Commonly Asked Handicap Questions and Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the USGA Handicap System™?
A: To make the game of golf more enjoyable by enabling golfers of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis.

Q: Why is my Handicap Index® better than the average of my scores in relation to par?
A: A Handicap Index® is based on a player’s potential ability. Index is calculated on the best 10 of 20 score differentials in a scoring record, not an average of the 20.

Q: My Handicap Index® is 10.3. Why do I receive 13 strokes from my home club back tee, but only 11 when I visit my friend’s home facility?
A: Because your home club is more difficult (higher slope rating) than the away course you are visiting. Always check the course conversion charts when playing a different golf course or playing a different set of tees than usual at your home club.

Q: What do the letters mean next to my scores on my handicap card label and in my personal score history?
A: Letters indicate the type of score posted. The type of score can effect your Handicap Index® in different ways.

Q: I see tournament scores listed in a separate box on my golfer information page. Are these scores treated different from others?
A: Yes. If a player has two or more eligible tournament scores with differentials at least three strokes better than the player’s Handicap Index®, an alternate calculation is used to lower the player’s USGA Handicap Index®. The alternate calculation is more reflective of the player’s actual ability.

Q: What is “trend” on the golfer information page?
A: Handicap Indexes® are updated according to a “revision schedule” (usually every two weeks, but at least once a month depending on geographic region). Scores posted after a revision date do not effect a golfer’s Handicap Index® until the next revision. Trend is calculated in real-time after every score posted and is an unofficial estimate of a player’s handicap. The trend is not an official handicap and should not be used in formal competition. Use of trend is not recommended by the USGA®.

Q: When can I expect to see my Away or Internet scores posted at my home club terminal?
A: GSG receives and sends transmissions of data from all clients daily between 2AM-4AM. This allows all GSG courses and associations to be updated with Away and Internet scores each day rather than after an extended period of time.

Q: Can my Handicap Index® be reduced in any other way than posting scores?
A: Yes. The Handicap Committee at any authorized golf club or association has the ability to adjust your Handicap Index® if it does not represent your true golf potential. Example 1: The Committee may “modify” a player index beyond the tournament score calculation for a player who scores much lower in tournaments than in informal play. Example 2: The Committee may add “penalty” scores for a player attempting to manipulate their Handicap Index® or the USGA Handicap System™.

Q: What is required of a Handicap Committee?
A: The Handicap Committee should be responsible for all aspects of the USGA Handicap System™, including the computation of USGA Handicap Indexes. The Handicap Committee shall verify that all acceptable scores are reported for handicap purposes, and that recorded scores are available for peer review. GSG requires all clients be compliant and maintain the appropriate license to utilize any part of the USGA Handicap System™.

Q: Where can I find more information about the USGA Handicap System™?
A: The entire USGA Handicap System™ Manual is located in the Handicap Section of the USGA® web site.

Q: I have an additional question regarding my handicap that wasn’t answered here. Who should I contact?
A: Call your local PGA Professional at the home club where your handicap is maintained. If he/she cannot answer any specific question, please call the GSG Office (856-227-4013) and our Professional Staff will assist you.

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