Understanding your handicap in Andrew

Andrew integrates with GHIN to track and display your golf handicap. Here's what you need to know.

What is a handicap index?

Your handicap index is a number that represents your potential playing ability. It allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly.

• Lower handicap = better golfer
• A 10 handicap shoots around 82 on an average course
• A scratch golfer (0 handicap) shoots around par

The USGA Handicap System calculates your index based on your best scores.

Viewing your handicap in Andrew

1. Go to your Profile tab
2. Your handicap is displayed below your name
3. Tap on it to see more details

GHIN card view

Tapping your handicap shows your digital GHIN card:

• Current handicap index
• Low handicap index
• GHIN number
• Home club
• Revision date

Handicap history

View how your handicap has changed over time:

• Chart showing index over months
• See when you improved or regressed
• Track your progress

How your handicap is calculated

The USGA uses your best 8 of your last 20 scores:

1. Each score is converted to a "Score Differential"
2. Differential = (Score - Course Rating) × (113 ÷ Slope Rating)
3. Your best 8 differentials are averaged
4. That average (×0.96) becomes your handicap index

Andrew handles this automatically through GHIN integration.

Handicap revisions

Your handicap updates regularly:

• USGA revises handicaps overnight
• Updates happen after you post new scores
• Andrew syncs with GHIN daily

If you just posted a score:

• Allow 24-48 hours for the new index
• Pull down on your profile to refresh

Course handicap vs. handicap index

Your handicap index is your portable number.

Your course handicap is adjusted for each specific course:

• Based on the course's difficulty (slope rating)
• Changes depending on which tees you play
• Andrew calculates this when you start a round

Example: A 15.0 index might play as a 17 from the back tees and a 14 from the forward tees.

Handicap strokes during rounds

When playing with handicaps:

• Andrew shows which holes you receive strokes on
• Based on hole handicap rankings (1 = hardest)
• A 10-handicap gets strokes on the 10 hardest holes

For wagers:

• Net scores account for these strokes
• Levels the playing field between different skill levels

Posting scores to GHIN

Affirming a round in Andrew can post to your GHIN record:

1. Complete your round
2. Affirm your scorecard
3. Score is sent to GHIN
4. Index recalculates on next revision

Check your GHIN

To verify scores posted:

1. Profile → Settings → GHIN
2. View your GHIN card
3. Or log into ghin.com

Handicap without GHIN

If you don't have a GHIN account:

• You can still play rounds in Andrew
• Enter a manual handicap in your profile
• Wagers can use this number
• Scores won't post to an official record

Consider getting a GHIN membership for official handicap tracking.

Common questions

Why did my handicap go up?

• Good old scores dropped out of your last 20
• Recent scores were higher than your best 8
• This is normal fluctuation

Why hasn't my handicap updated?

• GHIN revises overnight, not instantly
• Make sure the round was affirmed
• Check that GHIN connection is active

Can I use a handicap from another system?

• GHIN is the official USGA system
• International handicaps may differ
• Contact your club about converting