How do I get my first Handicap Index?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under Rules 1.4, 4.5 and 5.2a of the 2024 Rules of Handicapping: Club membership: you must be a member of a golf club affiliated with an Authorized Association (or a direct member of an Authorized Association that has taken over the responsibility of a club), and designate a home club. Scores needed: submit acceptable scores from a minimum of 54 holes (for example three 18-hole rounds). Holes are limited to par + 5 until you have an index. Calculation with fewer than 20 scores: Score Differentials Used Adjustment 3 Lowest 1 -2.0 4 Lowest 1 -1.0 5 Lowest 1 0 6 Average of lowest 2 -1.0 7 or 8 Average of lowest 2 0 9 to 11 Average of lowest 3 0 12 to 14 Average of lowest 4 0 15 or 16 Average of lowest 5 0 17 or 18 Average of lowest 6 0 19 Average of lowest 7 0 20 Average of lowest 8 0 The result is rounded to the nearest tenth. An initial Handicap Index above 54.0 is set at 54.0. The Handicap Committee may modify an initial Handicap Index up or down, to a maximum of 54.0, based on additional evidence of your demonstrated ability.

Score Differentials	Used	Adjustment
3	Lowest 1	-2.0
4	Lowest 1	-1.0
5	Lowest 1	0
6	Average of lowest 2	-1.0
7 or 8	Average of lowest 2	0
9 to 11	Average of lowest 3	0
12 to 14	Average of lowest 4	0
15 or 16	Average of lowest 5