Update: On March 1, 2012 the RCGA ESC will become the same as the USGA ESC.
Ever wish you could bounce between calculating an RCGA Handicap Factor and USGA Index? You can with our Handicap System Web Edition and Desktop Edition. The USGA Index and RCGA Handicap Factor are very similar in their calculation methods. Below is a table comparing the Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) for USGA Index and RCGA Factor calculation.
| USGA |
|
RCGA |
|
| Course Handicap |
Limit on any hole |
Course Handicap |
Limit on any hole |
| 9 or less |
Double bogey |
Plus or scratch |
1 over par |
| 10 through 19 |
7 |
1 through 18 |
2 over par |
| 20 through 29 |
8 |
19 through 32 |
3 over par |
| 30 through 39 |
9 |
33 and above |
4 over par |
| 40 and above |
10 |
n/a |
n/a |
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the calculations for the RCGA Handicap Factor and USGA Index (background color shows where the two are different):
| USGA |
RCGA |
| If a player’s scoring record contains 20 or more scores, then the best 10 handicap differentials of the most recent 20 scores are used. If there are less than 20 scores, refer to table to see how many differentials to use (same for USGA/RCGA). |
If a player’s scoring record contains 20 or more scores, then the best 10 handicap differentials of the most recent 20 scores are used. If there are less than 20 scores, refer to table to see how many differentials to use (same for USGA/RCGA). |
| Convert gross scores to adjusted gross scores using Equitable Stroke Control (see table above). |
Convert gross scores to adjusted gross scores using Equitable Stroke Control (see difference in table above). |
| Calculate a handicap differential for each of the 20 scores. Handicap Differential = (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating) x 113 ÷ Slope Rating. Round differential to nearest 10th. |
Calculate a handicap differential for each of the 20 scores. Handicap Differential = (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating) x 113 ÷ Slope Rating. Round differential to nearest 10th. |
| Calculate average of 10 lowest differentials from the most recent 20 scores. |
Calculate average of 10 lowest differentials from the most recent 20 scores. |
| Multiply the average of differentials by 96% and truncate to 1 decimal point. |
Multiply the average of differentials by 96%and truncate to 1 decimal point. |
| The resulting number is the USGA Handicap Index. |
The resulting number is the RCGA Handicap Factor. |
| Course Handicap = USGA Handicap Index x Slope ÷ 113 |
Course Handicap = RCGA Handicap Factor x Slope ÷ 113 |
As you see above, the only difference in calculating a USGA Index and RCGA Handicap Index is in Equitable Stroke Control (ESC).
Update: On March 1, 2012 the RCGA ESC will become the same as the USGA ESC.
