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19th Hole

Golf 101: How to calculate golf handicap

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Golf’s handicap index system had an overhaul in 2020. So, here at GolfWRX, we’ve decided to put together this guide to explain what is a handicap index in golf, some of the key terms and how you can manually calculate your index.

How to calculate golf handicap: What is handicap index in golf?

Your golf handicap index is a number that represents your ability based on your previous scores on the golf course.

For 2020, players can achieve a handicap by submitting only three 18-hole scores.

What your handicap index means.

The lower your golf handicap, the more skilled as a golfer you are. A player with a handicap of 20 playing a par 72 course will be expected to shoot a total score of 92, while a player with a five handicap will be expected to shoot 77.

How to calculate your handicap manually in 2020.

With recent adjustments to the golf handicap system in 2020, the new formula for estimating your handicap index is:

Handicap Index x (Slope Rating/113) + (Course Rating- Par)

Here are the steps to calculate and understand your handicap index:

Using the USGA’s equitable stroke control while adjusting the individual 18-hole scores. Players are restricted to the maximum number of strokes you can enter in a given hole based on the course difficulty:

Course Handicap

  • Nine or less – Max Score: Double bogey
  • 10-19 – Max Score: 7
  • 20-29 – Max Score: 8
  • 30-39 – Max Score 9
  • 40+ – Max Score: 10

Then use the following formula to calculate the handicap differential.

Handicap differential = (Adjusted Gross Score-rating of the course) X 113 / Course slope ratings.

Course rating is a figure that indicates the difficulty of a golf course to a golfer who averages even par on a round of 18. Slope rating is a numerical value that indicates the relative difficulty of a set of tees on a golf course for a bogey golfer in comparison to a scratch golfer.

Then select the lowest differential.

When there are 10 differentials for conditions, measure the sum for the lowest 3 handicap differentials. Calculate the sum to the lowest 6 for 15 HDs. Always use the 10 best from the most recent 20 scores once you have at least 20 scores.

Then calculate the average differentials from net handicap by multiplying the average differential by 0.96.

Per the USGA, the default maximum number from any handicap index in a golf match should be 40.4 for women and 36.4 for men if played on an 18-hole course. On the 9-hole course, it would be 18.2 for men and 20.2 for women.

Course handicap = Handicap Index X Slope Rating/113 + (Course Rating-Par)

Assuming this course handicap calculation is 15.1 with a course slope of 120, the handicap index of the player in question would be 15.

Course Handicap = 15.1 x 120 / 113 = 16.03 = 13

For more information on the World Golf Handicap system, visit USGA.org.

 

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Gianni is the Managing Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at [email protected].

19th Hole

Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf

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While speaking with Gazzetta dello Sport, Ryder Cup vice captain Edoardo Molinari revealed that Nicolai Hojgaard informed him that he’s received a “good offer” from LIV, which he turned down.

“A few weeks ago, I was speaking to Nicolai Højgaard, who had a good offer but turned it down because he knows that if he continues to play well, he will still earn a lot of money but will be freer to make certain decisions and will be sure of playing the majors.”

The 23-year-old Dane is one of the best young European players in the world and has been playing on the PGA Tour full time in 2024.

Molinari then questioned why younger players would choose to leave the PGA Tour for LIV.

“Honestly I don’t understand players who are 20 or 30 years old and risk throwing away their careers to go to LIV Golf,” said the Italian.

“Of course, if they come to me and offer me 300 million, it would change my life but they haven’t come.”

Molinari also shared that he believes LIV players will ultimately have a Ryder Cup path in 2025.

“I think that in two years we will find a way to be able to pick them anyway.”

“The only requirement at the moment is that they are members of the European Tour. I believe someone like Rahm, whatever the cost, wants to play the Ryder Cup. So, I don’t think he will resign from the European Tour.”

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19th Hole

‘Probably the best menu I’ve seen’ – GolfWRXers react to Jon Rahm’s Masters menu

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In our forums, our members have been reacting to the unveiling of Jon Rahm’s 2024 Masters menu. The menu consists of a selection of tapas followed by a choice of Basque ribeye steak or turbot, and our members have been sharing their thoughts on the menu in our forum.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • RapidCat: “Love the family touch in the tapas: Mama Rahm’s Classic Lentil Stew.”
  • knock it close: “Probably the best menu I’ve seen.”
  • StoutKing: “Now I’m drooling.  Love this tradition at AN.”
  • Arsilon2: “Best menu since Adam Scott’s IMO.”

Entire Thread: “‘Probably the best menu I’ve seen’ – GolfWRXers react to Jon Rahm’s Masters menu”

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Report: 2028 Olympics set to include a golf mixed team event

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According to a report from the AP, 2028 Los Angeles Games at Riviera Country Club will feature a golf mixed team event.

Last fall, the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour held a mixed event called the Grant Thornton Invitational which players on both sides seemed to embrace. The 2028 Olympics would have a similar format.

The report indicates that “the current plan for 2028 is for the men to start on Wednesday (instead of Thursday) and finish on Saturday. The team competition could take place on Sunday and Monday. The women would have a practice round on Tuesday and start their competition on Wednesday.”

“The International Olympic Committee tends to frown on awarding two medals from one competition, such as combining scores from individuals into a team medal. That’s why golf officials are proposing a separate event.”

There are still plenty of details to work out regarding the format, but the announcement of the mixed event could come as early as The Masters.

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