Calculating a Handicap Index For Fewer than 20 Scores

A Handicap Index is calculated from the lowest Score Differentials in the scoring record. If a scoring record contains fewer than 20 Score Differentials, the table below is used to determine the number of Score Differentials to be included in the calculation and any adjustment that may apply.

It has been found that players produce approximately one good score in every five rounds, and it is this score that reflects their playing ability and hence their handicap. If you have less than five rounds in your record, you may not have achieved and posted that score yet, so your handicap will be too high. Therefore a downward adjustment is made when few scores have been recorded to allow for this.