Carolinas Golf Association

A Handicap Index is a numerical value that represents your demonstrated playing ability. Your number is based on your scores relative to the course and tees played during those rounds. Learn More

The score is converted into a Score Differential™ - which accounts for the Course Rating™ and Slope Rating® of the tees played. 9-hole scores are combined in the order they are received to form 18-hole Score Differentials. Learn More

Only the handicap committee at your home club is authorized to make changes to your scoring record. Please contact your club to make changes to your scoring record.

Your Handicap Index is calculated by averaging your 8 best Score Differentials from your most recent 20 scores. There are also built-in safeguards applied when: • you post an exceptional score, or • there is an extreme upward movement in your Handicap Index. A Handicap Index can be calculated with as few as three 18-hole scores. When less than 20 scores are in your scoring record, a fewer number of scores are used to calculate your Handicap Index. Learn More

Your first Handicap Index will be issued the day after you have posted scores from 54-holes to your scoring record. These scores can be made up of any combination of 9- or 18-hole rounds. Learn More

A Handicap Index is updated at midnight local time the day after you post a score. As a result, it’s important to post your scores on the same day of play. Learn More

A Course Handicap is the number of strokes needed to play to par of the tees being played. Learn More

The maximum score for handicap purposes is a net double bogey, equal to double bogey + any handicap strokes received based on your Course Handicap. Until a Handicap Index is established, the max hole score is 5 over par. If using the hole-by-hole option, the adjustment for max hole score is made automatically. Learn More

If a golfer fails to start the play of a hole, the golfer should not record a score for that hole. This requires the golfer to post scores hole-by-hole.

If you don't finish a hole for instance, because a putt is conceded during match play - the score recorded for handicap purposes is your most likely score. Learn More