The USGA Handicap System™ enables golfers of all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. This section of the site will help golfers understand why having a Handicap Index® is important. There are links to "The USGA Handicap System" manual, the USGA's handicapping equivalent of "The Rules of Golf" below.

Click on the following sections to view the Handicap System:

Section 1
Purpose and Requirements

Section 2
Definitions

Section 3
The Player

Section 4
Adjusting Hole Scores

Section 5
Scores

Section 6
Scoring Records

Section 7
Preferred Lies (Winter Rules)

Section 8
The Handicap Committee

Section 9
Handicap Competitions

Section 10
USGA Handicap Formula

Section 11
Handicap Controls

Section 12
Measurements

Section 13
USGA Course Rating

Section 14
Installing Course Ratings in a Region

Section 15
Course Set-Up

Section 16
Par Computation

Section 17
Allocation of Handicap Strokes

Appendices

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Appendix F

Appendix G

Appendix H