Golf rules and handicaps, explained in plain English. Every page names the rule it follows.

Printable handicap round log

  • Rules 5.1 and 5.2, Rules of Handicapping (2024 edition)
  • Last checked Nov 1, 2026
  • By Julien Levadoux

Write down each round's adjusted gross score, Course Rating and Slope Rating, work out its Score Differential, then average the lowest ones the table tells you to use.

Download the PDF

Handicap round log

Your 20 most recent rounds, newest at the bottom. When you add a 21st, cross out the oldest.

#DateCourse and teesAdjusted gross scoreCourse RatingSlope RatingPCCScore DifferentialCounts
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Score Differential

(113 ÷ Slope Rating) × (Adjusted gross score − Course Rating − PCC)

Round to the nearest tenth. The adjusted gross score counts no hole higher than net double bogey: par + 2 + your strokes on that hole. PCC is the day's playing conditions adjustment, from −1.0 to +3.0; it is usually 0.

How many of the lowest count

Rounds in the log34567–89–1112–1415–1617–181920
Lowest that count11122345678
Then add−2.0−1.00−1.00000000

Average of the lowest=

+ adjustment

Handicap Index (nearest tenth)

Your official Handicap Index also applies a soft and a hard cap against your lowest index of the past year, and may be lowered after an exceptional score. This log doesn't show those; your club's figure is the one that counts.

How to use it

  1. After each round, write the date, the course and the tees you played.
  2. Work out your adjusted gross score: your score with each hole capped at net double bogey.
  3. Copy the Course Rating and Slope Rating for your tees from the scorecard. PCC is 0 unless your club’s system shows otherwise.
  4. Work out the Score Differential and round it to the nearest tenth.
  5. Count your rounds, look up how many of the lowest count, tick them, and average them.

Rather not do the math by hand? The handicap calculator does the same steps and shows its working.

Sources

Current as of Nov 1, 2026. Follows the Rules of Handicapping, 2024 edition. Rules change: the latest version is always at golfrulesguide.com/printables/handicap-round-log.

Explained in our own words; not an official ruling. © 2026 Paris Supply Group LLC. Free to print and share.