Playing Handicap Calculator
Apply the right handicap allowance for your competition format and see the handicap you actually play off.
Your Playing Handicap
20
21 × 95% = 20
My Playing Handicap for individual stroke play is 20. Worked out on Links Meridian.
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Links Meridian applies the correct allowance for every format automatically and posts results to the honours board. Book a 20-minute walkthrough.
Recommended WHS allowances
| Format | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Individual stroke play | 95% |
| Individual Stableford / Par / Bogey | 95% |
| Individual match play | 100% (off lowest) |
| Four-ball (better ball) | 85% |
| Foursomes (combined) | 50% |
| Scramble (2 players) | 35% / 15% |
| Scramble (4 players) | 25 / 20 / 15 / 10% |
Recommendations under the World Handicap System. Your club's competition committee may set different allowances.
Common questions
What is a Playing Handicap?
Your Playing Handicap is the number of strokes you actually receive in a given competition. It takes your Course Handicap and applies a handicap allowance set for the format (for example 95% for individual stroke play or 85% for four-ball) to keep competition fair across formats and field sizes.
What handicap allowance should I use?
The WHS recommends 95% for individual stroke play and Stableford, 100% for individual match play (then played off the lowest), 85% for four-ball better-ball, and 50% combined for foursomes. These are recommendations. Your club's competition committee may set different allowances, so always check the terms of the competition.
How is Playing Handicap calculated?
Playing Handicap = Course Handicap × allowance, rounded to the nearest whole number. So a Course Handicap of 21 in a 95% stroke-play event gives a Playing Handicap of 20 (21 × 0.95 = 19.95, rounded to 20).
Is Playing Handicap the same as Course Handicap?
No. Course Handicap converts your Handicap Index to strokes for a specific tee. Playing Handicap then applies the format allowance on top. Work out your Course Handicap first, then apply the allowance here.
Next: work out your Stableford points.