League handicaps that show their math
Gimme calculates a league handicap for each golfer using the method the commissioner picks: a differential average of recent rounds, an average over par, or a handicap entered by hand. Every change can be traced back to the rounds that caused it, so nobody has to take the commissioner’s word for it.
Gimme opens for the 2027 season. Join the waitlist and we email you once when it does.
Pick one method and write it down
Method A, the default, is a differential average. Each round becomes a differential, (113 / slope) x (adjusted score - course rating), and the league handicap is the average of the lowest 4 of the most recent 8, with a sliding rule for golfers who have fewer rounds. Method B takes the average of the last 5 rounds over par, times 80%. Method C lets the commissioner enter handicaps, or lets golfers bring an official handicap from their club.
The example below is the same engine as the free league handicap calculator, run on a short list of nine-hole rounds.
| Round | Adjusted score | Differential | Counted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 44 | 16.7 | Counted |
| 2 | 46 | 20.4 | Not among the best |
| 3 | 43 | 14.9 | Counted |
| 4 | 47 | 22.2 | Not among the best |
| 5 | 45 | 18.6 | Not among the best |
| 6 | 42 | 13.0 | Counted |
| 7 | 44 | 16.7 | Counted |
| 8 | 48 | 24.1 | Not among the best |
| League handicap | 15.3 | ||
Caps, limits and new golfers
Leagues set a maximum handicap, an optional limit on how far a handicap can move in one week, and an optional lock after a set week. Scores count at net double bogey by default, or at a league maximum per hole, so one disaster hole does not wreck a handicap.
- New golfers start from a provided number, their first round, or a league maximum until three rounds are posted
- A commissioner override beats every rule but needs a written note
- A rained-out week posts nothing, so handicaps do not move
- Nine-hole rounds use the nine’s own rating and slope
From handicap to strokes on each hole
A league handicap becomes a playing handicap for the tees and format: handicap x slope / 113 + (course rating - par), times the format allowance, rounded once. The strokes then land on the hardest holes by stroke index. The free course handicap calculator shows each step.
It is a league handicap, not an official one
Gimme calculates a league handicap for league play. It is not a Handicap Index, and Gimme is not affiliated with the USGA, GHIN or the PGA. Official handicaps come from a golfer’s club or golf association. Golfers who have one can type it in and use it for the league.
Questions
Is this an official handicap?
No. Gimme calculates a league handicap for league play. It is not a Handicap Index and Gimme is not affiliated with the USGA, GHIN or the PGA.
Which handicap methods are supported?
A differential average of the best of the most recent rounds (default best 4 of the last 8), an average over par times a percentage (default last 5 rounds at 80%), and manual or official handicaps entered by the commissioner or the golfer.
How are nine-hole rounds handled?
Handicaps are stored on an 18-hole scale. A nine-hole round uses half of the handicap and the nine’s own course rating, slope and par.
Can the commissioner change a handicap?
Yes, with a required note. An override without a note is ignored and flagged, so the record always says why.
What about golfers with no rounds yet?
The commissioner picks the rule: use a provided starting number until three rounds are posted, compute from the first round, or use the league maximum until three rounds are posted.
Can I try the math first?
Yes. The free league handicap calculator and course handicap calculator run the same math with no signup.
Stop arguing about handicaps
Join the waitlist and we will email you once when Gimme opens. Your first 3 league rounds are free, no card.