Course and Playing Handicaps are calculated in Golf GameBook according to World Handicap System's specifications.
Course Handicap
This is a precise decimal number unique to each player, calculated using course-specific values and typically not shown to players.
Formula: Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope Rating / 113) + (Course Rating - Par)
Playing Handicap
This whole number is displayed to players and used in scoring.
Formula: Playing Handicap = Course Handicap × handicap allowance %
- The result of this calculation is rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Examples of Playing Handicap Calculation
Example 1: 100% Handicap Allowance
- John Doe: Handicap Index 12.5
- Amanda Jones: Handicap Index 7.2
- Course Par: 72
- Men's White Tee: CR 71.3, Slope 138
- Women's Red Tee: CR 71.4, Slope 124
Calculations:
- John Doe: 12.5 × (138 / 113) + (71.3 - 72) = 14.57 → 15
- Amanda Jones: 7.2 × (124 / 113) + (71.4 - 72) = 7.30 → 7
Example 2: 75% Handicap Allowance
Calculations:
- John Doe: 14.57 × 0.75 = 10.93 → 11
- Amanda Jones: 7.30 × 0.75 = 5.48 → 5
Example 3: Team Handicap (25% Allowance)
Calculations:
- John Doe: 14.57 × 0.25 = 3.64
- Amanda Jones: 7.30 × 0.25 = 1.83
- Team Handicap: 3.64 + 1.83 = 5.47 → 5
Practical Tip
Playing Handicaps can be found on charts at clubhouses. These are rounded numbers and should not be used for calculations.
Regional Exceptions
Some regions have local rules. For example, Australia uses an additional multiplier of 0.93 in their calculations:
Formula: Course Handicap = (hcp index × (Slope Rating / 113) + (CR - Par)) × 0.93
More about Course and Playing Handicap calculation rules in here.