Rules of Handicapping - Popular Topics Acceptability of Scores Learn about which scores count toward your Handicap Index®. Net Double Bogey Learn about how to adjust your abnormally high hole scores for handicap purposes. Holes Not Played Learn about how to post your score when you play 10-17 holes. Most Likely Score Learn about what to do when a hole is started but not finished. Handicap Index Calculation Learn about how your Handicap Index is calculated under the World Handicap System. 9-Hole Scores Learn about how nine-hole scores are treated under the World Handicap System. Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) Learn how the PCC uses scoring data to measure any impact to course difficulty on a given day. Soft Cap and Hard Cap Learn about why the soft cap and hard cap limit extreme upward movement of a Handicap Index. Exceptional Score Reduction Learn about when exceptional score reduction is applied to your scoring record. Course Handicap and Playing Handicap Learn about how your Handicap Index is converted to a Course Handicap and Playing Handicap. Competitions and Handicapping Learn about what goes into a competition and how your Handicpa Index is used. Stroke Index Allocation Learn about how stroke index allocation is the order of holes where handicap strokes are given or received.