How is Golf Handicap Calculated?
“What is your handicap?” is a question often asked in the golf community. If you are a golf player, handicap calculation should not be a thing to worry about. As long as you have an official USGA Handicap Index with you, the computer will be able to handle the calculations for you. You can, also, opt to use a handicap calculator as an alternative.
While you can let the calculator automatically do the calculations for you, it is quite important to know the details involved in the calculations. RunRex provides a detailed look at how golf handicap is calculated. Different things are considered when doing your handicap calculations.
The numbers you will need for your calculation
When calculating, you will need to have:
• A minimum of 5 scores and a maximum of 20. These scores are your adjusted gross scores.
• The USGA Slope Ratings for the golf course you have played in
• The USGA course rating for that golf course you have played in
Calculate the differentials
The first step is to calculate the differentials. The variables to be used here include your scores, the course rating and the slope rating. The formula used is:
(Score –Course Rating) x 133 / Slope Rating
Figure 133 is a constant that represents the slope rating of an average difficulty golf course.
The result obtained is referred to as the handicap differential. You have to calculate this differential for every round entered.
Why are the course rating and the slope rating important?
The reason behind the inclusion of the slope rating and the course rating in the formula for calculating the differential is because these two figures indicate the difficulty of the golf course. The difficulty of the golf course greatly determines how one will play. The course rating and the slope rating are used to even the playing field and ensure that the slope difficulty does not favor other players while weighing on others. For example, if Player A and Player B averaged 90 strokes over 18 holes, but A played on a less challenging course than B, then player B is more skilled than Player A. Chances are that when the two get to play on an average golf course, player B will perform better than player A.
How many differentials to use?
Not every differential you obtain is going to be used. For example, if you use just five rounds, only the lowest of the differentials will be employed. If it’s 20 rounds, only 10 of the lowest differentials are to be used. The number of rounds you report will determine the number of differentials to use. 5-6 rounds require that you use one lowest differential, 7-8 requires the use of the two lowest differentials, 9-10 require three lowest differentials, 11-12 require four lowest differentials, 13-14 require you use five lowest differentials, and 15-16 rounds require the use of the six lowest differentials. For 17, 18, 19 and 20 rounds, you will need to use 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the lowest differentials in your calculations.
When you determine the differentials to use for your calculations, obtain their average. This is done by summing all of them up and then dividing the resulting figure by their number.
Getting your handicap index
Take the average of the differentials you have obtained and multiply it by 96 percent (0.96). Only use the digits up to the tenths without rounding off. The figure obtained is your handicap index.
You can, also, simply arrive at the handicap index after getting the differentials by the use of this formula:
(Sum of differentials/number of differentials) x 0.96
Calculating your course handicap
Once you obtain the handicap index, find the course rating for your golf course. The course’s website or employee should be able to provide you with that information. You can obtain your course handicap by using this formula:
(Handicap Index) x (Slope Rating)/113
Round off the results to the nearest whole number.
How you can improve your handicap
Making perfect hits is the only way you can improve your handicap. The first tip is going to the range and practicing your strokes. The more you practice, the more you get used to it, and the better you get at it.
Your equipment, also, plays a significant role in determining your handicap. If your equipment is over-used or ill-fitting, the impact on your game will be negative. Ensure that your equipment is not worn out and have good grip. If you are not in good shape, it is time to consider investing in others. The size of the equipment should, also, be just perfect for you. Be comfortable with your equipment if you want to make perfect swings.
The last tip you can follow if you are looking to improve your handicap is challenging yourself. Step out of your comfort zone. Get to explore different courses to get a wider skill set. Also, do not be comfortable playing in ideal conditions only. Try even harder courses so that when you are going up against an opponent in a pretty friendly ground, you have a smooth walk in the park.