handicap?

Check out the official site.

http://www.usga.org/rule-books/handicap-system-manual/rule-10/

Step 1: Use the table below to determine the number of Handicap Differential(s)to use:

Step 2: Determine Handicap Differential(s);

Step 3: Average the Handicap Differential(s) being used;

Step 4: Multiply the average by .96*;

Step 5: Delete all numbers after the tenths' digit (truncate). Do not round to the nearest tenth.

Example 1: Fewer than 20 scores (11 scores available).

Total of lowest 4 Handicap Differentials:

104.1

Average (104.1 / 4):

26.025

Multiply average by .96:

24.984

Delete all numbers after

the tenth digit (truncate).

Do not round to the nearest tenth:

24.9

Handicap Index:

24.9

For step 2:  Take your adjusted gross score, subtract from it the course rating of the tees you played, then multiply that number by 113 and then divide by the course slope (of the tees you played).

I've wondered for a while if there was a proper calculation for it as i believed it was just a basic arithmetic mean average. I guessed there must have been but I've only recently got right into it so this is good to know.

Thanks

Rob

ok - now someone will have to explain "adjusted gross score"

at that point, it looks like everything is there

Therefore, the Executive Committee concluded that the ESC procedure would remain the same, with the exception that a player with a Course Handicap of 9 or less could record a maximum of double bogey on any hole. Not only did this satisfy the single digit player's concerns, but it also allowed the rest of the procedure to remain unchanged. With this change, the average Handicap Index of a single-digit player may increase by fifteen one-hundredths of a stroke. The current ESC procedure is as follows:

Course Handicap

Maximum Number On Any Hole

9 or less

Double Bogey

10 through 19

7

20 through 29

8

30 through 39

9

40 or more

10

This change to ESC was included in the 1998 version of The USGA Handicap System Manual. The modified ESC was an optional procedure for 1998 and became mandatory on January 1, 1999 for all clubs issuing USGA Handicap Indexes.

The USGA is dedicated to refining its Handicap System to maintain a high state of integrity and credibility. Please call the USGA Handicap Department for any assistance you may need.

Example: A player with a nine-hole Course Handicap of 12 must adjust to a maximum score of 8 for any hole, regardless of par.

How do I figure out my handicap. I finally broke a 100 and shot a 99 today. Normally I shoot around 105. I have no idea to handicaps and have only been playing golf for about 4 months