To attain the first Handicap Index (Initial Handicap Index) a player must submit at least three 18-hole or six 9-hole scores. In continental Europe (EGA) a player needs minimum one score of round over 18 holes or 9 holes.
The table below shows how the Initial Handicap is calculated. It depends on the number of submitted scores (Score Differentials).
For handicap purposes the number of strokes is adjusted (Adjusted Gross Score). The beginner (without the obtained Handicap Index) applies the limit of par+5 strokes on each played hole (maximum hole score). He receives 3 handicap strokes on each hole. There are a total of 54 handicap strokes in the 18-hole round and 27 strokes in the 9-hole round.
Such Adjusted Gross Scores of played rounds are converted to Score Differentials, that are registered in the scoring record of this player. The Score Differentials are expressed as numbers taken to one decimal place.
The initial Handicap Index is calculated below on the basis of submitted Score Differentials. The maximum value of Handicap Index is 54,0. This limitation is directly derived from the requirements of the Rules of Handicapping.
See also:
The complete, universal stroke play scorecard
with calculation of Score Differential for Initial Handicap Index purposes.
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update: September 2022