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. The current version of the USGA Handicap System went into effect on Jan. 1, 2008, and the next revision will take effect on Jan. 1, 2012.

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