Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An unrounded Course Handicap is the full decimal result of the World Handicap System Course Handicap calculation, retained instead of being rounded to a whole number. It is used when applying a handicap allowance to calculate the Playing Handicap, helping prevent double-rounding from changing the intended result.
How it matters in match play
In handicap match play, the relevant handicap allowance is applied to the unrounded Course Handicap before the Playing Handicap is rounded. For singles match play, the recommended allowance is normally 100%, after which the lowest Playing Handicap is set at zero and the other player receives the difference. The Committee’s Terms of the Competition control the allowance.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Unrounded Course Handicap |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Handicapping, Rules 6.1 and 6.2; Appendix C |
| Related concepts | Course Handicap, Playing Handicap, Handicap Index, Handicap Allowance, Course Handicap Calculation |
Worked example
Illustrative example: if Alex’s calculated Course Handicap is 12.4, applying an 85% allowance gives 10.54, which rounds to 11; rounding first to 12 would give 10.2, which rounds to 10, so retaining 12.4 avoids that double-rounding difference.
Rule reference: Rules of Handicapping, Rules 6.1 and 6.2; Appendix C
Sources: www.usga.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is an unrounded Course Handicap a different handicap from Course Handicap?
No. It is the decimal result of the same Course Handicap calculation before the result is rounded where rounding is required. The unrounded value is retained for the next calculation step when a handicap allowance is applied.
Why is the unrounded Course Handicap used?
It helps avoid double rounding. Applying an allowance to an already rounded Course Handicap can occasionally produce a different Playing Handicap from applying the allowance to the full calculated value.
Does singles match play always use an unrounded Course Handicap?
The WHS calculation method applies the allowance to the unrounded Course Handicap. The recommended singles match-play allowance is 100%, but the Committee must state the applicable allowance in the Terms of the Competition, and the lowest Playing Handicap generally plays from zero relative to the others.
Is the unrounded Course Handicap the same as a Handicap Index?
No. A Handicap Index is used with the Slope Rating, Course Rating and par to calculate a Course Handicap for the tees and course being played. The unrounded Course Handicap is that calculation’s retained decimal result.
When is a Course Handicap rounded?
The USGA explains that the result is rounded to the nearest whole number when applying net double bogey adjustments. Otherwise, the unrounded result is retained for calculating the Playing Handicap, whose final result is then rounded.
Who decides the handicap allowance in a competition?
For an organised competition, the Committee should specify the handicap allowance in the Terms of the Competition. The WHS Appendix C recommendations are guidance, and an authorised association or club may establish or delegate allowance decisions under its procedures.