7 (6 for double bogey + 1 stroke), so an actual 9 is adjusted to 7 for handicap posting.
Rule reference: Rules of Handicapping Rule 3.1b
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is Net Double Bogey the same as a normal double bogey?
No. A normal double bogey is two over par before handicap strokes. Net Double Bogey adds any handicap stroke received on that hole, so the handicap-posting maximum can be higher.
Does Net Double Bogey apply to every bad hole?
Yes, for an established Handicap Index there is no limit to the number of played holes in a round where the adjustment may be applied. Hole-by-hole software may apply it automatically.
Which handicap is used to calculate Net Double Bogey?
Use the player's full, unrestricted Course Handicap, rounded to the nearest whole number for this procedure. Do not use a restricted Playing Handicap created by a competition allowance.
What is the maximum for a player's first handicap scores?
For initial scores submitted to establish a Handicap Index, the maximum for each played hole is par plus 5, rather than Net Double Bogey.