What Does a Plus Handicap Mean in Golf? How +2 Works on the Scorecard

Why it's called "plus" when the math is a minus

The USGA's Rules of Handicapping, Rule 5.2c, says that when a Handicap Index calculates as a negative number, that is a plus Handicap Index. The rule's clarification admits the contradiction: "plus" is the traditional term, but in net-score math a plus handicap is a negative number. To stop confusion on entry forms and in apps, the USGA asks plus players to always write a + sign (for example +2.4), everyone else to use no sign, and organizers to question any index written with a minus.

Written as	Means	Strokes in net scoring
12.0	Higher than scratch	Subtracts strokes
0.0	Scratch	None
+2.0	Better than scratch	Adds strokes

Your plus index changes with the tees

A Handicap Index is converted to a Course Handicap for the tees you play. The USGA formula (Rule 6.1a) is:

Course Handicap = Handicap Index x (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − par)

For a plus player, enter the index as a negative. Our arithmetic for a +2.0 index on three hypothetical par-72 tees:

Tee	Slope / Course Rating	Calculation	Course Handicap
Hard tee	130 / 73.1	−2.0 x 130/113 + 1.1 = −1.20	+1
Standard tee	113 / 72.0	−2.0 x 1 + 0 = −2.00	+2
Easier tee	125 / 70.8	−2.0 x 125/113 − 1.2 = −3.41	+3

A Course Rating above par adds strokes to everyone, so a plus player can even end up near scratch on a very hard tee. The USGA's Course Handicap page adds a useful reality check: your Target Score is par plus your Course Handicap (69 for a +3 on a par 72), and players typically play to their handicap only 20 to 25% of the time.

Which holes get the strokes back

The USGA's stroke index FAQ says plus players give strokes back starting with the hole ranked 18th on the stroke index (the "handicap" row on the scorecard). Appendix C gives the example of a +2 Playing Handicap giving strokes back on stroke index 18 and 17.

Playing Handicap	Gives a stroke back on stroke index
+1	18
+2	18, 17
+3	18, 17, 16
+4	18, 17, 16, 15

Match play and handicap allowances

Most competitions apply a percentage, called a handicap allowance, to the Course Handicap. Appendix C sets two rules that matter for plus players:

• Allowances move a plus handicap toward zero, including rounding. Appendix C's own example applies an 85% allowance to a +4, giving +3 (our arithmetic: −4 x 0.85 = −3.4, which rounds to −3).
• In match play, the lowest Playing Handicap plays off zero, and the other player receives the difference. Example (our arithmetic): a +2 player against a 10 player at 100%. The +2 plays off zero and the 10 receives 12 strokes, on stroke index 1 through 12.

Committees can set different terms for a specific event, so check the competition's conditions.

Common mistakes

• Writing a minus sign. Use +, as the USGA asks.
• Subtracting strokes. Plus players add.
• Giving strokes on the hardest holes. They go back from stroke index 18 down.
• Assuming the index equals the strokes. Convert to a Course Handicap for your tees, then apply any allowance.