Plus Handicap
in Matchplay.
When one player has a + handicap, the shot calculation works differently to what most golfers expect. Here's exactly how WHS handles it — and why the "plus" player doesn't simply give shots away.
Key rule
A player with a plus handicap (e.g., +2) has a negative Course Handicap (e.g., −2). In matchplay, the lower-handicapped player always receives 0 shots — their opponent receives the full difference between the two Playing Handicaps, including any negative value.
What is a plus handicap?
A plus handicap means the player consistently scores below par. Where a 10-handicap player is expected to shoot around 82 on a par 72 course, a +2 player is expected to shoot around 70 — two under par.
In the World Handicap System, a plus Handicap Index is stored as a negative number. A "+2" golfer has a Handicap Index of −2.0. This flows through the Course Handicap calculation, producing a negative Course Handicap.
CH = round(HI × (Slope ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par))
CH = round(−2.0 × 1.0 + 0) = −2
On a tougher course the negative value shrinks (or even becomes positive at scratch). On an easier course it may be more negative. Dormie calculates this automatically from the course data.
How shots are calculated
Matchplay uses a 100% handicap allowance, so Playing Handicap = Course Handicap. The shot difference is then:
Shots = Higher Playing Handicap − Lower Playing Handicap
The player with the lower PH receives 0 shots. The player with the higher PH receives the difference.
When one player has a negative Playing Handicap (a plus player), subtracting a negative number increases the shot difference — which is exactly right. The plus player is a much better golfer, so their opponent needs more shots to compete.
Worked examples
Shot difference: 14 − (−2) = 16 shots to Player B
Player B receives one shot on each of the 16 highest stroke index holes. Player A receives 0 shots.
7 − (−1) = 8 shots to Player B
When both players have plus handicaps, the less plus player (the higher Playing Handicap) still receives shots from the better player.
−1 − (−2) = 1 shot to Player B
Player A (the better +2 player) receives 0 shots. Player B gets 1 shot on the hardest hole.
Where shots fall on the card
Shots are allocated on the stroke index as normal. If Player B receives 16 shots, they get one shot on every hole except the two with the highest stroke index (the two "easiest" holes on the card).
The plus player's negative handicap never directly reduces what shots are given on individual holes — it only affects the overall difference. The shot allocation process is otherwise identical to any other matchplay game.
Common questions
Does a plus handicapper give shots to their opponent?
Not in the traditional sense. The plus handicapper receives 0 shots, while their opponent receives the full shot difference (which is larger because the plus player's negative handicap is subtracted). The plus player isn't handing strokes to their opponent — the opponent simply receives more strokes because the gap in ability is wider.
What if the plus player's Course Handicap works out positive on a tough course?
This can happen. On a very difficult course (high Slope Rating, Course Rating well above par), even a +2 Handicap Index can produce a positive Course Handicap. In that case, both players would have positive Playing Handicaps and the normal matchplay shot calculation applies — the lower Playing Handicap receives 0 shots and the other receives the difference.
Is the plus handicap allowance different in stroke play?
In stroke play, a plus handicapper adds their absolute Course Handicap to their gross score to get their net score. So a player with a Course Handicap of −2 shoots 68 gross and records a net 70 (68 + 2). In matchplay, it works through the difference calculation — the mechanics are different but the effect (the better player competes at a fair disadvantage) is the same.
Does Dormie support plus handicaps?
Yes. Dormie supports plus Handicap Index values across all formats — matchplay, four-ball, foursomes, and greensomes. Enter your index as a negative number (e.g., −2.0 for a +2 handicap) and Dormie calculates the Course Handicap, Playing Handicap, and shot difference automatically.
What's the lowest possible Handicap Index in WHS?
The WHS caps Handicap Index at +10.0 (stored as −10.0 in the system). This prevents extremely low handicaps that would make matchplay uncompetitive with normal recreational golfers. In practice, very few club golfers carry a plus index, and those who do are typically club champions or elite amateurs.
Related guides
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