Fairways • Spring 09
The Science Behind your Handicap

by Thomas Pagel

I often say that the USGA Handicap System is not rocket science, it only happened to be created by a rocket scientist. The truth is the handicap system is not science at all. If used appropriately it allows for golfers to measure themselves against both a scratch golfer (the Course Rating) and those that they are competing against directly. To many Utah Golf Association members the USGA Handicap Index simply represents the ability to track their progress throughout the golf season. For others it is a measure of ability that will determine which flight they will compete in at this weekend’s tournament. In order for the system work accurately there are some basic requirements that every golfer must meet regardless of their motives for holding a handicap.

It is best to first look at the background of the USGA Handicap System to get an understanding of why it was initially created. The USGA Handicap System was developed to give golfers of all skill levels the ability to compete against one another on an equitable basis by adjusting their Handicap Index to the specific slope rating of tees being played. It is important to note that because a USGA Handicap Index is a representation of a players potential (and not their average) the system disregards the higher scores in a players record and only looks at the best ten out of twenty differentials (assuming a full scoring record of twenty scores). This can be particularly confusing to most but for a golfer who has a wide range of scores it is more equitable for those he or she is competing against to look at their best scores when trying to establish potential.

The following is a simple example of how a USGA Handicap Index is computed (this will be the only math interjected into this article!). Randy shoots an 80 from a set of tees which has a course rating of 71.6 and a slope of 125, his handicap differential would be:

80 – 71.6 x 113 / 125 = 7.6 (rounded)

(Players gross score adjusted for ESC – Course Rating x USGA standard slope of 113 / Slope Rating = Handicap Differential)

To compute Randy’s Handicap Index we would then add the ten lowest differentials of his last twenty scores, divide by 10 and then multiply that number by 0.96. Once all digits after the tenth are removed the resulting number would be his Handicap Index.

In order for the USGA Handicap System to function properly there is the requirement that everyone must post every score. This should be followed by every golfer who carries a Handicap Card. As players it is important to accept the good with the bad. Past history in the Utah golf community has told us to look at a players “tournament handicap” or only to consider his or her tournament scores when setting them up to compete in a net event. The USGA and UGA no longer approve this method of Handicapping at any level of competition. The Handicap System not only assumes that each player is posting his or her scores after every casual and tournament round but the entire system is also based on the underlying principle that “each player will try to make the best score at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played.” Based on this single premise it is important to look at the players entire scoring record when establishing their handicap.

The system does have a number of checks and balances in place to ensure that the Index which is arrived at is an accurate reflection of the players’ potential. The first is equitable stroke control or ESC. ESC dictates that depending upon our course handicap we have a maximum number of strokes we can post for Handicap purposes. For example if Randy has a course handicap of a 16 he can post a maximum score of a 7 on any one hole for handicap purposes. There is no limit as to the number of holes a player can use ESC in any given round. The principle of ESC helps ensure that one or two bad holes do not have a drastic effect on a players handicap index. The second check which the system has built in is an automatic reduction for exceptional tournament scores. This adjustment takes place when a player has two or more tournament scores which are considered exceptional and the players Handicap will be reduced so that it is more in line with their overall potential. A player whose handicap has been reduced will be denoted with an “R” after their index.

The USGA Handicap System is an amazing tool which works well when it is properly utilized. Like any system though it is only as good as those using it. When you are out on the course this summer please remember the importance of following the guidelines of the Handicap System and be sure to post all of your rounds, both tournament and casual.

See you on the course!

The UGA is always happy to answer questions on the USGA Handicap System, please feel free to contact us.

Thomas Pagel is the executive director of the Utah Golf Association.