World's first open handicap system for disc golf

The Upsi Disc Golf Handicap system makes it possible for players of all skill levels to compete fairly. Finally you can challenge your friends, parents, children, classmates - anyone! The system adjusts scores based on player ratings and course difficulty, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable game.

Handicap is available for all users on all layouts with difficulty rating.

How It Works

Handicap is calculated based on a player’s rating (see rating help) and the difficulty of the layout. It is adjusted for each player against the layout’s total par. At its core, handicap represents the number of strokes deducted per player, balancing the skill levels of all players in the group.

• Handicap always applies to the entire group — if enabled, all players in the round will have their scores adjusted accordingly.

• Handicap can also be used when playing alone, making it a great tool for competing against yourself.

• Handicap is not available for layouts that do not have a difficulty rating.

• Players without a rating receive a handicap of 0, meaning no adjustments are applied.

Handicap is available exclusively for Upsi Black subscribers. However, the entire group can play a handicapped round as long as the user starting the round has an active subscription. Note that non-subscribers can't add players to the round.

Unlike normal rounds that can be started offline, handicapped rounds require an internet connection to calculate handicaps before the round begins. Once started, the handicap setting cannot be changed. Players added later will automatically receive their calculated handicap.

Using Handicap on a Round

Handicap is enabled by default when starting a new round. After selecting the game mode, scoring method, and players, the summary view will confirm that handicap is applied. Score adjustment is calculated automatically and shown for each player of the group. Score adjustment values cannot be manually changed. The value is based on layout difficulty and player ratings that are recalculated based their scheduled routine. Learn more about rating calculations here.

• If you don’t want to play a handicap round, select “I don’t want to play a handicap round.”

• Upsi Black subscribers who prefer to use actual scores instead can switch to the "Actual" tab before starting.

Make sure you have a working network connection when starting a game to use handicap.

Special cases when the everyone in the group has 0 score adjustment

It wouldn't be meaningful to play handicap round without any of the players receiving any score adjustments. This affects mainly two type of players:

• When the player is playing on a layout significantly easier than their skill level.

• When the player does not have a rating yet - rating is formed after 10 played rounds. Read more about rating.

In cases where the whole group has 0 score adjustment the handicap scoring is not available. You'll see a related info message. To play with this kind of group select Actual scoring.

How Handicap Affects Scores

Handicap introduced score adjustment is a decimal value that determines the number of strokes deducted per fairway played. The total deduction for the round is rounded to the nearest whole number.

• The minimum handicap is 0.000 for players without rating or significantly better than the layout's difficulty.

• The maximum handicap is 2.000 for those playing a layout much harder than their rating suggests.

If your handicap is consistently 2.000, consider playing an easier layout for a more balanced challenge.

Example Calculation

If a player has a 0.382 handicap, the adjustment over 18 holes is: 0.382 × 18 = 6.876, which rounds to 7 strokes deducted.

However, if the round ends after 14 holes: 0.382 × 14 = 5.348, which rounds to 5 strokes deducted.

Game Modes

Handicap scoring is available for singles rounds in Stroke game mode. It does not apply to doubles, skins, or match play.

As you enter scores, handicap adjustments are applied automatically. The final score, including the handicap, is displayed in the app, on the website, and in notifications. Actual scores are stored and available for viewing on each scorecard. The actual score is the only one affecting future rating calculations.

How to identify handicap score

Handicapped scores have a distinct background shape to differentiate them from actual scores:

• Normal scores have a round background.

• Handicapped scores are displayed within a diamond shape.

FAQ