Find the maximum score to post for one golf hole or adjust an actual score using WHS net-double-bogey rules.
How the Net Double Bogey Calculator Works
For a golfer with an established Handicap Index, the WHS maximum is par plus two plus the handicap strokes received on that hole. For an 18-hole course, the calculator can use an entered Course Handicap or derive and round one from the index and tee data before allocating strokes. Course Handicap is rounded to the nearest integer, with exact halves upward on the signed number line; a signed −2.5 therefore rounds to −2.
Formula: Maximum posting score = par + 2 + handicap strokes received; before the first index, maximum = par + 5
Choosing the Right Inputs
Use the unrestricted rounded Course Handicap, not a reduced competition Playing Handicap. Enter the stroke index printed on the card. Plus Course Handicaps are negative internally and give strokes back from stroke index 18 downward.
| Course Handicap | Example hole | Strokes on hole | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Par 4, SI 8 | 1 | 7 |
| 25 | Par 5, SI 6 | 2 | 9 |
| 40 | Par 4, SI 3 | 3 | 9 |
| +2 | Par 4, SI 18 | -1 | 5 |
| 60 | Par 4, SI 1 | 4, then over-54 exception | 9 |
Understanding Your Results
The maximum or adjusted posted score appears first. Supporting rows identify the Course Handicap used, hole strokes, par, rule branch, actual score, and any strokes removed for posting.
Worked Example
A Course Handicap of 15 receives one stroke on stroke-index hole 10. On a par 4, net double bogey is 4 + 2 + 1 = 7, so an actual 8 is adjusted to 7 for handicap posting.
Assumptions and Limitations
This tool calculates the handicap-posting cap, not a competition disqualification rule or the gross score that must be written for every event. Local committees and score-entry systems remain authoritative.
Sources
USGA and The R&A. Rules of Handicapping, Rules 3.1b and 6.1a, with Appendix C for plus-handicap allocation.
