Whether you’re new to the World Handicap System or simply looking to better understand how your handicap is calculated, knowing a few key terms can make a big difference. From Course Handicap to Net Double Bogey, these concepts help ensure scores are recorded fairly and consistently.
Here are five handicapping terms every golfer should know this summer.
Course Handicap
Your Handicap Index adjusted for the course and tee’s you’re playing. Not all courses play the same, so this ensures you receive the correct number of strokes for each round.
Score Differential
A measure of your performance, adjusted for course difficulty. This is what your handicap is built from. A 90 on a difficult course isn’t the same as a 90 on an easier one, and Score Differentials reflect that.
Hole Not Played
If you play an incomplete round (10-17 holes), you may post a score “0” for any holes not played. An Expected Score Differential will be calculated for those holes and combined with your Score Differential for the holes you completed.
Net Double Bogey
The maximum score you can record on a hole for handicap purposes. Calculated as Par + 2 + any strokes you receive. This prevents one bad hole from having too much of an impact. When posting hole-by-hole, Net Double Bogey adjustments are applied automatically.
Stroke Index Allocation
Numbers 1-18 on a scorecard show where handicap strokes are applied. 1 being the hardest hole, 18 being the easiest. For example, a player with a Course Handicap of 14 would receive one stroke on holes ranked 1-14.
