---
title: What is Exceptional Score Reduction (ESR)?
description: In some cases, a player can improve quicker than the system can recognize. If a player's score differential is 7.0 or more strokes lower than their Handicap Index on the date of play, an extra reducti
---

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# What is Exceptional Score Reduction (ESR)?

In some cases, a player can improve quicker than the system can recognize. If a player's score differential is 7.0 or more strokes lower than their Handicap Index on the date of play, an extra reduction will be applied to the scoring history.

A score between 7.0 and 9.9 strokes lower than the Handicap Index will result in an adjustment of -1 to all the score differentials in the most recent 20 scores. A score 10.0 strokes or more lower than the Handicap Index will result in a -2 adjustment.

![](https://kb.gapgolf.org/hubfs/image-png-Feb-01-2022-04-05-43-78-PM.png)

The adjustment is noted in the ESR column of a player's record, and denoted with E in the score type. Rounds posted following the ESR round will receive no adjustment.

 

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