The Golf Handicap

The handicap system is used only in amateur golf. As professional golfers score several strokes below par for a round such a system has no meaning in the professional game.

Its aim in amateur golf is to allow players of different abilities to play against each other on equal terms. What it does is "level the playing field" so that your playing ability is taken into account in your comparative score for a round of golf. Your individual handicap is calculated by the average over par of the ten best scores for your last 20 rounds. This figure is adjusted for course difficulty. In addition, it gives the individual golfer a measure of their playing ability which will lower as he or she improves their game.

For example, a handicap of 20 means that you have averaged 20 shots over par in the above formula. Handicaps are administrated by individual golf clubs or national golf associations and there are also rules which administer when and how they should be given.

For more information about the handicap system take a look at The Golf Handicap FAQs.