USGA Handicap System to World Handicap System – Change Summary
Maximum Hole Score for Handicap Purposes (Net Double Bogey)
USGA Handicap System (pre-2020)
U
: The maximum hole score for handicap purposes was
based on a player’s Course Handicap and the following Equitable Stroke control (ESC) table:
Course Handicap Maximum Score on any Hole
9 or less
Double Bogey
10 through 19
7
20 through 29
8
30 through 39
9
40 or more
10
U
Rule Change for 2020
U
: The maximum hole score for each player is limited to a Net Double
Bogey, calculated as follows:
Double Bogey + handicap strokes a player receives (or gives) based on their
Course Handicap
(“or gives” only applies to plus handicap players)
U
Reasons for Change
The Net Double Bogey adjustment is more consistent from hole to hole than the ESC
procedure.
o
For example – Using the ESC procedure, a player with a Course Handicap of 21
would have the same maximum score (8) on each hole – regardless of the Par or
difficulty of the hole.
o
By factoring in Par and Stroke Index values under the Net Double Bogey
procedure, adjusted hole scores are more precise and reflective of each player’s
demonstrated ability.
»
This is a more personal assessment compared to the grouping together
of Course Handicap ranges.
While this is a change for all who have used the USGA Handicap System, Net Double
Bogey has been used successfully in many parts of the world – as it is the equivalent to
zero points in the Net Stableford format of play.
The 2019 “Rules of Golf” introduced the maximum score form of stroke play, and Net
Double Bogey was included as a recommended maximum score.
o When Net Double Bogey is the maximum score set by the Committee, no
adjustments are necessary for handicap purposes.
