Zalm Golf

Free tool

Golf handicap calculator

Convert your handicap index into a course handicap and playing handicap for your course in seconds, or estimate your handicap index from a few round scores. Based on the World Handicap System (WHS).

Enter the course details

Your personal WHS index, for example 26.4

Standard 113, shown on the course card

The course rating, for example 71.0

100% for casual play, often 95% in competitions

Course handicap
25

This is how many strokes you get on this course

Playing handicap
25

Course handicap after applying the allowance

How is a golf handicap calculated?

Since 2020 almost the entire golf world uses the same World Handicap System (WHS). Your personal ability is expressed as a handicap index: a number that is independent of the course you play.

Because one course is harder than another, you convert that index into a course handicap for each course. It tells you how many strokes you receive on that specific course. For competitions a handicap allowance (for example 95%) is sometimes applied on top, which gives your playing handicap.

Your handicap index itself is the average of the best 8 of your last 20 score differentials. Every round produces a differential: a score adjusted for the difficulty of the course.

Course handicap
Course Handicap = Handicap Index x (Slope / 113) + (Course Rating - Par)
Playing handicap
Playing Handicap = unrounded Course Handicap x (allowance / 100), then round

Example: a handicap index of 18.0 on slope 125, course rating 71.0 and par 72 gives 18.0 x (125 / 113) + (71.0 - 72) = 18.91, rounded to a course handicap of 19. Since 2024 you round only once: apply the allowance to the unrounded 18.91 and round only the final result.

WHS table: how many scores count?

Have not played 20 rounds yet? Then the WHS uses fewer differentials and sometimes a small adjustment. This table shows how many of your lowest differentials count.

Number of roundsLowest differentialsAdjustment
31-2.0
41-1.0
510
62-1.0
7-820
9-1130
12-1440
15-1650
17-1860
1970
20+80

Frequently asked questions about the golf handicap

1What is a handicap in golf?
Your handicap reflects your playing ability. The lower your handicap, the better you play. A beginner starts at handicap 54, while a strong amateur is around 10 or lower. The handicap lets golfers of different levels compete fairly against each other.
2What is the difference between handicap index and course handicap?
Your handicap index is your personal level, independent of the course. The course handicap is that level converted for a specific course, taking into account how difficult the course is through the slope and course rating.
3What are slope rating and course rating?
The course rating indicates how many strokes a scratch player (handicap 0) is expected to need on the course. The slope rating (between 55 and 155, standard 113) indicates how much harder the course is for an average player. Both are printed on the scorecard.
4What is an average golf handicap?
The average handicap is around 16 for men and around 26 for women. Most recreational golfers sit between handicap 15 and 30.
5Can I calculate my official handicap index with this tool?
The tool gives a reliable estimate based on the WHS formula. Your official handicap index is maintained by your golf club or federation and also includes adjustments such as the Playing Conditions Calculation, so use this calculator as an indication.

Handy to read next

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NGF registration

Register your handicap officially with the NGF.

Ready to lower your handicap?

Book a GVB course or lesson with an experienced golf professional and work on your game.

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