How to Use This Handicap Calculator

To get an accurate estimated handicap index, please follow these guidelines:

Finding Course Rating™ and Slope Rating®:

• On the Scorecard: Look for “Course Rating” and “Slope Rating” listed for each set of tees (e.g., Black, Blue, White, Red).
• Official Databases: The most reliable source is the USGA National Course Rating Database (for U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico). Many golf associations worldwide also have similar online databases.
• For 9-Hole Rounds: If playing 9 holes, it is essential to find the specific 9-hole Course Rating and 9-hole Slope Rating for that half of the course. These are distinct from the 18-hole values.
• If Undetermined: If you cannot find these ratings, contact the golf course’s pro shop or your local golf association. Scores from unrated courses cannot be used for official handicapping.

Entering Your Scores:

• Input your gross score (total strokes) for each round.
• Enter the corresponding Course Rating (e.g., 72.3) and Slope Rating (e.g., 125) for the tees you played.
• Use the “Holes Played” dropdown to correctly indicate if it was an “18 Holes” or “9 Holes” round. The calculator will automatically adjust 9-hole differentials.

Getting Your Estimated Handicap:

• This calculator uses the best 8 Score Differentials from your most recent 20 rounds to calculate your estimated Handicap Index, following World Handicap System principles.
• While this calculator provides a close estimate, an official Handicap Index must be obtained through an authorized golf association (e.g., USGA, R&A) by consistently posting scores from rated courses.