Golf term
Handicap Index
A Handicap Index is a portable measure of a golfer's demonstrated ability, calculated by the USGA World Handicap System from the best score differentials in a rolling window of recent rounds.
The USGA World Handicap System takes the best 8 of your last 20 score differentials — each differential adjusts your gross score for the course rating and slope of the tee you played — averages them, and multiplies by 0.96. This single number can then be converted to a Course Handicap at any rated course, making it portable across different layouts.
Your Handicap Index captures your scoring potential but says nothing about which part of your game produces those scores. A strokes gained breakdown across the same rounds would reveal whether your handicap is driven by solid approach play, an above-average short game, or hot putting — knowledge the index alone cannot provide. For how to use both together, read how to lower your handicap with data.
Sources
Related terms & guides
Glossary
Scoring Average
Scoring average is the mean number of strokes a golfer takes per round, calculated across a defined set of rounds.
Glossary
Scratch Golfer
A scratch golfer is a player with a Handicap Index of 0.0 — someone who, on average, plays to the course rating from the tees they use.
Glossary
Bogey Golfer
A bogey golfer is a player whose Handicap Index is roughly 18 (men) or 24 (women) — someone who averages about one over par per hole.
Glossary
Par
Par is the predetermined number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole or an entire round, accounting for two putts on each green.
Guide
How to Lower Your Handicap With Data
Guide
Strokes Gained Explained: The Complete Guide