UPDATE** When introduced with the World Handicap System in 2020, the Playing Conditions Calculation was intended to be conservative in nature and only appear on days where scores fell well outside the expected range for the day at a course. After 2+ years of data, it was determined that this calcuation was little too conservative. So, starting on January 3rd, the calculation was changed to give a better chance for the PCC to occur.
Not familiar with the Playing Conditions Calculation?
At the end of each day, the USGA centralized computation system compares the actual scores made at each course to the expected scores of the players who made them. If the scores were significantly higher or lower than expected, an adjustment is automatically applied to everyone who played the course on the day.
The range of the PCC adjustment is -1 to +3, with a negative (-) adjustment meaning the course played easier than expected, and a positive (+) adjustment meaning the course played more difficult. On most days, the PCC will be zero (0). If a PCC is applied following one of your rounds, it will be clearly identified within your scoring record.
See more information and a video about the Playing Conditions Calculation here.
