How to Calculate a Nine-Hole Golf Handicap

Many golfers play only nine holes or participate in a nine-hole golf league. To make the league competitive, there must be a handicap. The United States Golf Association handicap system enables golfers of all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. Some groups simply use an average of scores to develop a handicap. However, this is not the correct way to assign a handicap. The correct method is to develop a USGA index for nine holes or use half of an eighteen hole index.

Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a USGA Index. The index can be issued with as little as five scores. The handicap index is eventually calculated using the ten best of the golfer's most recent twenty scores. The USGA permits taking half the eighteen hole index for a nine hole handicap event. If a golfer only plays nine holes, the USGA allows the handicap to be created as a nine hole index.

    • 2

      Create an index through a golf shop, golf association or internet site. Post scores following a round on a computer at the golf course or over the Internet. The handicap will be updated approximately every two weeks.

    • 3

      Calculate the handicap yourself. The USGA uses a specific formula to calculate the index. Total the ten lowest handicap differentials of the last twenty scores. Average the handicap differentials. Multiply the average of handicap differentials by .96. Delete all digits after one decimal place for handicap index. If you calculate the handicap with 18-hole scores, divide the final number by 2 for an accurate 9-hole handicap. Update the handicap routinely for an accurate handicap.