What is the USGA Handicap Calculation Formula?
In order for a handicap to be calculated a golfer must post a minimun of 5 scores and will only consider the 20 most recent scores. Depending on the number of scores posted into the golfer’s scoring record will determine which handicap differentials to average in determining a differential average. The following chart shows which differentials to average based on the number of scores posted: Scores Posted Differentials to Average 5-6 1 lowest 7-8 2 lowest 9-10 3 lowest 11-12 4 lowest 13-14 5 lowest 15-16 6 lowest 17 7 lowest 18 8 lowest 19 9 lowest 20 10 lowest The differential average is then multiplied by .96 and truncated (not rounded) to 1 decimal place to arrive at the Handicap Index. If the handicap exceeds the maximum handicap allowed it will be lowered to the maximum handicap. The maximum handicap is 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women. Additional reductions may occur if at least two exceptional tournament postings exist. Please refer to USGA Handicap Manual to understand how excep
