NIHGA shall use an approximation of the USGA’s 2020 World Handicap System (WHS) to establish and maintain member handicap indexes and playing handicaps. 

The handicap index is calculated using the 3 best of your last 6 scores. The handicap index will be calculated with as few as 2 scores when the player has fewer than 6 scores.  

A handicap differential is calculated from the hole-by-hole scores on the scorecards submitted by the players. The gross score is automatically adjusted by the handicapping app if the score on any hole exceeds the WHS limit of net double bogey.  Net double bogey is defined as double bogey plus the handicap strokes received on the hole. If a handicap index has not yet been established, the adjustment is par + 5. The differential is then calculated using this formula: 

Handicap Differential = (Adjusted Gross Score – USGA Course Rating) * 113 / Slope Rating

The Handicap Index is finally calculated by averaging the eligible differentials up to a Maximum Handicap index of 54.0.  

When a round is to be played, the Playing Handicap is calculated by first getting the Course Handicap using the formula: 

Course Handicap = Handicap Index * (Slope Rating / 113) + (Course Rating – par)

This result is then multiplied by the handicap allowance to come up with the Playing Handicap that will be used to determine strokes received for the round. NIHGA uses the USGA recommended Handicap Allowance of 95% for individual stroke play and 90% for four-ball Match Play.  If a course has different pars for the different tees that NIHGA uses, the Playing Handicap is adjusted by the difference in pars. 

Playing Handicap = Handicap Allowance * Course Handicap + Difference in Pars

NIHGA does not use the Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC), Soft/Hard caps on handicap movement, or exceptional score adjustments.