Golf Handicap Calculator

A score differential is a standardized measure of how well you played relative to the difficulty of the course. It is calculated as: (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating) x (113 / Slope Rating).

The WHS is a unified handicap system adopted in 2020 by the major golf associations worldwide. It standardizes how handicaps are calculated across different countries and courses.

Under the WHS, you need a minimum of 54 holes (typically 3 rounds of 18 or 6 rounds of 9) to establish a Handicap Index. Once you have more rounds, the system uses the best differentials from your most recent rounds.

Course Rating is the expected score for a scratch golfer (handicap 0) on a course. Slope Rating (55-155, standard 113) indicates the difficulty for a bogey golfer relative to a scratch golfer.

The average male golfer has a handicap of about 16, and the average female golfer about 28. A single-digit handicap (under 10) is considered good, and scratch (0) or better is excellent.

The 0.96 multiplier (also called the playing conditions calculation adjustment) slightly reduces the Handicap Index, ensuring that most players play to or slightly below their handicap.