how do you calculate your gold handicap?

Answer 1

Golf Handicap Calculation - Step 1
A minimum of five scores and a maximum of 20 is required to get started. For each score, the USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating for the courses played are also required. Using those figures, calculate the handicap differential for each round entered using this formula:

(Score - Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating

For example, let's say the score is 85, the course rating 72.2, the slope 131.
The formula would be (85 - 72.2) x 113 / 131.
This differential is calculated for each round entered.

Golf Handicap Calculation - Step 2
Figure out how many differentials are being used. Not every differential that results from Step 1 will be used in the next step. If only five rounds are entered, only the lowest differential will be used. If 20 rounds are entered, only the 10 lowest differentials are used.
Golf Handicap Calculation - Step 3
Get an average of the differentials used by adding them together and dividing by the number used (i.e., if five differentials are used, add them up and divide by five).

Multiply the result by .96 (96-percent). Drop all the digits after the tenths (do not round off) and the result is handicap index.


Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) is the system put in place by the USGA to eliminate the effect of "distaster holes." You know, that one hole per round where you put three balls in the water and then 5-putt. It's also a way to combat those pernicious sandbaggers who intentionally blow up on a hole in order to raise their handicaps.
Equitable Stroke Control puts a limit on the number of strokes you can write down on the scorecard for any one hole, based on your course handicap. For example, on that one disaster hole you might have taken 14 strokes (get to the practice range, buddy!) to get the ball in the cup. But based on your course handicap, ESC might require you to post only a "7" on the scorecard you turn in.

Taking the "14" might throw your handicap index out of whack.
And remember, the handicap index is not meant to reflect your average score, it's meant to reflect your best potential.
To determine the Equitable Stroke Control limits for your round, you must first know your course handicap. Once you've determined your course handicap, you can check the chart down below (which should also be available at golf courses) to determine the ESC limits.

Of course, if you have not yet established a handicap index, then you can't determine a course handicap. And without a course handicap, you can't determine ESC. But in order to established a handicap index, you must turn in adjusted gross scores, which requires knowing a course handicap. What gives?

Don't worry, the USGA knows what to do. If you do not yet have a handicap index, then use the maximum allowable handicaps to determine course handicap and ESC. For men, that means using 36.4 as a handicap index, and for women, 40.4.

Here is the chart that shows Equitable Stroke Control limits:


Equitable Stroke Control Chart

Course Handicap Maximum Score :
0-9 Double Bogey
10-19 7
20-29 8
30-39 9
40 or more 10

Answer 2

Golf - not gold: You get a partner to mark three separate cards for you. Every shot must be counted. If you lose a ball or put it out of bounds, you must play from the last spot where you hit the ball before it was lost or OOB. When the game is over, you will have a total, say 90. You then take the card and readjust the scores for each hole. The maximum score for each hole is two over par - a double bogey. So, if you have a 9 on a par 5, you change the 9 to a 7. The same all the way down the card. You then add up the new score. You do the exact same with the second and third game. You now have three cards with say revised scores of 85, 87 and 92. Total them up (264) and divide by 3 for your average score (88). Next, take the Standard Scratch Score (usually the same at Par) for the course on which you played the three games (say 72), subtract from 88 and you have your first handicap of 16. Congratulations. Subsequent games: if you beat your handicap or fail your handicap by two shots either way, you remain 16. However, say you beat it by 8. You are allowed 2 free: then 6 times point 2 (1.2) and your new handicap it 14.8 (15 shots). If you fail your handicap by 8 shots, on the same principal, your handicap would go up to 17.2 (17 shots). Keep swinging, dont try to force the game and always remember, Drive for show, Putt for dough..............

Answer 3

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