Handicap Strokes: How Many Are Too Many?

If you're a golfer with a handicap, you might be wondering how many strokes you can take on a hole. The maximum score for handicapping purposes is a net double bogey, which is double bogey plus any handicap strokes you are entitled to based on your Course Handicap. So, for example, a player with a Course Handicap of 15 gets one handicap stroke on holes with a stroke index of 1 through 15 on the scorecard. On a par-4 hole with a stroke index of 10, their maximum score would be 7 (double bogey, which is 6, plus 1 handicap stroke). This calculation can be done automatically using hole-by-hole score entry or manually by the player when submitting an adjusted gross score for the round.

Maximum hole score for handicap purposes

The maximum hole score for handicap purposes is a net double bogey. This rule applies to all golfers and came into effect on January 1, 2020, with the introduction of the World Handicap System.

A net double bogey is equal to the lowest score on a hole for which a player would achieve zero Stableford points. For example, a player with a Course Handicap of 15 receives one handicap stroke on holes with a stroke index of 1 through 15 on the scorecard. On a par 4 hole with a stroke index of 10, the player’s maximum hole score is 7. This is calculated as double bogey (6) + 1 handicap stroke = 7.

For players submitting their first scores to obtain an initial Handicap Index, the maximum score for each hole played is limited to par + 5 strokes.

It is important to note that the maximum score for handicapping purposes is not always going to be the same for every hole. The number of strokes a player can take depends on the course and hole. Additionally, if a player is participating in a stroke play or medal tournament, they should play the hole out regardless of their handicap.

Handicap Index

The handicap index is a crucial aspect of golf, allowing players to compete on a more level playing field. It represents a golfer's potential ability and is used to determine the maximum number of strokes they can take on a particular hole.

The maximum score for each hole played is calculated using the player's Course Handicap and is limited to a net double bogey. This means that, after establishing a Handicap Index, a player's score on each hole is adjusted to be no higher than a double bogey, plus any handicap strokes they are entitled to. For example, a player with a Course Handicap of 15 would receive one handicap stroke on holes with a stroke index of 1 through 15. On a par-4 hole with a stroke index of 10, their maximum score would be 7 (double bogey of 6, plus 1 handicap stroke).

Prior to establishing a Handicap Index, the maximum score for each hole is limited to par + 5 strokes. This initial limit helps establish a golfer's Handicap Index, which can then be used to determine their Course Handicap and subsequent maximum scores for handicap purposes.

It's important to note that the number of strokes a player can take may vary depending on the course and hole. Additionally, adjustments to hole scores can be made automatically through hole-by-hole score entry or manually by the player when submitting their adjusted gross score for the round.

Equitable Stroke Control (ESC)

ESC was a sliding scale system, based on the course (or playing) handicap of the golfer. It was used when a player's actual or most likely score exceeded a maximum number, based on the table below, for the player's course handicap from the tees played.

For example, if a golfer with a course handicap of 8 shot a score of 83, which included a six on a par 3 (a triple bogey), then the posted score should be only 82. However, if a golfer with a course handicap of 11 had the same score, the proper score to post would be 83.

In April 2012, Golf Canada adopted the same ESC table as the USGA. Before then, the following table was used:

| Handicap | Maximum Score per Hole |

| --- | --- |

| 0-9 | Double Bogey |

| 10-19 | 7 |

| 20-29 | 8 |

| 30-39 | 9 |

| 40+ | 10 |

Beginning on January 1, 2020, with the introduction of the World Handicap System, a maximum hole score of Net Double Bogey replaced Equitable Stroke Control for handicapping purposes and applies to all golfers. The maximum score for each hole played is now limited to a net double bogey, equal to double bogey plus any handicap strokes the player is entitled to receive based on their Course Handicap.

For example, a player with a Course Handicap of 15 receives one handicap stroke on holes with a stroke index of 1 through 15 on the scorecard. On a par 4 hole with a stroke index of 10, the player’s maximum hole score is 7. Double bogey (6) + 1 handicap stroke = 7.

Course Handicap

A Course Handicap is the number of strokes a player needs to play to par on a golf course with a Course Rating and Slope Rating. It is the number used to adjust hole scores for net double bogey. A Course Handicap is determined by a player's Handicap Index, which is established by posting at least 54 holes comprised of 9- and/or 18-hole rounds.

The Course Handicap calculation allows a player's Handicap Index to be portable wherever they play. It is used to determine the number of strokes a player receives or gives on any golf course and for the correct application of net double bogey and net par adjustments.

The maximum score for handicapping purposes is a net double bogey. This is equal to a double bogey plus any handicap strokes the player is entitled to based on their Course Handicap. For example, a player with a Course Handicap of 15 receives one handicap stroke on holes with a stroke index of 1 through 15 on the scorecard. On a par-4 hole with a stroke index of 10, the player's maximum hole score is 7. This is calculated as double bogey (6) + 1 handicap stroke = 7.

The number of strokes a player receives or gives during a round is known as their Playing Handicap. This is often the same as their Course Handicap, but it may be different if a handicap allowance is applied, if the format is match play, or if players are competing from tees with different pars. The Playing Handicap calculation enables equity among players of all handicap levels within different formats of the game.

Adjusting a hole score

If you are playing a casual round of golf, you can pick up your ball once you have reached the maximum number of strokes you can take on a hole. This is known as "net double bogey".

For example, if you have a handicap of 15, you can take one extra stroke on holes with a stroke index of 1 through 15. So, on a par 4 hole with a stroke index of 10, the maximum score is 7 (double bogey of 6, plus 1 extra stroke).

If you are playing competitively, you should always play the hole out and make adjustments to your score after the round.

When you are first establishing your handicap, the maximum score for each hole is limited to par + 5 strokes.

You can adjust your hole score to a net double bogey automatically, by using hole-by-hole score entry, or manually when submitting your adjusted gross score for the round.

It's important to note that the maximum hole score of net double bogey only applies for handicapping purposes and does not change your actual score, which should be recorded as the number of strokes you actually took.

Frequently asked questions