If you are looking to get a Handicap Index, understanding how it works under the World Handicap System™ is the first step.
A Handicap Indexis a measure of your demonstrated playing ability, calculated from your recent scores and designed to make the game fair and consistent for all golfers.
Through iGolf, you can obtain a Handicap Index® for £46 per year and begin tracking your performance.
What is a Handicap Index?
A Handicap Index represents your playing ability and is calculated using a standardised formula under the World Handicap System.
Rather than being based on your average score, it is calculated from your best recent performances. This ensures that your Handicap Index reflects your demonstrated potential rather than occasional higher scores.
- Based on your best 8 score differentials from your most recent 20 scores
- Updates as new acceptable scores are submitted
- Portable across different courses
- Designed to create fairness for golfers of all abilities
What is the World Handicap System?
Why was the World Handicap System introduced?
The World Handicap System was introduced to create a unified method of handicapping. It allows golfers to have a consistent and portable Handicap Index.
How does it create consistency?
It uses a standardised calculation method, including Course Rating™, Slope Rating® and Score Differential™ to ensure fairness across different courses and conditions.
Who does it apply to?
It applies to golfers who maintain a Handicap Index through an authorised handicapping body operating under the World Handicap System.
Why Have a Handicap Index?
Track Your Progress
Measure your improvement over time using a recognised system.
Play With Confidence
Know where your game stands when playing new courses.
View Your Scoring History
Have a structured record of your playing performance.
How Is a Handicap Index Calculated?
Your Handicap Index is calculated using:
- Your most recent 20 acceptable scores
- The best 8 Score Differentials from those scores
Each time you submit a new acceptable score, your Handicap Index updates automatically.
For a more detailed breakdown of Score Differential, visit our in depth guide.
How to Get a Handicap Index
- Join iGolf
- Activate your account
- Submit 54 acceptable holes (made up of either 9 or 18 hole scores)
- Receive and maintain your Handicap Index
An iGolf subscription costs £46 per year and provides access to a Handicap Index® under the World Handicap System™.
Frequently Asked Questions
iGolf provides a route for eligible golfers to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index under the World Handicap System without club membership.
To get an initial Handicap Index you must submit acceptable scores from 54 holes of golf, made up of either 9 or 18 hole rounds.
Your Handicap Index calculation develops as you submit scores. Once you have 20 acceptable scores, it is calculated using the best 8 from those 20.
It updates automatically at midnight on the day of play following the submission of an acceptable score.
Yes. Your Handicap Index is portable and adjusts to the difficulty of the course you are playing. Please note, these must be rated courses.