Net double bogey calculator
The most you can count on each hole when you post a score, worked out with your course’s real stroke index.
Net double bogey calculator
Your highest score on every hole. Pick your course to use its real pars and stroke index.
What net double bogey is
Net double bogey is the most you can count on any hole when you post a score for your handicap. It stops one disaster hole from pushing your handicap up.
Working out your strokes on each hole
Your course handicap is spread over the holes by stroke index, the line on the scorecard that ranks the holes 1 (hardest) to 18 (easiest).
- Course handicap 10: one stroke on stroke index 1 to 10. Those holes max out at par + 3; the rest at par + 2.
- Course handicap 18: one stroke on every hole, so par + 3 everywhere.
- Course handicap 24: one stroke on every hole plus a second on stroke index 1 to 6. Those six max out at par + 4.
- Plus handicaps give strokes back on the easiest holes, so a +2 maxes out at par + 1 on stroke index 17 and 18.
No handicap yet?
Until you have an index, every hole is capped at par + 5.
Example
You're a course handicap 14. On a par 4 with stroke index 9 you get a stroke, so the max is 4 + 2 + 1 = 7. Make an 8, and post 7. On a par 3 with stroke index 16 there's no stroke, so the max is 5.
More handicap tools
Common questions
What is net double bogey?
The highest score you can post on a hole for handicap purposes: par + 2 + any handicap strokes you get on that hole.
What replaced equitable stroke control?
Net double bogey replaced equitable stroke control (ESC) when the World Handicap System came in. It works hole by hole using your strokes on each hole, instead of one flat limit.
Do I use net double bogey in a tournament?
No. In competition you count every stroke. Net double bogey only applies when you post the score for your handicap.
Updated November 2026