USGA Equitable Stroke Control Chart

 

Note: Beginning on January 1, 2020, with the introduction of the World Handicap System, a maximum hole score of Net Double Bogey has replaced Equitable Stroke Control for handicapping purposes and applies to all golfers. What follows below is the Equitable Stroke Control prior to January 1, 2020.

 

The USGA's Equitable Stroke Control is part of their Handicap System. You cannot calculate a valid USGA Index and course handicap without using Equitable Stroke Control or ESC.

"Equitable Stroke Control" (ESC) is the downward adjustment of individual hole scores for handicap purposes in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential ability. ESC sets a maximum number that a player can post on any hole depending on the player's Course Handicap. ESC is used only when a player's actual or most likely score exceeds the player's maximum number based on the table in Section 4-3.

Section 4-3 in the USGA Handicap Manual says in part...

ESC is used when a player's actual or most likely score exceeds a maximum number, based on the table below, for the player's Course Handicap from the tees played. (For nine-hole Equitable Stroke Control table, See Section 10-5c.)

 

 

You can see what role Equitable Stroke Control plays in the calculation of an Index and course handicap as well as the Equitable Stroke Control chart at "Golf handicap formula explained step-by-step."