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USGA GHIN – Score Differential 

And Your Handicap Index

Score Differential

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Score Differential

  • Measures the performance of a round in relation to the relative difficulty of the course that was played, measured by the course rating and slope rating. Playing Course Conditions (PCC) is also included in the calculation, which may provide an adjustment if course and/or weather conditions significantly impacted scores on that day.

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Formula is as follows:

(113 / Slope Rating) x (Adjusted Gross Score – Course Rating – PCC Adjustment)

Score Differential

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Calculating Your Handicap Index

  • Once you have 20 scores posted in your scoring record, your Handicap Index is calculated by averaging the best eight (8) Score Differentials out of your most recent 20 posted scores.

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  • This average can be adjusted based upon an Exceptional Score posting and/or Playing Course Conditions.

Score Differential

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USGA GHIN application provides a Score Differential for each round posted. Your handicap index is calculated using the average of the eight lowest Score Differentials of the most recent 20 posted scores. The asterisk (*) next to the posted score indicates the score differential used in calculating your latest handicap index.

Score Differential