Handicapping 101
Understanding Indexes and Handicaps
A USGA Handicap Index allows players of varying abilities to play golf with each other on equal footing. It represents a player’s potential playing ability and is portable so you can take around the world to thousands of courses. In addition, GAM, USGA, and other tournaments often require a competitor have a USGA Handicap Index to participate.
As a GAM member, you get access to a USGA Handicap Index as part of your membership. For information on posting scores and viewing your Handicap Index information click HERE.
A Handicap Index is calculated by averaging the lowest 8 of the most recent 20 Score Differentials. To establish your first official USGA Handicap Index, you will need to post a minimum of three 18-hole scores (six 9-hole scores, or equivalent number of nine and eighteen hole scores). The more scores you post, the more representative your index. To maintain a current index, you should continue to post all adjusted gross scores for rounds played under authorized formats and by the Rules of Golf.
The number of scores posted, determines the number of score differentials to use to Calculate your Handicap Index
Total Scores Posted | Number of Lowest Score Differentials to use | Adjustment |
3 | Lowest 1 | -2.0 |
4 | Lowest 1 | -1.0 |
5 | Lowest 1 | 0 |
6 | Average of Lowest 2 | -1.0 |
7 or 8 | Average of Lowest 2 | 0 |
9 to 11 | Average of Lowest 3 | 0 |
12 to 14 | Average of Lowest 4 | 0 |
15 or 16 | Average of Lowest 5 | 0 |
17 or 18 | Average of Lowest 6 | 0 |
19 | Average of Lowest 7 | 0 |
20 + | Average of Lowest 8 | 0 |
- Your Handicap Index is the measurement of your demonstrated ability on a course of standard playing difficulty. This number is portable and can be turned in a Course Handicap at any tee with a valid Course and Slope Rating
- Your Course Handicap is the number of handicap strokes a player receives, before handicap allowances, from a specific set of tees you are playing.
- Your Playing Handicap is your Course Handicap adjusted for any handicap allowances or differences in par between tees, and it represents the actual number of strokes the player gives or receives for the round being played.
The following shows how a Handicap Index is used to calculate a Course Handicap.
Example: if you have a USGA Handicap Index of 17.2 and are playing on a course with a:
- Slope Rating of 127, a Course Rating of 70.5 and a par of 72; the Course Handicap is 18
- Slope Rating of 118, a Course Rating of 68.9 and a par of 72; the Course Handicap is 15
Because of the difference in the ratings, you will a different course handicaps for each course. Use the Course Handicap Calculator found at all GAM member courses or take your:
Your Course Handicap on Different Courses | |
1) | Handicap Index X (Slope Rating/113) + (Course Rating – Par) = CH
Using the example above: 17.2 X (127/113) + (70.5-72) = 18 |
2) | Your Course Handicap = Handicap Index X (Slope Rating/113) + (Course Rating – Par) = CH
Using the example above: 17.2 X (118/113) + (68.9-72) = 15 |
General Handicapping FAQs
You must have at least 3 18-hole scores posted to establish a Handicap Index. Nine-hole scores that you post will combine with other 9-hole scores and appear as an 18-hole score.
H = Home Score
A = Away Score
N = 2 Nine Hole Combined Scores
C = Competition Score
Yes! 9-hole scores can still be posted via the GAM website or the GHIN Mobile App.
If you are playing outside the U.S. and need proof of your handicap here is a solution: Login to your GAM profile and click “View Handicap.” You will be able to print your Handicap Card from that page. Your Handicap Card can also be viewed on the GHIN Mobile App.
You can post your out-of-state scores the same way that you post Michigan scores that are not from your home club. Set the AWAY tab search for the state where you played and look up the course from which you need to record your score.
You should have the same GHIN number with GAM as with your out-of-state club. If you see that you have two different GHIN numbers, please contact [email protected]. If your out-of-state club is in Canada, contact the GAM at handicap@gam.org and include the following information in your email: your name, the name of your GAM club, your GHIN number and the name of your out-of-state club, the province it is in, and what would be the equivalent of your handicap ID number from that club.
Your handicap records must be linked making you a “multi member.” This way, you won’t have to double post your scores. Wherever you post, your scores will flow into one single handicap record. Just contact the GAM at handicap@gam.org with your name, the name of the two clubs to which you belong, and your GHIN number.
Yes, you will have to pay the annual membership fee at all state/regional golf associations to which you belong. Membership in a state golf association includes many other benefits in addition to handicap service and membership dues cover all of those things.
This will NOT make you a USGA member. However, just as it is now, your Handicap Index will be an official USGA Handicap Index.
