St Andrews Handicap Calculator
The St Andrews Handicap system, often considered a traditional or older method of calculating a golfer's playing ability, focuses on a player's best performances over a series of rounds. Unlike modern systems that incorporate course and slope ratings extensively, the St Andrews method typically involves averaging a selection of a player's lowest gross scores relative to the course's par.
This calculator provides a simplified interpretation of the St Andrews Handicap. It allows you to input a series of your recent gross scores, specify the standard par for the course you played, and then select how many of your best (lowest) scores you wish to average. The result will be your calculated handicap based on these inputs.
How to Use This Calculator:
- Enter Your Gross Scores: List your recent gross scores (the total number of strokes taken for each round) in the provided field, separated by commas. For example:
85, 82, 90, 88, 83. - Enter Course Par: Input the standard par for the golf course where these rounds were played (e.g., 72).
- Number of Best Scores to Use: Specify how many of your lowest scores from the list you want the calculator to average. A common practice might be to use the best 8 out of 20, or a similar ratio.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Handicap" button to see your St Andrews Handicap.
Example: If you enter scores 85, 82, 90, 88, 83, 87, 92, 80, 86, 84, a Course Par of 72, and choose to use the 8 best scores:
- The calculator will identify your 8 lowest scores:
80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88. - It will average these scores:
(80+82+83+84+85+86+87+88) / 8 = 84.375. - Then, it subtracts the Course Par:
84.375 - 72 = 12.375. - Your St Andrews Handicap would be approximately 12.4.
Please note that this calculator offers a simplified model for educational and recreational purposes. Official handicaps are typically governed by specific national or international golf associations and may involve more complex calculations, including course and slope ratings, and adjustments for exceptional scores.