Definition: Gross score is, of course, every stroke a golfer has taken during a round, added up to a total score. Adjusted gross score is a golfer's stroke total for a round after accounting for the maximum per-hole scores allowed by the USGA's Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) guidelines.
All rounds turned in for handicap purposes must be played using Equitable Stroke Control guidelines, which set a cap on the score a player can take on any given hole. For example, you might actually have taken 10 strokes to play a hole, but according to ESC guidelines for your course handicap level, you may only be allowed to write a 7 on the scorecard.
All rounds turned in for handicaps must be adjusted gross scores.
