Net double bogey calculator
The WHS maximum hole score for handicap posting. Par + 2 + any handicap strokes you receive on the hole.
Max hole score (Net Double Bogey)
7
Par 4 + 2 + 1 stroke received = 7
The formula
Net Double Bogey = Par + 2 + strokes received on hole Strokes received(SI) = floor(PH / 18) + (1 if SI ≤ PH mod 18 else 0)
Example: par-4, stroke index 10, playing handicap of 18 — strokes received = 1. Net double bogey = 4 + 2 + 1 = 7. That's the most you can post for that hole.
Common questions
- What is a net double bogey?
- Net double bogey is the maximum hole score that can be posted for WHS handicap purposes. It equals par for the hole + 2 strokes + any handicap strokes the player receives on that hole. It replaced the older Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) in 2020.
- Why does WHS use net double bogey?
- It stops a single disastrous hole from skewing a player's score differential. Without a cap, a 12 on one hole would distort the player's calculated ability for the next 20 rounds. Source: USGA, Net Double Bogey topic.
- Does this apply to the score I write on the card during play?
- No. Net double bogey only applies to your Adjusted Gross Score when you post the round for handicap purposes. Your stroke play score is your actual gross.
- How are strokes received determined?
- Your Playing Handicap is distributed across the holes by stroke index. If your Playing Handicap is 18, you receive one stroke on every hole. If it's 9, you receive one stroke on the holes with stroke indices 1–9. If it's 24, you receive one stroke on every hole plus a second stroke on stroke indices 1–6.
Related
Sources
- USGA — Net Double Bogey topic page.
- USGA Rules of Handicapping 2024, Rule 3.1.
- England Golf — WHS guidance.