How to Adjust a Golf Handicap

Calculating your golf handicap is a great way to track improvement, and will allow you to stay competitive while playing against more skilled players.  Simply put, a golf handicap is a commonly used metric used to describe the skill level of a golfer.  Typically, in order for a handicap to be valid, you must have played at least 20 rounds of golf.

World class golf players have a negative handicap which means that they would be expected to give you the number of strokes in their handicap number.  As you play additional rounds of golf, your handicap should go down as your skill level increases.  Some simple math and a spreadsheet program are the only tools needed to make the necessary adjustments to your handicap.

1. Calculate differentials on your most recent rounds of golf.  This is a relatively simple calculation, and the formula can be obtained from the United States Golf Association (USGA).  In order to complete this calculation, subtract the course rating on which you achieved your score from your course score.  Take the result, multiply by 113, and then divide that number by the course slope rating.  For maximum accuracy, you should establish differentials using your 20 most recent rounds of golf.


2. Determine your handicap index.  This index can be calculated by adding the lowest 10 handicap differentials for your 20 most recently played rounds of golf.  Take the result of that calculation, and divide it by 10 and then divide that result by .96.  The final result is your handicap index.


3. Track all of your differentials.  This can be easily accomplished using spreadsheet software, or a smartphone.  Be certain to include the date and course name so that you can sort by the most recent scores, and so you can group scores by the course the score was achieved on.


4. Add each new round to your spreadsheet, and determine your new differential.  Add the most recent 19 scores to your new score, and then re-calculate your lowest 10 differentials.  Continuing to re-calculate these figures will help you determine if your skills are improving.


5. Sum the lowest 10 differentials, and then divide the result by 10.  The final result is your current handicap index.