In Kenya, the handicap system for golf is calculated using the World Handicap System (WHS), which was adopted in 2020. The WHS takes into account a player's scoring history, course difficulty, and the slope rating of the course to determine their handicap index.

To calculate the handicap index, the WHS considers the best 8 out of the player's most recent 20 scores. Each score is adjusted based on the difficulty of the course and the player's performance relative to the course rating. The adjusted scores are then averaged, and the average is multiplied by 0.96 to account for abnormal playing conditions.

Once the handicap index is determined, it can be used to calculate the player's course handicap for a specific course. The course handicap is calculated by multiplying the handicap index by the slope rating of the course and dividing the result by 113 (the standard slope rating).

In the US, the handicap system is also based on the WHS. However, there are some differences in the way handicaps are calculated. In the US, the handicap index is calculated using the best 10 out of the player's most recent 20 scores, and the average is multiplied by 0.96 without any adjustment for abnormal playing conditions.

Additionally, the USGA (United States Golf Association) has a different formula for calculating the course handicap. The course handicap is calculated by multiplying the handicap index by the slope rating of the course and dividing the result by 113, just like in Kenya. However, the USGA adds a "bonus for excellence" to the course handicap, which is based on the difference between the course rating and the par of the course.

For example, let's say a golfer in Kenya has a handicap index of 10.0 and is playing a course with a slope rating of 120. Their course handicap would be calculated as (10.0 * 120) / 113 = 10.61. On the other hand, if the same golfer were playing in the US, their course handicap would be slightly different due to the different calculation methods.

It's important to note that the handicap systems in both Kenya and the US aim to provide a fair way for golfers of different skill levels to compete against each other. The specific calculations may vary, but the underlying principles remain the same.

References:

1. World Handicap System - https://www.whs.com/
2. USGA Handicap System - https://www.usga.org/handicapping.html