Hey Michael,

As you know, a handicap is essentially a measure of your potential. Your current handicap is calculated using the best 8 of your most recent 20 rounds.

Since it sounds like you were playing more frequently four years ago, it’s likely that some of your better rounds came from that period. Those rounds are still factored into your handicap today, as GHIN does not weight scores based on when they were played.

If you continue shooting in the high 90s, I would expect your handicap to gradually adjust closer to 15.

Hope this helps.

Definitely helped. Much appreciated, thank you Andrew B.

My current handicap is 19.0 and I have been away since October due to severe back issues and recent surgery. These are my most recent posts to GHIN. I do not worry about what my handicap is, I just post the scores and let the system do their job. If you are posting nine hole scores it may take longer to get a handicap. Mine are all 18 hole postings. Hoping to get back around the first of March. If you are shooting in the high 90's you will most like likely end up with a 20 something handicap. I would not worry. Just play golf and have fun. That's what I do Your handicap will be based on the regular tees you play from at your home course. Hakuna matata.

93 07/17/25

90 07/18/25

92 08/06/25

95 08/27/25

90 08/29/25

94 09/01/25

91 09/17/25

92 10/03/25

92 10/08/25

Now according to USGA: A Handicap Index can be calculated with as few as three 18-hole scores. When less than 20 scores are in your scoring record, a fewer number of scores are used to calculate your Handicap Index.

Once you have 20 scores in your scoring record, your Handicap Index is calculated by first averaging the best 8 Score Differentials out of your most recent 20 scores. This value may be adjusted due to built-in safeguards that are applied when:

You submit an exceptional score, which is 7.0 strokes or better than your Handicap Index at the time the round is played, or
Your 8 of 20 calculation is 3.0 or more strokes above your Low Handicap Index from the previous 365 days.
If either one of those safeguards are applied, it will be clearly identified in your scoring record. (Rule 5, Rules of Handicapping) www.usga.org/.../Rule 5 Handicap Index Calculation.htm

Sounds like you still have old scores affecting your GHIN
hitemstraight...madgolfer

As you keep adding scores, your handicap will normalize and reflect your current abilities. It just takes a little time. Great excuse to get out there more!

I see 9 rounds posted. Get about 11 more under your belt and then your handicap will stabilize as it will calculate your 8 best score differentials of those rounds! Hope this helps!