What Does Differential Mean in Golf?
If you've ever keyed in a score to the GHIN system and seen a number show up next to it labeled Differential, you might have just shrugged and moved on. But that single number is the most important piece of the World Handicap System. It's the engine that powers your handicap index, and understanding it is the first real step to understanding how your game is measured. This article will show you exactly what a differential is, how it's calculated in plain English, and why it's a far better reflection of your skill than just your score over par.

