Plain-English guides to the World Handicap System. Start with how to get a handicap in the UK and work through from there, or jump to whatever you are stuck on.
How to Get a Golf Handicap in the UK
Join a club, submit your first scores, or use iGolf if you are not a member.
How Your Handicap Index is Calculated
How your handicap index is worked out, from your first rounds to best 8 from 20.
What Is a Score Differential?
What that Diff beside each round means, and how it is worked out.
What Is Slope Rating?
Why your shots change from course to course, and what 113 means.
What Is Course Rating?
How it differs from par, and where it fits in your handicap.
Golf Competition Formats
How each format is played and the handicap allowance that applies.
Playing Handicap vs Course Handicap
Two similar numbers, two different jobs on competition day.
Interactive Scorecard
See which holes you receive shots on, by Stroke Index.
General Play Rounds Explained
When casual rounds count towards your handicap, and how to submit them.
WHS Soft Cap and Hard Cap
Why your handicap cannot rise too quickly after a bad run.
Ready to put it into practice?
Enter your Handicap Index and course ratings to get your Course Handicap.
Go to the course handicap calculator