What is the difference between a Handicap Index®, a Course Handicap™, and a Playing Handicap™?

A Course Handicap is the number of strokes needed to play to the par of the tees being played. A Playing Handicap is the actual number of strokes you receive or give during a round for a specific game or competition format. To receive either, you must first establish a Handicap Index by posting at least 54 holes comprised of 9- and/or 18-hole rounds.

What is a Course Handicap?

A Course Handicap represents the number of strokes needed to play to par of the tees being played. This is the number used to adjust hole scores for net double bogey.

What is a Playing Handicap?

A Playing Handicap is the actual number of strokes you receive or give during a round and is the number used for the purposes of the game or competition. This number is often the same as a Course Handicap, however, if a handicap allowance is applied, if the format is match play, or if players are competing from tees with different pars, it may be different.

How do you receive a Course Handicap or Playing Handicap?

To receive a Course Handicap or a Playing Handicap, you must have first established a Handicap Index by posting at least 54 holes comprised of 9- and/or 18-hole rounds.

Visit the USGA Course Handicap™ Calculator here.

(Rule 6.1 and 6.2, Rules of Handicapping)