World Handicap System (WHS) Handicap Index Calculator
Use this calculator to determine your Golf Handicap Index according to the World Handicap System (WHS), which replaced the USGA Handicap System. The WHS requires a minimum of 3 scores and uses the best differentials from your most recent 20 scores.
Enter your Adjusted Gross Score, Course Rating, and Slope Rating for each of your recent rounds. Please ensure your scores are already "Adjusted Gross Scores" (e.g., after applying Net Double Bogey adjustments).
Note: This calculator provides a Handicap Index based on the core WHS formula. It does not account for advanced rules like Soft Cap, Hard Cap, or Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC), which require more complex historical data and real-time adjustments.
Round
Adjusted Gross Score
Course Rating
Slope Rating
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Understanding the World Handicap System (WHS)
The World Handicap System (WHS) was introduced in 2020, unifying six different handicap systems into a single global standard. It aims to make golf handicapping more consistent and equitable worldwide. While often still referred to as the "USGA Handicap" in the United States, the WHS is the current system managed by the USGA in collaboration with The R&A.
Key Components of Your Handicap Index:
- Adjusted Gross Score (AGS): This is your raw score after applying specific adjustments for exceptionally high hole scores. Under WHS, this is typically a "Net Double Bogey" adjustment, meaning your maximum score on any hole is limited to a Net Double Bogey (Par + 2 strokes + any handicap strokes received on that hole). For simplicity, this calculator assumes you input your score *after* these adjustments.
- Course Rating (CR): This is an evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer (a golfer with a Handicap Index of 0.0) under normal course and weather conditions. It's expressed in strokes to one decimal place (e.g., 72.3).
- Slope Rating (SR): This indicates the relative difficulty of a course for a "bogey golfer" (a golfer with a Handicap Index of approximately 20-24) compared to a scratch golfer. It ranges from 55 to 155, with 113 being the standard. The higher the Slope Rating, the more difficult the course is for a bogey golfer relative to a scratch golfer.
- Handicap Differential: This is the core calculation for each round. It measures your performance relative to the course's difficulty. The formula is:
Handicap Differential = (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating) × 113 / Slope Rating - Handicap Index: Your Handicap Index is calculated by taking an average of your best Handicap Differentials from your most recent 20 scores. The number of differentials used depends on how many scores you have submitted:
- 3-5 scores: Best 1 differential
- 6-8 scores: Best 2 differentials
- 9-11 scores: Best 3 differentials
- 12-14 scores: Best 4 differentials
- 15-16 scores: Best 5 differentials
- 17-18 scores: Best 6 differentials
- 19 scores: Best 7 differentials
- 20 scores: Best 8 differentials
How to Use This Calculator:
- Gather Your Scores: Collect your most recent golf scores (up to 20 rounds).
- Adjust Your Scores: For each round, ensure your score is an "Adjusted Gross Score" (AGS). This means applying the Net Double Bogey adjustment for any exceptionally high hole scores. If you're unsure, consult the WHS rules or your golf club.
- Find Course & Slope Ratings: For each round, note the Course Rating and Slope Rating for the tees you played. This information is usually found on the scorecard, club website, or a handicap app.
- Enter Data: Input the Adjusted Gross Score, Course Rating, and Slope Rating for each round into the respective fields above. You only need to fill in the rounds you have played.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Handicap Index" button.
- View Result: Your calculated Handicap Index will appear below the button.
Example Calculation:
Let's say a golfer has the following 5 recent Adjusted Gross Scores, along with their respective Course and Slope Ratings:
| Round | Adjusted Gross Score (AGS) | Course Rating (CR) | Slope Rating (SR) | Handicap Differential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 85 | 72.0 | 125 | (85 – 72.0) * 113 / 125 = 11.752 |
| 2 | 82 | 71.5 | 128 | (82 – 71.5) * 113 / 128 = 9.292 |
| 3 | 88 | 73.2 | 135 | (88 – 73.2) * 113 / 135 = 12.385 |
| 4 | 80 | 70.8 | 120 | (80 – 70.8) * 113 / 120 = 8.693 |
| 5 | 83 | 72.1 | 122 | (83 – 72.1) * 113 / 122 = 10.090 |
The calculated differentials are: 11.752, 9.292, 12.385, 8.693, 10.090.
Sorted differentials: 8.693, 9.292, 10.090, 11.752, 12.385.
Since there are 5 scores, the WHS uses the lowest 1 differential.
Lowest differential = 8.693
Handicap Index = 8.693 (truncated to one decimal place) = 8.6