Duffers Golf Association
An Explanation of the Handicap Index
This explanation of the USGA Handicap System is provided to help our members understand the meaning of their handicap indexes. Although the DGA index is not an approved USGA handicap, it is figured using the USGA system. The USGA Handicap System is based on the potential ability of a player rather than the average of all his scores. Average players are expected to play to his or her Course Handicap or better only about 25 percent of the time. On average, players will shoot three strokes higher than their Course Handicap. It is expected that a player's best score of his latest 20, will be only two strokes better than his Course Handicap. A USGA Handicap Index compares a player's scoring ability to the scoring ability of an expert amateur on a course of standard difficulty. A Handicap Index is computed from no more than 20 scores plus eligible tournament scores. This reflects the player's potential because it is based upon the best ten scores of the past twenty rounds. One of the most common mistakes when posting scores has to do with the Equitable Stroke Control (ESC). ESC is the downward adjustment of individual hole scores for handicap purposes in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential scoring ability. ESC sets a maximum number that a player can post on any hole depending on the Player's Course Handicap. ESC is used when a player's actual score exceeds his maximum number allowed. There is no limit to the number of holes that a player may adjust his score.
The following chart should be used when determining whether to adjust your score.