Golf Handicap Calculator (WHS)

How this golf handicap calculator works

This tool follows the principles of the World Handicap System (WHS), used by USGA, R&A and most national federations. It lets you:

• Compute your Handicap Index from up to 20 recent rounds.
• Convert that index into a Course Handicap for any set of tees.
• Apply a handicap allowance to get your Playing Handicap for competitions.

1. Score Differential formula (stroke play)

For each round, the WHS Score Differential is:

• Adjusted Gross Score (AGS): your 18-hole score after applying net double bogey caps on each hole.
• Course Rating: difficulty for a scratch golfer (from the scorecard).
• Slope Rating: relative difficulty for a bogey golfer (55–155, 113 is standard).
• PCC: Playing Conditions Calculation (usually 0; can be −1 to +3).

2. Score Differential from Stableford points

If you only know your Stableford points, WHS uses an equivalent formula. For an 18‑hole round:

Our Stableford tab uses this relationship to back-calculate an equivalent Adjusted Gross Score and then applies the standard differential formula.

3. Handicap Index calculation

Once all Score Differentials are known, WHS takes the average of the best 8 from your last 20 rounds:

If you have fewer than 20 scores, the calculator:

• Uses all available differentials if there are fewer than 8.
• Still applies the 0.96 multiplier for a realistic estimate.

4. Course Handicap formula

Your Course Handicap converts your index to the number of strokes you receive on a specific course and tees:

The result is rounded to the nearest whole number.

5. Playing Handicap formula

Competitions often apply a handicap allowance (for example 95% in stroke play). The Playing Handicap is:

For example, if your Course Handicap is 14 and the allowance is 95%:

Step-by-step: calculate your golf handicap

Step 1 – Gather your scorecards

For each recent round (up to 20), you need:

• Adjusted Gross Score (or Stableford points).
• Course Rating and Slope Rating for the tees played.
• Par of the course.
• PCC value if your federation publishes it (otherwise 0).

Step 2 – Enter your rounds

• Use the Stroke play tab if you know your Adjusted Gross Score.
• Use the Stableford tab if you only know your Stableford points.
• Fill as many rows as you have valid scores; leave the rest blank.

Step 3 – Compute Handicap Index

Click Calculate Handicap Index. The tool will:

1. Compute a Score Differential for each valid round.
2. Sort them from best (lowest) to worst.
3. Average the best 8 (or all if fewer than 8).
4. Apply the 0.96 multiplier and round to one decimal place.

Step 4 – Get Course and Playing Handicap

In the Course & Competition Setup section:

1. Enter the Slope Rating, Course Rating and Par of the tees you will play.
2. Enter the handicap allowance percentage for your format.
3. Click Update Course & Playing Handicap to see your strokes for that round.

FAQ

Is this calculator official?

No. Only your national golf federation or authorized club software can maintain an official handicap. This tool is designed as a guide and learning aid, closely following WHS formulas.

Why do my numbers differ slightly from the federation app?

Small differences can occur because:

• The official system may use more detailed rounding rules.
• It always applies net double bogey at hole level, while this tool assumes you already entered Adjusted Gross Scores.
• It may include caps and soft/hard limits on handicap movement that are not implemented here.

Can I use 9-hole scores?

The World Handicap System supports 9‑hole scores by converting them to 18‑hole equivalents. This simplified calculator assumes full 18‑hole rounds; if you mix 9‑hole scores, results are only approximate.

What is PCC and when should I use it?

PCC (Playing Conditions Calculation) is an adjustment (−1 to +3) applied when the course played significantly easier or harder than normal on a given day. Your federation or club will publish PCC values; if you do not know them, leave PCC at 0.