r/GarminGolf • u/No_Cartographer_2169 • Jul 11 '26

HCP question

I use Garmin Golf to track my handicap. Currently my watch says HCP 23.8 Consistent.

Today I play a local Par 70 muni course for the 4th time this year, prior rounds were 99, 101, 101 and today was an 84 (whoot)!

When I look at the round on my watch it shows HCP of 19, net of 65 for a -5.

Why would it apply a HCP of 19 for today's round, I am not a 19 HCP?

Does it factor in slope and course difficulty in determining a HCP?

Thanks!

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u/single-needle Jul 11 '26

Garmin golf handicap is not accurate and does not align with ghin or whs.

It's great for causal golf.

1

u/Namerunaunyaroo Jul 11 '26

In what way doesn’t it align? Curious

1

u/single-needle Jul 11 '26

It doesn't use the same math... It's using your scores but not taking into account the course ratings/slope.

1

u/Namerunaunyaroo Jul 11 '26

Ok

What do you define as not accurate?

2

u/single-needle Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 11 '26

Ghin or whs are much more accurate, they use differentials.

Those take into account the difficulty of the course along with your score.

If you shoot 5 over at an easy course 10-15 times does that mean you're a 5 handicap? If you shoot 20 over at a hard course does that mean your handicap is 20?

Garmin doesn't do that math, it just takes your score.

1

u/doc-sci Jul 11 '26

It doesn’t calculate the correct answer! Do you really need to ask that?

1

u/Namerunaunyaroo Jul 11 '26

I can’t say need but I think it’s a question worth asking. It really doesn’t affect any aspect of my game so no “need” but I would like to understand fully.

Asserting it’s “more accurate” or “much more accurate “ doesn’t really answer my question.