Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) is WHS's daily check of whether course, weather or set-up conditions made scoring unusually difficult or easy. When warranted, an adjustment from -1.0 to +3.0 affects Score Differential calculations for the relevant day's scores.
How it matters in match play
PCC is not a match-play result or a way to change the lead. It matters only when an eligible score from a round is submitted for handicap purposes: the resulting Score Differential may include that day's PCC adjustment. The match result, hole scores and any agreed match-play handicap strokes remain separate from the handicap calculation.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Playing Conditions Calculation |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 5.6 |
| Related concepts | World Handicap System, Rules of Handicapping, Score Differential, Handicap Index, Course Rating |
Worked example
Illustrative example: Alex wins a match 2 and 1. An eligible handicap score from that day's play may use a PCC of +2.0 in its Score Differential calculation, but the recorded match result remains 2 and 1; PCC does not add two holes or strokes to the match result.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 5.6
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What does the Playing Conditions Calculation measure?
It compares the scores submitted that day with the expected scores of the players who made them, taking account of whether conditions appear harder or easier than normal.
How many scores are needed for a PCC?
Rule 5.6 requires at least eight acceptable scores on the course that day for a PCC adjustment to be determined. With fewer than eight, the PCC equals zero.
What is the PCC adjustment range?
The possible adjustment is -1.0, 0.0, +1.0, +2.0 or +3.0. A negative value indicates easier-than-expected conditions; a positive value indicates harder-than-expected conditions.
Does PCC change a match-play score?
No. It changes the Score Differential used for handicap purposes, when applicable. It does not alter the holes won, match score or final match result.
Who is included in the PCC calculation?
The calculation uses acceptable scores submitted that day by players with a Handicap Index of 36.0 or below, subject to the detailed Rule 5.6 process.
Is PCC calculated manually by a golfer?
No. It is an automatic calculation. The player's practical responsibility is to submit an eligible score so it can be considered.