Handicapping FAQs
What is a handicap?
A Handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer’s potential playing ability based on the tees played for a given course. It is used to calculate a net score from the number of strokes actually played during a competition, thus allowing players of different proficiency to play against each other on somewhat equal terms. The higher the handicap of a player, the poorer the player is relative to those with lower handicaps.
What is a handicap index?
A Handicap Index is the only handicap endorsed by the USGA and it is required to play in any USGA sanctioned tournaments. Many times course tournaments also require an official handicap to participate in their tournaments.
How is my Handicap Determined?
Once you have joined Indiana Golf, you will need to post at least 3 adjusted gross scores to obtain an initial Handicap Index (See Rule 5.2 Calculation of a Handicap Index). You can post scores online or via the Indiana Golf App.
Where Can I Find Out More About the World Handicap System?
Complete details about the World Handicapping System are available online on the USGA website.
What is a Net Double Bogey?
A score equal to the par of a hole plus two strokes and adjusted for any handicap strokes applied on that hole. A net double bogey is a player’s maximum hole score for handicap purposes (see Rule 3.1 Maximum Hole Score for Handicap Purposes).
What is the Revision Schedule?
The World Handicap System runs revisions daily throughout the year.
Our inactive season begins November 15, 2021, and goes through February 28th, 2022. Please note that November 14, 2021, is the last day a round played in Indiana can be posted for the 2021 Active Golf Season.Revisions will still be run through our inactive season for members posting scores for rounds played at a course that is still in an active season such as Florida, Arizona, etc.
Click Here to view the Active Season Schedule in Each State
What is a Bogey Golfer?
A Bogey Golfer is one with a Course Handicap of 20 (24). He (she) can hit tee shots an average of 200 (150) yards and can reach a 370 (280)-yard hole in two shots.
What is a Scratch Golfer?
A Scratch Golfer can play to a Course Handicap of zero on any and all rated golf courses. He (she) can hit tee shots an average of 250 (210) yards and reach a 470 (400) yard hole in two shots.
What is BlueGolf?
BlueGolf is a complete golf management/handicap program used by Indiana Golf since 2007.
To learn more about BlueGolf, Click Here.
What is a Handicap Index?
The measure of a player’s demonstrated ability calculated against the Slope Rating of a golf course of standard playing difficulty (that is, a course with a Slope Rating of 113) (see Rule 5.2 Calculation of a Handicap Index).
What is a Course Index?
The number of handicap strokes a player receives, before handicap allowances, from a specific set of tees as determined by the Slope Rating and the difference between Course Rating and par (see Rule 6.1 Course Handicap Calculation).
What is a Playing Index?
The Course Handicap adjusted for any handicap allowances or Terms of the Competition. It represents the actual number of strokes the player gives or receives for the round being played (see Rule 6.2 Playing Handicap Calculation).
What are the Different Types of Scores
Within the United States, Scores will be identified with the letter designations below. These can be used to help identify the format of play, where a round was played and other details about the round.
H = Home (should be used for a score where a golfer is an active member)
A = Away
C = Competition
N = Combined 9-hole
P = Penalty
E = Exceptional (will be an attribute of score type)
I Am Playing in an Event in a Different State, and They Need Proof of my Handicap. What Should I Provide?
With the change to the World Handicap System, all Indiana Golf Members have received a new Indiana Golf Number which is also your new Handicap ID (Indiana Golf Number). When playing in an event in a different state you will be able to give the course your Handicap ID (Indiana Golf Number) to verify your Handicap Index. The course can verify your Handicap Index through our Handicap Lookup feature on our website: Click Here
Where Can I Look Up Course Ratings for USGA Courses?
Why Do I Have to Post Daily?
With moving to the WHS System, it is important to post your scores on a daily basis since revisions take place daily. If you do not post daily your Handicap Index will not be updated in time for the next day and your score will not be included in the daily Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC). Please see Rule 4 Submitting a score in the Rules of Handicapping.
How to Find Your Course Handicap Through WHS Handicap Lookup?
See the Video Below for Tutorial
Will I Still Continue to Receive Revision Emails with the World Handicap System?
The revision email has been replaced with the new Indiana Golf Newsletter that will be going out to all Indiana Golf members on the 15th of each month and the 1st & 15th during the active season (April-November). To check your handicap daily, please log in to your Player’s Club Account or through the app.