The rule
Maximum hole score = par + 2 + handicap strokes on that hole
Example: a par 4, Stroke Index 7, and you have a Course Handicap of 18, so you get one stroke on every hole. Your maximum is 4 + 2 + 1 = 7. If you took 10, you count 7 for your handicap. Your playing partners still saw the 10.
No Handicap Index yet? Use par + 5 on every hole.
Strokes per hole by Course Handicap
| Course Handicap | Strokes you get |
|---|---|
| 0 | No strokes |
| 5 | 1 on Stroke Index 1–5 |
| 10 | 1 on Stroke Index 1–10 |
| 15 | 1 on Stroke Index 1–15 |
| 18 | 1 on every hole |
| 20 | 2 on SI 1–2, 1 on SI 3–18 |
| 25 | 2 on SI 1–7, 1 on SI 8–18 |
| 30 | 2 on SI 1–12, 1 on SI 13–18 |
| 36 | 2 on every hole |
Stroke Index is the "Handicap" or "HCP" row on the scorecard: 1 is the hardest hole. Plus handicaps give strokes back, starting on Stroke Index 18. Don't know your Course Handicap? Use the course handicap calculator.
Why it matters
One 10 on a par 4 adds strokes that say nothing about your usual game. Without the cap, a couple of disasters a round push your Handicap Index up. Adjust each bad hole before you add up your score, then enter the adjusted total in the golf handicap calculator. If your handicap went up and you're not sure why, see why did my handicap go up.
Frequently asked questions
What is net double bogey?
The most you can count on a hole for handicap purposes: par + 2 + any handicap strokes you get on that hole. If you get one stroke on a par 4, your maximum is 7, even if you actually took 10.
What is the max score per hole if I don't have a handicap yet?
Par + 5. A par 4 is capped at 9, a par 3 at 8 and a par 5 at 10. This applies until you have a Handicap Index.
How do I know how many strokes I get on a hole?
Take your Course Handicap for the tees you played and look at each hole's Stroke Index (the "Handicap" row on the scorecard, 1 = hardest). With a Course Handicap of 10 you get one stroke on Stroke Index 1 to 10. With 20 you get one on every hole and a second on Stroke Index 1 and 2.
Why does net double bogey matter for my handicap?
One blow-up hole can add several strokes to your score. Counting it as net double bogey keeps your handicap a measure of your normal game. If you don't adjust, your index ends up higher than it should be.
Do I adjust my score or the course does?
Golf apps and club systems usually do it for you when you enter hole-by-hole scores. If you post a total only, adjust each bad hole yourself first and post the adjusted gross score.