What Is a Handicap in Golf?

Handicap

A golfer who averages 92, for example, on an 18-hole golf course with a rating of par 72, is playing 20 strokes over par and is assigned a handicap of 20.

Level Playing Field

When two golfers of different levels of skill play competitively, the less-skilled player is able to deduct the difference in their handicaps from his score.

Identification

Each hole on an 18-hole golf course is rated in terms of levels of difficulty. The most difficult hole is rated as #1 on the scorecard, and the least difficult is rated as #18.

Benefits

If a golfer with a 10 handicap, for example, plays competitively with a scratch golfer, the 10 handicapper is allowed a stroke on the 10 most difficult holes on the course, thus leveling the playing field.

Function

A governing body like the U.S.G.A. (United States Golf Association) establishes the handicap system. The level of difficulty of a course, or slope rating, is taken into consideration when establishing a golfer's handicap.

Significance

In order to achieve a handicap, a golfer must play and turn in scores from a minimum of 10 games to a U.S.G.A. authorized golf club. These golf clubs have computers to record and update your handicap each time a score is entered.