Your handicap index is the number GolfHandicapp uses to work out your playing handicap in every round and tournament. You set a starting figure when you first sign up, and from then on the app keeps it up to date for you as you post scores. Here is how to set it, and how to change it later.
Set it when you sign up
When you first create your account you are walked through a short setup. One of the steps is Set your current handicap.
- On the handicap step, enter your current handicap index to one decimal place, for example 18.4.
- If you play off scratch or better, you can enter a plus handicap.
- Tap Continue to move on.
Not sure of your exact number? Take your best guess. It is only a starting point, and you can change it any time. The app refines it for you as soon as you start posting rounds.
How the starting number works
The figure you enter is just a baseline so the app has something to work with on your very first round. It is not locked in.
- As you post scores, GolfHandicapp calculates a proper handicap index from your rounds under the World Handicap System.
- Until you have posted twenty rounds you will see an Establishing badge next to your handicap. This is normal. It simply means your index is still settling as more scores come in.
- Once you have a good run of rounds, your index reflects your real form rather than the number you typed on day one.
If you want the detail on the maths, see How the WHS handicap system works.
Change it later
You can adjust your handicap index whenever you need to, for example if you joined with a guess and want to correct it.
- Open the More tab.
- Tap Settings.
- Scroll to the Handicap section. Your current index is shown here.
- Tap Adjust.
- Set the new value, then tap Save.
Changing your index by hand is for fixing your starting number, not for overriding the system. Once you are posting rounds regularly, let the app do the work. It updates your index from your scores automatically after every round.