A score for handicap purposes should not be overly influenced by one or two bad hole scores they are not reflective of a players demonstrated ability. To prevent the occasional bad hole from impacting your Handicap Index too severely, the World Handicap System (WHS) outlines how to determine your maximum hole score. Remember…this is used for handicap purposes, but a higher score in an event would stand for the purposes of declaring a winner!
How do I calculate my Maximum Score Hole?
Referring to the Rules of Handciapping (Rule 3.1), players with an established Handicap Index can enter a maximum score of Net Double Bogey, calculated as follows:
How do I enter a score with a Net Double Bogey?
To apply a Net Double Bogey, use your Course Handicap to determine which holes you give or receive strokes. Then, on any holes where you have surpassed your maximum hole score, your score will be adjusted downward to your maximum.
Looking at this example, Jane has a Course Handicap of 16. Jane receives one stroke on each of the stroke index holes 1-16, Jane’s maximum score on these holes would be a triple bogey (Par + 2 strokes + 1 stroke received). On holes 17 & 18 (where Jane does not receive a stroke), her maximum score is a double bogey.
This sounds like a lot of work; can this adjustment be done automatically?
Yes, if you enter your scores in the Golf Canada Score Centre hole-by-hole (via the mobile app or website), the system will automatically adjust your hole scores to your Net Double Bogey should it be surpassed.
What if I do not have a Handicap Index?
If you have not yet established a Handicap Index, your maximum score per hole is Par + 5 strokes.
To learn more please watch the following video ; or read more here.
—
If you have any questions regarding the Rules of Handicapping, please feel free to Ask an Expert or complete our Rules of Handicapping Certification seminar and quiz.