Many golfers don’t realize there are different aspects to a “handicap” and that there is a difference between a Handicap Index, Course Handicap, & Playing Handicap.

THIS WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE AND WHAT EACH MEANS.

A Handicap Index is the measure of a player’s demonstrated ability. A Handicap Index is calculated from the lowest 8 of your most recent 20 score differentials and is displayed as a number to one decimal place (ex. 24.6). Your Handicap Index is portable and goes with you from course to course and tee to tee.

Score Differential – the difference between a player’s adjusted gross score and the Course Rating, reflecting the Slope Rating and the playing conditions calculation. It is the numerical value attributed to a score achieved on a golf course on a specific day that is posted into the player’s scoring record.

A Course Handicap is specific to the set of tees that you are playing on a given day. Your Course Handicap is the number of strokes (for handicap purposes) you receive on that set of tees and is used in the application of Net Double Bogey and Net Par. Course Handicap is then used to determine your Playing Handicap.

Net Double Bogey = Par of the hole + 2 strokes + any strokes the golfer is entitled to.

Net Par = Par of the hole + any strokes you’re entitled to.

A Playing Handicap is used for competition purposes and is calculated based on your Course Handicap and adjusted for any handicap allowances or other Terms of the Competition. Playing Handicap determines the number of strokes each player gives/receives to ensure that all players can enjoy a fair and equal game when competing against each other. Course and Playing Handicaps are displayed as a whole number (ex. 25).

Maintaining a Handicap Index is straightforward at its core, and relies on the golfer to meet a few key responsibilities:

• ACT WITH INTEGRITY BY FOLLOWING THE RULES OF HANDICAPPING AND RULES OF GOLF
• ATTEMPT TO MAKE THE BEST SCORE POSSIBLE AT EACH HOLE
• SUBMIT ALL ACCEPTABLE SCORES.
• When posting all acceptable scores, make sure to ensure the correct information is entered (date, course, tee, scoring info, etc.) and post before midnight local time.
• Remember that maintaining an Index is just that, it requires consistent maintenance as you play golf…you don’t stop posting scores once you’ve established an Index. You need to continue to post all acceptable scores as they’re played.
• Your Handicap Index is used to calculate a Course Handicap (for Handicap purposes) and when competing, a Playing Handicap. This progression allows for equitable play.

What scores can be posted to the Golf Canada Score Centre?

• Both 9- AND 18-HOLE ROUNDS.
• Scores made in STROKE OR MATCH PLAY.
• Scores posted as HOLE-BY-HOLE (HBH) or adjusted gross score.
  • POSTED HBH IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.
• Only scores made on a course with a VALID COURSE & SLOPE RATING can be posted.
• Scores from INTERNATIONAL COURSES are acceptable.
• Scores can be posted online or through the GOLF CANADA APP.
• If you are new to Golf Canada membership, and have SCORES FROM THE LAST 1 YEAR, you can post those to your scoring record to more quickly establish your initial Handicap Index. AS LONG AS YOU HAVE ALL OF THE ACCURATE INFORMATION FOR THOSE ROUNDS.

What happens if you are playing a match and don’t complete a hole?

SCORES STILL MUST BE POSTED Even if not all holes were played or if a hole wasn’t finished… as long as the proper adjustments are made.

• The minimum number of holes for a 9 or 18 hole score must still be met
  • At least 7 holes must be played to post a 9-hole score
  • At least 14 holes must be played to post an 18-hole score

WHEN A HOLE IS NOT PLAYED If a hole has not been started, then you post Net Par.

• Net Par = Par of the hole + any strokes you’re entitled to

WHEN A HOLE IS STARTED BUT NOT FINISHED If a hole has been started but not finished, then the golfer must post their Most Likely Score.

• Most Likely Score = number of strokes taken to the point where you picked up + the number of strokes it would normally take to hole out from that position
• This can be applied from anywhere on the hole (fairway, green, etc.)

MAXIMUM HOLE SCORE The maximum hole score that a golfer can record for handicap purposes is Net Double Bogey.

• The purpose of a maximum hole score is to minimize the impact of “blow up holes” that would otherwise skew the Index calculations
• Net Double Bogey = Par of the hole + 2 strokes + any strokes the golfer is entitled to
• If the golfer posts hole-by-hole, the Golf Canada Score Centre will automatically apply Net Double Bogey as needed

Peer review is a critical part of the Rules of Handicapping and is the process by which a scoring record or Handicap Index can be confirmed or challenged.

Golf Associations & Golf Club Handicap Committees can’t be present for every round of golf played, so we rely on fellow golfers to bring concerns to our attention

Peer Review is conducted by someone:

• Playing in the same group or who was present during the round, and/or
• Who is a member of the same golf club as the player.

Your role in Peer Review is to:

• Identify a round that was played but not posted by the golfer for handicap purposes.
• Identify any scores that were not posted accurately.
• Verify or challenge a Handicap Index of a fellow member, as long as you have a reasonable knowledge of the player’s demonstrated ability

If you have a concern that a golfer has not been posting all acceptable scores, has not been posting scores accurately or that their Index may not be accurate, please bring your concerns to the attention of the PGA of Canada ALONG WITH EVIDENCE AND DETAILS AROUND YOUR CONCERN.