Guides
Golf handicap guides
The World Handicap System, explained simply. No jargon left undefined, real worked examples, and a free calculator to put it into practice.
WHS handicap calculator
Pick your course and tees, enter your score, and get your differential instantly.
How is the WHS handicap calculated?
The whole system in plain English, with worked examples: differentials, Net Double Bogey, best 8 of 20, and the caps.
Read guideWhat is a handicap differential?
The per-round number behind your index, and why the same score gives different differentials at different courses.
Read guideCourse Rating vs Slope Rating
What the two numbers on every scorecard actually mean, and how they shape your handicap.
Read guidePlaying handicap vs handicap index
Index, course handicap and playing handicap untangled, with a full worked example.
Read guideHow to lower your golf handicap
What actually moves the number, grounded in how the maths really works rather than generic advice.
Read guideGet an official handicap without joining a club
iGolf, GHIN, Golf Australia and more, country by country, plus how to track alongside.
Read guideHow to read a golf scorecard
Every number on the card explained: par, stroke index, yardages, course rating and slope.
Read guideJunior golf handicaps explained
How children get a real WHS handicap, what age they can start, and which tees count.
Read guideBest handicap tracker apps in 2026
An honest look at the options, including iGolf and The Grint, and where each one fits.
Read guideReady to play?
Download Golf Handicapp on iOS or Android. WHS handicap tracking, social features, and our new AI scorecard scanner. Free to start, no card needed.
