How To Calculate Your Handicap - Here's the formula

[@cscheatum]

Dude. This is the best explanation of handicap I’ve ever heard. Ever.

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Thanks Cameron, appreciate the support!

[@dal23860]

@@SeekingBirdiesGolf So in this video your handicap was 15.9. If on your next round you played you shot 15 over course par, that would mean you shot under par technically? Since you are given 15.9 strokes?

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

The way I play it is if your round differential is lower than your established handicap, you played better than your handicap. If your differential is higher you played worse than your handicap. My benchmark is always to have a course differential under my handicap.

[@antoooniuuus]

Swear to god, this guy made math fun🙌🏽

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

@@antoooniuuus Haha, Just doing my part to save the world! Thanks for the support!

[@mtoykilla]

i'm a fresh brazilian golfer and you my friend helped me with this 8 minutes vídeo more then all players who i asked for an explanation about handicap. Thank you so much

[@IPv6Freely]

I'm just learning golf, but I do know something about math. You multiply by 0.96 to get the 96th percentile. It's to do with frequency distribution. Basically it's a way of leaving out the outliers when it comes to being above or below your handicap by more than usual, so that one REALLY good or REALLY bad round doesn't change your handicap by a ton.

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Thanks Chris! That makes sense!

[@adamcj73088]

Could be true but isn't the point of using the 3 lowest to reduce outlier influence.

[@IPv6Freely]

@@adamcj73088 I don't know what you mean when you say "could be true." It just told you it was the case. And yes, that also helps in the equation.

[@benpollock4812]

won’t this method of throwing out the high scores before averaging and reducing by 4% make a really good round outlier MORE impactful?

[@YoungJohnHolmes]

@@benpollock4812 Yes it would. This method effectively eliminates the impact of horrible rounds and increases the impact of great rounds.

[@viperracing2889]

Calculation starts at 3:18

[@mzafri93]

Thank you for the great and simple explanation. My current handicap is 31! 😂

[@leoncehubert]

Best video i have ever watched on youtube about handicap, i am french and i understood everything, you kept it simple! Nice

[@stratovani]

Excellent video! After following all the necessary calculations I've found out my handicap, using my last 20 scores, and I'm a 20 handicap. Thanks for demystifying something as arcane as this.

[@lukericketts4055]

I have been looking for a straight answer to this question for years, and finally this video breaks it down….. if I could hit the like button 100 times I would….. so I subbed

[@petermurphy7627]

At last, somebody who can explain it easily and clearly, thanks mate 😎

[@WillChaseIV]

I watched a video that explained the 0.96 is called the "bonus for excellence" and is designed to give a bigger bonus to higher handicappers and a smaller bonus to lower handicappers. Essentially it's to challenge/encourage newer or weaker players by having them be closer to the better/experienced players? Something like that.

[@sanrigo77]

I always thought your HC was just your average score after so many rounds of golf. Thanks for clarifying that and for the easy explanation!

[@elprimouno2556]

finally someone with common knowledge . You are the best!!!!!

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Thank you Melvin!

[@slightrattle]

Great explanation and I honestly wasn’t expecting that handwriting.

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Thanks!

[@NoCombrendo]

You made this so easy to understand. Thank you for breaking it down like that! 🙏🏼

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Hey, Thanks! I’m glad you liked it!

[@justicesmom8898]

Thank you that was soooper helpful. I suck at math but now i know what numbers to crunch and how! Rad!

[@Ron-FabandBuild]

Huge help in understanding this better. Thanks fro the help. And I am always seeking birdies or better.

[@kpag3030]

Thank you. I finally understand this properly

[@luisattack]

Great explanation! and very nice watch!

[@ednealis1759]

Thanks for taking the mystery out of handicap.

[@lakesidebc]

That was awesome! Thank-you!

[@JB-pw3gj]

What a great video well no dislike too! I love to see it!

[@creamabdul-jabbar6722]

I have a 21.7 by the 5 rounds metric. But have only played 5 rounds of golf in my life. From senior tees because I just started but once I get that to around a 15 I’m moving back

[@cjlawlor95]

This is just my take as someone who's played for the majority of his life, start tracking it when you think you're playing consistently. A 15 something HC for 5 rounds isn't bad. In my experience it's been easiest to track progress with relatively consistent scores.

[@TheBikeguy72]

Great explanation Man.

[@emmanuelmiot3953]

Thanks for sharing, very insightful!

[@patrickhinsey5727]

one of the best I have heard.. Thanks for not over doing it with all these useless thoughts and ideas.. straight forward..

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Thanks Patrick! I'm glad you liked it!

[@randyjones3180]

Thanks for the info, clears up a lot.

[@benn6085]

Really good explanation!!! Thanks man

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Thanks Ben! I'm glad it made sense, make sure to check out my other videos and Subscribe! Thanks for the support! -Tyson

[@dubnessIII]

Great explanation. Seems pretty generous to be honest. Taking the 3 best rounds out of 10 seems like good cherry-picking to me, but I’ll take it!

[@BrianPex]

That’s good so you’re not smoking everyone you play. Ha

[@jacplanespotting314]

Good explanation......including the mysterious "0.96"

[@danielportillo7925]

Thanks Jason‼️💎

[@salazama]

Great video! So with the USGA switching to the world handicap standard, how do things change from when put this video out?

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Good question! The world handicap system brought changes such as the number of differentials that are included in your average, course conditions are accounted for, and the ESC is changed. I plan to do another video to update the system in the future. Thanks for checking out the channel.

[@geoffcohen613]

The Handicap Formula: to calculate your played to differential ((Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating) x 113) / Slope Rating = Score Differential. Average the lowest 8 OUT OF 20 score differentials = YOUR Handicap Index then to calculate your daily handicap index = index multiplied by slope rating / 113 + (Scr rating - Couse rating). In Australia, all our competition scores are played as stableford.

[@loffy742]

Great explanation, but has this changed at all with the 2020 World Handicap System?

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Thank you! Yes, a few changes have occurred such as the number of scores used have decreased such as they use only 8 of the last 20, instead of 10. They also calculate ESC differently. But the way to understand your handicap is the same. I need to do an update video to explain the changes. Thanks for the support!

[@ben-vf]

@@SeekingBirdiesGolf Great info! I'm in Australia and we used to put in 5 cards x 18 now only 3 rounds 18 or a combo of 9s x 18s or whatever so long as it is 54 holes. Is this standard?

[@jimalford6359]

Very very helpful thank you

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Your welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@thrillkillcult999]

Thanks Mc.Lovin'

[@SeeEssPerez]

Thanks for this.

[@Iron_headify]

Great explanation, thank you

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Thank you! And you’re welcome, thanks for the support!

[@Benandan12]

Thanks for this informative video 🔥

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juanquezada4317]

Wow great video

[@user-rm8rc1xi8g]

Thanks for explaining. For me, forget it. I am just going to play my best/scratch every hole. Getting the lowest scores per round is what intriguing at my beginner level. I searched for how to establish golf handicap and watched 5-6 videos, and everyone of the video sounded complex and unnecessary. Is there more to this besides getting the golf handicap to be paired with the same level players in a tournament?

[@mikerose387]

well explained! (and trust me, if i can do it u can)

[@mytong5338]

This is great thanks.

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Glad you liked it!

[@jimwhite2341]

good job Mr. Wizard!

[@j4ta680]

Thanks Man, one thing I would add is that if you usually play 9 holes like I do, use the course rating and slope for 9 holes (should be on the scorecard, differs by front 9 vs. back 9 on most courses) and at the end, multiply your (9-hole) handicap index must be multiplied by two to get your 18-hole handicap index.

[@Said_w_the_G]

I’m just gonna go with whether or not I hit less than 100 and call it a day. Cheers to everyone with a strong handicap.

[@Duckcod]

Very good

[@floodj3230]

It got close to my GHIN handicap. I assume the small difference is the course rating between white, blue and black tees since I have played all 3 but only used the blue. I play whatever my the group I am with plays.

[@JuliaChung-p2s]

Thank you!

[@cesarrivarola6409]

great explanation!!!!

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Thank you Cesar!

[@FrankNYQueens]

Outstanding

[@tonygarner3942]

Cause 96% of the time, you’re right, 100% of the time.

[@twotonetedfromteddingtone4584]

well done!

[@IPv6Freely]

Are you supposed to ignore standard rounding rules when only calculating to the 10ths?

[@mikeshea123]

Haha

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

When calculating your handicap you do not follow the typical rounding rules. It’s definitely kind of weird but you drop to the 10th position, no matter the number.

[@IPv6Freely]

@@mikeshea123 Why "Haha"? Is there something amusing about asking a logical question?

[@IPv6Freely]

@@SeekingBirdiesGolf Interesting! Okay then, thank you! Great video!

[@darnellturner6389]

Thank you you did a great job explaining the handicap, but I think I'll use an app

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Haha! Thanks! I use the app too!

[@Fordy11895]

Hello How would this work if you only played 9 holes? 😊⛳️

[@43stlrs]

Do you know how many top rounds the USGA uses if you only have 15 scores to record?

[@ricsalsa]

Thank nicely explain... but now what do you do with that 15.6 handicap ?? how do you use it if u play a friend with différent handicap. Post a exemple pls 😊👌

[@andyfrizzell4352]

You round it to the nearest whole number. You would be a 16. Where a 15.4 would be a 15.

[@SnowWolf90]

I just played a pretty tough course, I shot a 47, and the adjusted differential was 8 something so that's pretty good right? I mean that's what I shoot, low to mid 40s

[@Notsosuperuser]

Hopefully this makes sense.. Does it have to be at least 5 scores of 18 holes? Or can you figure this out with 5 scores of nine holes? I usually just golf 9 holes every time I play.

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

To my understanding, yes. You would need 10 - 9 hole rounds to make 5. But under the new formula for World Handicap, it may be different. I haven’t looked into just 9 hole rounds.

[@GSDPops]

Hi, new golfer here - as of four days ago. What app?

[@amatya.rakshasa]

What is adjusted gross score ? Is it literally what I scored ? Why is it called “adjusted” as opposed to just gross score ? Thanks.

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Adjusted gross score is your score minus any stroke adjustments for Equitable Stroke Control or ESC.

[@amatya.rakshasa]

@@SeekingBirdiesGolf Ok Thanks. Let me search KZbin for how to calculate that.

[@neilcallender4455]

Good video but my head is still hurting trying to work this out. At the moment my H/C is 18.1, but my WHS is 15.9. So if asked, say tomorrow, what is my H/C, do I say 18.1 or 15.9 ?? golf use to be such a simple game !!!

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Hey Neil, thanks for your comment! In the states, your handicap is now a 15.9. The USGA just adopted the WHS this past year. Haha, lots of numbers but just let the app do it. But it is nice to know why your handicap is the way it is.

[@Twistedpage]

@@SeekingBirdiesGolf you say let the app do it. Which app is that? Thanks.

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

I don’t know your location but I use the GHIN app in the states. There is also 18Birdies and other apps that can track your handicap. Check with your local golf association and I’m sure they can provide you with the governing body that manages handicaps.

[@Twistedpage]

@@SeekingBirdiesGolf thanks. I used the GHIN before but always at the course. Been about 10 years since I had an ‘official’ handicap. Thanks for the explanation. Hit em straight!!

[@jameshood793]

how do you handle handicaps when they play same course but different tee boxes do you need to add 2 different cards

[@salsahot]

The slope and Course rating are separate for different tee boxes - it's basically a Different course

[@GirlArmy21]

Is it (handicap) always based on 18 holes? I typically play 9. Can I figure out my handicap with my score from that?

[@timv17]

You can. In that case, you use the exact same equation, however you make two changes in the variables: - For the AGS you count your strokes over the nine holes you played, double that and add 1. You do this to be able to compare the nine holes you played to eighteen holes - but with a little penalty (I don't really know what the reasoning behind it is, but ok). So say you played 9 holes with a par 36 score and you shot 50, your "18 hole score" is (50x2)+1 = 101. - For the CR you take the course rating for only those nine holes, but double that. Your club should have them hanging on the handicap chart in the club house or you could look it up online. For nine holes, the average CR is somewhere between 32 and 40. For example, my local course has a CR of 69.7 for the full 18 holes, but 35.5 for the first 9 only. For example: you play a round of 9 holes on a Par 36 course with a SR of 133 and a CR of 35.5. You played that round in 50 strokes. The equation becomes: ( (adjusted AGS - (CR x 2) ) x 113 ) / SR ( ( (50x2)+1) - (35.5 x 2)) x 113 ) / 133 ( (101 - 71) x 113 ) / 133 (30 x 113 ) / 133 3390 / 133 Your handicap = 25.4

[@harryyoung7163]

What is the app that tells you your handicap for each course after your round???

[@azimstephmuhammad5785]

What app do you use to record scores so you can keep up with your handicap?

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

I use the GHIN app from USGA, but I also use 18Birdies. I have also heard good things about Grint. Thanks for watching!

[@ProjectFRESHLLC]

Very straightforward video, thank you. Very new to golf, about 3 rounds in today. I see I'll need a few more rounds at the very least before this becomes something to calculate. Just out of curiosity, does your handicap only matter during competitive play?

[@immortalwreckage8943]

It makes sense but being how dynamic golf is, a handicap is still useless data. Error correction here involves the lowest score differential to rule out the bad days, which is fine but it’s a skewed reflection of how a talented golfer handles dynamic situations. To me, this is the difference of a pro vs amateur. Obviously you can’t simply formulate weather conditions and course conditions into a handicap, but those dynamics are important! My point is don’t stress over a handicap and just enjoy golf!

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

I agree! Its a good barometer for your progress and is obviously used in tournament play but if you are just playing for fun, DON'T stress it; enjoy. Thanks for watching!

[@markbrooks7257]

It’s not useless data if you’re wanting to play and compete with a few friends who are all different skill levels. It can introduce competition into a foursome where the golfers shoot say 72-82-92-102 on average. Well with a handicap, now your 20 handicap guy can compete against the scratch golfer and introduce a little fun into the round. Basically, once you know your number, you can know whether you’re playing better or worse than you should based on your own skill level.

[@dddmmm21]

So, how can I make it official? Do I need to subscribe to the USGA and input my results there? Can I informally get this tracked with any app as I play?

[@salsahot]

a lot of phone apps like 18Birdies will calculate your handicap - they have the course ratings and slopes in their database. I think Swing U also does it (but neither are free)

[@charlied4850]

I have heard that you multiply your handicap by .96 when you are competing in match play. This way, the better golfer will win if both golfers shoot their handicap score to par. Otherwise, they would tie.

[@bitario723]

Can you do an update for WHS in 2020 as there is no more ESC?

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

It’s in the works! I will definitely update with a new video! Thanks

[@bitario723]

@@SeekingBirdiesGolf cool, thanks. I've been trying to find a free app/website to use for my league of 8 players, but the closest thing I could find was fringegolf.com. Unfortunately you have to enter every hole instead of the total course score, and to do that for 8 of us (x 20 rounds) would be to time consuming. If you have any suggestions (other than me doing an Excel spreadsheet which I am working on now), I'm open to suggestions. I was using The Grint, but they now charge $20 and while I don't mind paying it, I don't want to burden my friends. Great video and thanks again in advance for any help.

[@tomf9292]

What is “ adjusted gross score”?

[@Gio-nl7eg]

Watching this made me want to never learn how to calculate my handicap 😂

[@mattsmudger54]

I take it this is based on 10 scores on the same course… thing that confuses me is keeping your handicap up to date like when your playing at different courses regularly?

[@timv17]

This equation works with any round that you play, because every course has its own SR and CR. That way you can compare different rounds on different courses and still end up with a handicap.

[@Donna_0b9l]

Your guide to success: refund details and anticipated actions

[@blackceeser]

does that formula work for 9 holes?

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

The way I read it is yes, but the formula will wait for a second 9 holes to include it into the formula. I could be wrong but the formula does allow 9 hole rounds to be posted.

[@creamabdul-jabbar6722]

I guess my course is so bad it doesn’t show rating or slope on the card

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

It is one of 2 things: First, it might just not be posted on the scorecard. Ask someone in the pro shop. Second, your course just might not be a member of the governing body in your area; ie USGA, etc.

[@creamabdul-jabbar6722]

Seeking Birdies Golf I finally found it online it’s only a 9 hole course so the rating was 34.4 so I would double that right? Make it a 68.8

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

@@creamabdul-jabbar6722 I don't know how to treat 9 hole courses, but that would be the most logical way to do it in my opinion!

[@randyjones3180]

I wonder why they don't use all the rounds to get a better average. All 5, all 10 etc

[@timv17]

I once heard someone explain it to me because the handicap shows a golfer's max potential on that given day and not his average potential. Which makes sense because you're always trying to play your best rather than aim all your tee shots in the water.

[@randyjones3180]

@@timv17understand what your saying. But we have a group. We started using handicaps because a new guy joined and he was so much better. He hit consistently in high 70's low 80's the rest of us in mid to high 80's low 90's. Seemed like the new guy had to give us so many strokes he was always at a disadvantage. Then on day he had a phenomenal game shot 69 won for that day but after that his handicap was so much lower he had very hard time winning again.

[@JD-kf2ki]

Your watch looks like a Rolex.

[@JJ_Khailha]

You don’t drop decimals without rounding up or down.

[@bowwowwowphotography961]

What happens if you have some 9 hole rounds

[@narmstrongracing]

How do you do the math if you play a game of the F/B 9?

[@TheYoyozo]

I really like this video, however it is outdated as a new system was adopted in 2020.

[@yousefhaddad4259]

Min 4:50 aren't you supposed to round to the nearest tenth? the 21.367 should be 21.4

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

In the calculation for Handicap, you do not follow standard rounding rules. You just drop the hundredth and thousandth in this case to show the tenth place. Thanks for watching!

[@mikewest712]

Never understood or played into the handicap system. Kinda like drag racing when you give someone the hit.

[@ciaranslater4]

Doesn't work like this in Ireland or the uk unfortunately

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

You are probably on the World Handicap system? The USGA switched to that in January

[@ruatoomey9107]

Coming in November I think

[@DesGardius-me7gf]

PETER: Hey, uh, Joe? JOE: Ugh... don’t say it Peter. PETER: I was just wondering... JOE: _Peter, I swear to God!_ PETER: What’s your handicap? JOE: *OH-HO-HO! OH! EVERY HOLE! IT’S A JOKE THAT JUST DOESN’T GET OLD!!!*

[@cmillz2365]

So if you have a 15.9 handicap does that mean you subtract that from your final score of the round?

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

No, there is a little more to it than that. To find out how you did compared to the course, you would look up your course handicap and compare your index to that. Thanks for watching!

[@mpsymonds1]

Hello !

[@ultramegacyberdude2960]

Good job…! Bottom line, use a Golf Handicap Calculator…!

[@SwiperGuy]

That is a Nile score card! I know that cause I work there lol

[@DarbsPlaysGolf]

Struggle to understand why it would be the best of 5 (top 20% of rounds), 3 of 10 (top 30%) and then the best 10 of your most recent 20 round (top 50%). Sounds like it could be quite demoralising seeing your handicap rise between your 5th and 20th rounds as more of your poor rounds get included in the equation.

[@DarbsPlaysGolf]

Great explanation for others. When I first started I calculated my own handicaps using a spreadsheet and the equation you used, but when it came to Average Score Diff I went with a consistent “top 40%”, so 2 of my first 5 rounds averaged, then 4 of my first 10 and then the 8 best of my first / most recent 20 rounds

[@abhishek231090]

You video is really great. I want to more Can you pls make me understand more about score calculation We can Skype Pls really needed

[@ikigai47]

Ahh, THIS is why I saw those golfers beating up a guy that can't break 90 yet whipped his calculator out after a round. Mystery solved

[@dannyhernandez8977]

Damn then I’m a 50 handicap 😂

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Stick with it! Golf takes time, enjoy the game!

[@cjlawlor95]

I've been playing for 20 years, legitimately for maybe 10. If I calculated mine correctly (I'm a 9 hole golfer) mine is 26.2. My point is, GOLF IS HARD!!!! Have fun with it. I've been playing one course consistently my entire life and it still eats me alive. The first step to playing well is just having some fun, everything else will follow. Happy golfing!

[@dwill5724]

I think my handicap is like 50 😂😂😂

[@brandonavila3825]

Same

[@denniscieslak6607]

somebodys mnath is off i get 47.9

[@JoeyBullet222]

This was unnecessarily long.

[@SeekingBirdiesGolf]

Thank you!

[@brasstacks1696]

So a 6 is pretty darn good, Biden got skills for a frail old man 😂

[@Nickporter17]

🙄

[@dXb-hq2kt]

Too much damn work. I just want to hit the little white ball, haul ass in the golf cart, drink some beers, and talk shit to my buddies. Not do college level calculus.