Members,

We often use the term “handicap,” but there is sometimes confusion regarding its specific definitions. I am frequently asked for clarification, so I have provided a brief explanation of the key terms below:

Handicap Index

Your Handicap Index is calculated using the best 8 of your last 20 scores. It represents your potential ability rather than your average score. When a new score is posted, the oldest score drops off and a new index is computed.

Course Handicap

Your Course Handicap is based on your Handicap Index and the difficulty of the course. A more difficult course results in a higher Course Handicap. For example, at Eisenhower, moving from the gold tees to the white tees represents a more difficult course, resulting in a higher Course Handicap.

Playing Handicap

Your Playing Handicap is determined by applying a handicap allowance to your Course Handicap. For OPCs, we use a 100% allowance, meaning your Course and Playing Handicaps are the same. For many other tournaments, we apply specific allowances to ensure fairness based on the competition format.

In short, your Course Handicap is the base number of strokes you receive, while your Playing Handicap is that number adjusted for the specific competition format.  There are equations for figuring all of this out, but your GHIN app already does all the heavy lifting.

Target Score

We should all strive to shoot our target score or better. Your target score is par plus your Course Handicap. Please keep in mind that most players typically play to their target score about 15-20% of the time. However, most of the time, if you hit your target score in one of our competitions, you're likely going to be in the money.

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks.

Larry Walker, President EMGA

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