The European Golf Association (EGA) Handicap Calculation attempts to combine the best parts of both the CONGU and USGA calculations, as well as using the Stableford system for purposes of determining a player’s handicap.
Similar to the Congu Calculation, the EGA calculation incorporates uses a rolling average to adjust the players handicap after each qualifying round. For each hole played, a specifc number of Stableford points are awarded, based on the score that player made on the particular hole, as well as the number of handicap strokes that pertain to that hole based on it’s stroke index, and the overall difficulty of the course, which is calculated using the USGA’s system for course rating and slope.
Based on the total number of Stableford points that are received for a given round, an adjustment to the players handicap is calculated using the following table:
| Category | Hdcp | Buffer Zone | If below BZ Adjust | If Above BZ Adjust |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | plus – 4.4 | 35-36 | +0.2 | -0.1 ( per point ) |
| 2 | 4.5 – 11.4 | 34-36 | +0.2 | -0.2 ( per point ) |
| 3 | 11.5 – 18.4 | 33-36 | +0.2 | -0.3 ( per point ) |
| 4 | 18.5 – 26.4 | 32-36 | +0.2 | -0.4 ( per point ) |
| 5 | 26.5 – 36.0 | 31-36 | +0.3 | -0.5 ( per point ) |
The BSGC changed the original table of the EGA by adding 0.1 to the + list in order to raise the handicap faster in case you’re below the Buffer Zone.
Based on the players current handicap, they will be put into a specific handicap category. If the number of Stableford points accumulated for a given round falls outside the buffer zone for that category (either above or below), than their handicap will be reduced (if above the buffer) or increased (if below the buffer) by the specified amount of adjustment.
A score below the buffer zone will only increase the handicap by the amount specified in the – adjustment column.
Example : Player A has 31 Stableford points and is in Handicap Category 4. His handicap will go up 0.2 point. Any other score below his Buffer Zone, in this case 32-36, he will also go up +0.2 point.
If the player crosses two categories, the first number of points will apply to the highest category until the player arrives in the lower categorie. The rest of the points will change the lower (better) category.
A score above the zone will aggregate the total adjustment together for every point above the zone.
Example : Player B has 40 ( 4 better than 36 ) Stableford points and is in Category 3. His handicap will go down -0,3 x 4 points = -1,2 point.
When your Stableford points after a round are within your Buffer Zone depending on your category, your handicap doesn’t change.