How is a Score Differential™ Calculated

Modified on Thu, 24 Sep at 3:30 PM

A Score Differential™ is a measure of how well you played in a round, taking into account the difficulty of the course and the playing conditions on the day.


This means scores from different courses and tees can be compared on a consistent basis. Your Score Differentials are then used when calculating your Handicap Index®.


Your Score Differential is calculated using:


Score Differential™ = (Adjusted Gross Score – Course Rating – PCC) × (113 ÷ Slope Rating)


For example, if your round has:

  • Adjusted Gross Score: 99 
  • Course Rating: 68.6 
  • Slope Rating: 120 
  • PCC: 0 


The calculation would be:

(99 – 68.6 – 0) × (113 ÷ 120) = 28.6


Your Score Differential for the round would be 28.6.


You can find more information about Score Differentials in Rule 5.1 of the Rules of Handicapping.


Click HERE to download a copy.



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