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, and it is the Score Differential™ calculation that allows this to be captured.

 

A Score Differential™ measures the performance of a round in relation to the relative difficulty of the course that was played, measured by the Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ . The result of the daily playing conditions calculation (PCC) is also included in the Score Differential™ calculation, which may provide an adjustment if 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)

 

There may be additional adjustments to the Score Differential™, such as an exceptional score reduction or Committee-applied adjustment. These would be clearly identified within the scoring record. (Rule 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.