USGA Handicap System (pre-2020): The maximum hole score for handicap purposes is based on a player’s Course Handicap and the following Equitable Stroke control (ESC) table:
| Course Handicap | Maximum Score on any Hole |
| 9 or less | Double Bogey |
| 10 through 19 | 7 |
| 20 through 29 | 8 |
| 30 through 39 | 9 |
| 40 or more | 10 |
Rule Change for 2020: The maximum hole score for each player will be limited to a Net Double Bogey, calculated as follows:
Double Bogey + handicap strokes a player receives (or gives) based on their Course Handicap
(“or gives” only applies to plus handicap players)
Reasons for Change:
- The Net Double Bogey adjustment is more consistent from hole to hole than the ESC procedure.
- For example – Using the ESC procedure, a player with a Course Handicap of 21 would have the same maximum score (8) on each hole – regardless of the Par or difficulty of the hole.
- By factoring in Par and Stroke Index values under the Net Double Bogey procedure, adjusted hole scores will be more precise and reflective of each player’s demonstrated ability.
» This is a more personal assessment compared to the grouping together of Course Handicap ranges.
- While this is a change for all who have used the USGA Handicap System, Net Double Bogey has been used successfully in many parts of the world – as it is the equivalent to zero points in the Net Stableford format of play.
- The 2019 “Rules of Golf” introduced the maximum score form of stroke play, and Net Double Bogey was included as a recommended maximum score.
- When Net Double Bogey is the maximum score set by the Committee, no adjustments are necessary for handicap purposes.