Question about Handicaps

[Meddle]

I don't understand why when a handicap is calculated, the lower differentials are used rather than an average of all differentials. Wouldn't an average be a more accurate representation of skill?

For example, I've played 5 rounds this year. My differentials for four of them are consistent, between 21 and 23. However, I had one freak round where it was 16, and according to the rules, 16 is the only one that goes into the calculation, making my handicap way lower than what I think it should be.

I'm sure that there's a good reason for this, I just don't know it.

[Laser]

A handicap is not meant to be an " average " of your scores.

It's meant to represent your best possible potential round.

The low scores will dominate the equation along with course difficulty.

[Meddle]

Oh, I see. Thanks!

[microcrayfish]

The same thing happened to me when I first set a handicap, I had one low score that ended up being my handicap because it was the best of the first five. It will even out eventually when you have more scores posted.

[Kingfisher]

Equitable stroke control is also a factor. The scores you write down on your card are not necessarily the ones used for computation of your handicap. Here's a simple explanation:

Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) is the system put in place by the USGA to eliminate the effect of "disaster holes." You know, that one hole per round where you put three balls in the water and then 5-putt. It’s also a way to combat sandbaggers who intentionally blow up on a hole in order to raise their handicap index.

Equitable Stroke Control puts a limit on the number of strokes you can write down on the scorecard for any one hole, based on your course handicap. For example, on that one disaster hole you might have taken 14 strokes to get the ball in the cup. But based on your course handicap, ESC might require you to post only a "7" on the scorecard you turn in.

To determine the Equitable Stroke Control limits for your round, you must first know your course handicap. Once you’ve determined your course handicap, you can check the chart down below (which should also be available at golf courses) to determine the ESC limits. Here is the chart that shows Equitable Stroke Control limits:


Course Hcap / Max Score
0-9 / Double Bogey
10-19 / 7
20-29 / 8
30-39 / 9
40 or more / 10

[Shindig]

I'm sure that there's a good reason for this, I just don't know it.

Look at it this way - you're capable of shooting a 16 differential. But as you play more, your handicap will be more indicative of what you're capable of shooting, while diluting the effect of spectacular rounds.

[CarlSpackler]

Tossing the high scores also helps toss out rounds played in horrible conditions like heavy rain, wind, etc.

Also, make sure you are applying ESC as mentioned already.

[plickerman]

So if I understand correctly, you apply the 14 for purposes of your true score (say with your friends); however, you would substitute that 14 with a 7 for handicap computation?

Equitable Stroke Control puts a limit on the number of strokes you can write down on the scorecard for any one hole, based on your course handicap. For example, on that one disaster hole you might have taken 14 strokes to get the ball in the cup. But based on your course handicap, ESC might require you to post only a "7" on the scorecard you turn in.

[zeg]

That's right. ESC is not used outside of computing handicaps (except maybe as a rule of thumb for when it's time to think about picking up on a disaster hole).

[plickerman]

That's right. ESC is not used outside of computing handicaps (except maybe as a rule of thumb for when it's time to think about picking up on a disaster hole).

Cool, Cool...Thanks!