Handicap System
The World Handicap System explained — how index, course handicap, slope, and rating actually interact.
Handicap System sits at the heart of the ResortGolfer library. Our editors have organized the material below for golfers at every level — from first-time players curious about the fundamentals to mid-handicappers refining a system that already works.
Every page in this cluster is reviewed by playing professionals or PGA-certified instructors, cross-referenced against published research where applicable, and updated as equipment, rules, and tour-level data evolve.
Use the topic grid below as your entry point. Each card opens a deeper guide with practice drills, video references, and links to adjacent material across the site.
Explore the cluster
Hand-edited entry points into the deeper material on this subject.
Handicap Index
The 8-of-20 calculation.
Course Handicap
Slope-adjusted strokes for the day.
Course & Slope Rating
What those numbers actually measure.
Playing Handicap
Match play and competition adjustments.
Posting Scores
Adjusted gross score and net double bogey.
Net Allowances
Stableford and competition formats.