Golf Handicap Differential Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the golf handicap differential calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

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Formulas Used

Handicap Differential

differential = (adjusted_score - course_rating) * 113 / slope_rating

Strokes Over Course Rating

over_par = adjusted_score - course_rating

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
adjusted_scoreAdjusted Gross Score88
course_ratingCourse Rating72.1
slope_ratingSlope Rating131

How It Works

Golf Handicap Differential

The handicap differential normalizes scores across courses of different difficulty using the USGA/WHS formula.

Formula

Differential = (Adjusted Score - Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating

113 is the standard slope rating. A course with slope 131 is harder than standard, so the formula adjusts the differential downward. Your handicap index is the average of your best differentials (best 8 of last 20 rounds).

Worked Example

Score of 88 on a course rated 72.1 with slope 131.

adjusted_score = 88course_rating = 72.1slope_rating = 131
  1. 01Over rating = 88 - 72.1 = 15.9
  2. 02Differential = 15.9 x 113 / 131 = 13.7

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