Principle of the Rule:The Course Handicap calculation converts a Handicap Index to the number of strokes a player requires to play any golf course with a Course Rating and Slope Rating. This allows portability of a player’s Handicap Index wherever they play. The Playing Handicap calculation enables equity amongst players of all handicap levels within different formats of the game. A Playing Handicap is calculated by applying the appropriate handicap allowance to a player’s Course Handicap. For formats of play where a handicap allowance of 100% is adopted, the Playing Handicap will be the same as the Course Handicap.Course Handicap - For handicap purposes, a Course Handicap is used to determine the number of strokes that a player receives (or gives) on any golf course and for the correct application of net par and net double bogey and net par adjustments.Playing Handicap - For equity purposes, the Playing Handicap calculation determines the number of strokes each player gives or receives, to ensure that all players can enjoy a fair and equal game when playing with or competing against one another.
6
Course Handicap and Playing Handicap Calculation
6.1b/1
Use of 9-Hole Course and Slope Ratings in the Calculation of a 9-hole Course Handicap
When an Authorized Association issues Course Ratings and Slope Ratings to golf clubs, the 18-hole ratings should also be presented with front nine and back nine Course Ratings and Slope Ratings. For exampleThe calculation of a 9-hole Course Handicap must use the correct Course Rating and Slope Rating for the 9-hole golf course being played.
6.2a/1
Use of Full Calculated Value of Course Handicap
Handicap allowances are designed to provide equity for players of all levels of ability in each format of play (see Appendix C) and are applied to a player’s Course Handicap as the final step in the calculation of their Playing Handicap. To avoid any undue effect of double rounding, handicap allowances should be applied to the unrounded Course Handicap.Approximately 25% of the time, double rounding can produce Playing Handicaps that are significantly different and counter intuitive to players. For example, two players with a Handicap Index up to 2 strokes apart could both receive the same calculated Playing Handicap, see below:Course Rating = 71.0Slope Rating = 125Par = 71 Format = Four-Ball stroke play (Handicap Allowance 85%)This does not occur when the handicap allowances are applied to the unrounded Course Handicap (see below):For the other 75% of the time, there would be no difference in the result.In limited circumstances, for example when a player is required to calculate their own Playing Handicapand they do not have easy access to their unroundedCourse Handicap, for practical purposes, the handicap allowance may be applied to the rounded Course Handicap.Note: Where no handicap allowance is applied or it is set at 100%, the Playing Handicap is the same as the rounded Course Handicapunless an adjustment for multiple tees is required.
