HGHS Score Selection Table
| .png) This is the score selection table for Leagues that elect to use the Handicomp Golf Handicap System (HGHS) formula, acclaimed as one of the most precise handicap systems available for leagues.
Fundamentally, calculating a golf handicap requires two pieces of information: the golfer and their score data from various rounds. The key question often asked is, 'which scores should be included in the handicap calculation?' Clearly, using just one score or all scores ever played doesn't fairly represent a golfer's ability. The most equitable approach, refined by Handicomp through extensive algorithmic analysis across thousands of golfers and millions of scores, is to use a subset of the most recent scores. Specifically, the most accurate handicaps are derived from fifteen out of twenty-five 9-hole scores, excluding the nine worst and one best score.
Our score selection table reflects this approach, providing adjustments for when fewer than twenty-five 9-hole scores are available. The HGHS formula is thoughtfully designed to accommodate players still accumulating their scores, with flexibility for leagues to accept or decline handicaps based on their score set size. This method ensures a more accurate and fair representation of golfers' abilities across the board. | .png)
Number of Available 9-Hole Scores
| Number of Scores Used in Base Calculation
| Score selection for use in Base Calculation
| Graphical Example - Best scores to the left and worst scores to the right Scores used are in Red
| 1
| 1
| Use Best 1
| *
| 2
| 1
| Drop Worst 1
| **
| 3
| 2
| Drop Worst 1
| ***
| 4
| 2
| Drop Worst 2 | ****
| 5
| 3
| Drop Worst 2
| *****
| 6
| 4
| Drop Worst 2
| ******
| 7
| 4
| Drop Worst 3
| *******
| 8
| 5
| Drop Worst 3
| ********
| 9
| 5
| Drop Worst 4
| *********
| 10
| 6
| Drop Worst 4
| **********
| 11
| 7
| Drop Worst 4
| ***********
| 12
| 7
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 4
| ************
| 13
| 8
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 4
| *************
| 14
| 8
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 5
| **************
| 15 | 9
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 5
| ***************
| 16
| 10
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 5
| ****************
| 17
| 10
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 6
| *****************
| 18
| 11
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 6
| ******************
| 19
| 11
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 7
| *******************
| 20
| 12
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 7
| ********************
| 21
| 13
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 7
| *********************
| 22
| 13
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 8
| **********************
| 23
| 14
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 8
| ***********************
| 24
| 14
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 9
| ************************
| 25
| 15
| Drop Best 1 & Worst 9
| ************************* |
.png)
| Fequently Asked Questions on Handicap Calculation
Do calculations include scores shot outside of league play? - The use of scores is determined by each league individually, whether including all available scores, only those from the current or past league years. Please consult your league administrator for your league's specific practice.
Why prefer 9-hole scores over 18-hole scores? - 9-hole scores provide more granular data, leading to more accurate handicapping. Essentially, more detailed scores from 9-hole rounds offer a better understanding of a golfer's performance compared to fewer, broader 18-hole scores.
Why use twenty-five 9-hole scores specifically? - Balancing between too static or volatile handicaps, twenty-five 9-hole scores provide a reliable representation of current playing ability. Too many scores make the handicap too fixed, while too few make it overly sensitive to recent performances.
.png) Why not average all scores for handicapping? - Averaging all scores often favors inconsistent or strategic scoring ("sandbagging"). The HGHS aims to reflect genuine playing ability by focusing on a curated subset of recent scores, avoiding dilution by less representative rounds.
Why exclude the best score in calculations? - Occasionally, an exceptionally low score may not truly represent a player's regular playing level. Excluding this score helps maintain accuracy in predicting future performance.
How does the system account for course and tee difficulty? - The HGHS considers the relative difficulty of tees as part of the handicap calculation. This ensures that the same score on a more challenging course is appropriately valued higher than on an easier one, reflecting the true skill level required.
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