History
Before 1912, no handicap system existed. That year marked the beginning of the U.S. handicap system, with handicaps established at the golfer's home club. But the one-handicap system did not provide a fair handicap at different courses, so the USGA replaced it in 1987 with the Handicap Index.
Identification
The United States Golf Association oversees the trademarked system and licenses golf associations and clubs to use it.
Features
To establish a Handicap Index, you must join a USGA-licensed golf club and post a minimum of five 18-hole scores for an 18-hole handicap. Joining a club does not necessarily require paying a fee.
Considerations
If you want the most accurate handicap, post all of your scores, good and bad. The Handicap Index formula uses the 10 lowest of your last 20 posted scores. The authorized golf association for your club calculates the index, which is updated every two weeks.
Function
Golf courses have a set of handicap tables based on the slope rating for each set of tees. These tables may be printed or in a computer. Find the tees you will be playing and look up your index; your handicap number will be listed next to the index.
Misconceptions
Your handicap is not the average of your scores minus par. Because the formula uses your lowest scores, it is a measure of your potential and represents the number of strokes you need to play to the course rating (not to par).
About The Author
Kim Kleinle is a PGA/LPGA professional and a member of a select group certified in instruction by the Professional Golfers' Association. She began writing in 1980 after earning her degree. Her work has appeared online, in "Northeast Golfer" and in newspapers, including the "Scranton Times." Kleinle holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Point Park University, Pittsburgh.
