Explanation of the FairwayFiles.com Handicap System
Is it official?
While the FairwayFiles handicap system is not affiliated with the USGA, the calculations used to calculate handicaps follow the guidelines provided by the USGA. The handicap calculated here should match the handicap calculated by any official USGA handicap system. Let me know if it think it doesn't by sending email to: golfadmin@meekconsulting.com.
Unfortunately the USGA does not certify web based handicap systems at this time, in part because they require that members meet regularly to enforce the rules of golf. This is the reason typically only golf clubs have "approved" handciap systems. But for most purposes this site will provide an accurate handicap you can use to even the playing field with your friends. This page provides a basic description of the way it works. For complete details see the USGA handicap manual on their web site
http://www.usga.com/handicap/manual/index.html.
How is my Handicap calculated?
Your golf handicap is designed to measure your potential, not your average score. Each round is assigned a handicap differential which takes into account the difficulty of the course as measured by the course rating and the slope. The handicap differential for a given round is calculated using the following formula:
Handicap Differential = (Gross Score - Course Rating) * 113 / (Course Slope)
The Handicap Differential is a generic number that can be used to compare rounds played on differnt courses. This is the number that is graphed in the bars on the score graph the user profile screen.
Your Handicap Index is calculated by taking the average of the best 10 of your last 20 handicap differentials. Then taking 96% of that number.
Important Note for users with less than 20 scores
If you have less than 20 scores the following table is used to determine the number of rounds that will be counted twords your handicap index. According to the USGA you can't have a handicap index until you have at least 5 scores entered, but to allow people to get a feel for what their handicap will be, the system calculates a handicap even if you only have one score.
Warning:Be wary of betting with anyone with less than 7 scores as the basis of their handicap.
| Number of Scores |
Cutt-off |
| 5 or 6 |
Lowest 1 |
| 7 or 8 |
Lowest 2 |
| 9 or 10 |
Lowest 3 |
| 11 or 12 |
Lowest 4 |
| 13 or 14 |
Lowest 5 |
| 15 or 16 |
Lowest 6 |
| 17 |
Lowest 7 |
| 18 |
Lowest 8 |
| 19 |
Lowest 9 |
| 20 |
Lowest 10 |