Handicap Index vs. Course Handicap

Q: Why is my Handicap Index different than my Course Handicap?
A: A simple way to think of it is that your Handicap Index is about YOU.  A Course Handicap is about YOU playing a specific set of tees.

Why is the distinction important?  We’ll spare you the complicated formulas, but a Handicap Index reflects your potential ability (what you should shoot about one out of four or five rounds) based on your scoring record at the time it is updated. This indicates your “peak performance.” You always want to look at your Index as your raw number, which is expressed to one decimal – as in, 12.5. You never actually play with your Index!

This is where your Course Handicap comes in. In order to really use your Index, you have to consider the set of tees you are playing and “convert” it to that Slope to get a whole number Course Handicap.  This is the only way to get the proper number of strokes you need to play on that specific set of tees. After all, every set of tees on every course is different! Some are harder and you need more strokes.  Some are easier, and you need fewer.  

Luckily, there are many ways to convert your Index to a Slope, some of which are automated and easily at hand:

• GHIN Mobile App’s ‘CH Calculator’
• OGA website’s ‘CH Calculator’
• GHIN Score Entry screen at course computers
• Handicap Report posted from your own club
• Conversion (Slope) Charts posted at golf courses

Get used to talking about your handicap in terms of your Index, because it all starts there. And the next time someone says their handicap is an 18, your response should be: “You’re an 18 where?”