What is a Score Differential™ and how is it calculated?

A score of 80 on a difficult course may be a better performance than a 77 on an easier one. The Score Differential™ calculation captures this distinction by accounting for the relative difficulty of each course played.

 

A Score Differential™ measures the performance of a round relative to the difficulty of the course played, as measured by the Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™. The result of the Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) is also factored in, providing an adjustment when course and/or weather conditions significantly impacted scores on that day.

 

A Score Differential™ is calculated using the following formula:

(113 / Slope Rating™) x (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating™ - PCC adjustment) Note: 113 is the Slope Rating™ of a course of standard difficulty.

 

Additional adjustments to the Score Differential™ may also apply, such as an exceptional score reduction or a Committee-applied adjustment. Any such adjustments are clearly identified within the scoring record. (Rules 5.1, 5.9, and 7.1a, Rules of Handicapping)

 

Click HERE for an FAQ that explains how an 18-hole Score Differential™ is created after a 9-hole score is posted.