Wondering if somebody can explain how the handicap is determined for the first time. After posting my fifth score, my handicap index was issued for the first time, and was based only on the most recent score, which happened to be my lowest differential. I assumed that the index would be based on all five posted scores. How is this going to work as I post additional scores? Thanks!

Your Handicap Index is a measure of your potential ability.  With only 5 or 6 scores, the USGA Handicap Index formula only looks at the lowest differential.  As you post more scores, it looks at more differentials.  The differential is a computation that is based on the course rating and slope rating for the tees plays (Differential = (Adjusted Gross score - Course Rating) X 113 / Slope Rating)

So, an adjusted score (one that applies Equitable Stoke Control) of 95 played on a course with a rating of 71.5/125 would compute to a differential of 21.2 (rounded to the nearest tenth).

5-6:  Lowest Differential
7-8:  Lowest 2
9-10:  Lowest 3
11-12: Lowest 4
13-14: Lowest 5
15-16: Lowest 6
17: Lowest 7
18: Lowest 8
19: Lowest 9
20: Lowest 10

Eric Yaillen - 10 June 2009 12:21 PM

5-6:  Lowest Differential
7-8:  Lowest 2
9-10:  Lowest 3
11-12: Lowest 4
13-14: Lowest 5
15-16: Lowest 6
17: Lowest 7
18: Lowest 8
19: Lowest 9
20: Lowest 10

Got it! Thanks Eric.

I’ve just posted my 15th score. I watched in dismay as my handicap fluctuated in quite an alarming fashion at the start, flirting near the dreaded 36.4. If yours does something similar, panic not: it settles down as the number of averaged scores increases and you will be way better at math by the end (as you’ll likely spend a lot of time trying to figure out what your handicap will be at the next revision) 

Is 5 scores the minimum to establish a handicap? I’ve posted 3 but got an NH. Thanks.