USGA Handicap Rules
A handicap, as mandated by the United States Golf Association, measures a golfer's ability to play golf over 18 holes. The handicap represents the number of strokes above par a golfer will shoot and is subtracted by the total score after a full 18 holes are played.
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Adjustments of Handicaps for Difficult Holes
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On tour or match play, handicaps differ depending on difficulty level of the course and holes, in general. The difficulty of the hole is determined by the USGA.
No Maximum or Minimum Handicaps
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There is no minimum or maximum handicaps on holes in the course. The number of handicaps is two-fold and is determined by the golfer's ability and hole difficulty.
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Calculating a Handicap
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To calculate a handicap, you take the mean over par the golfer shoots of their previous holes. Those numbers are adjusted on the difficulty of the course or hole.
Handicap System not Used on PGA Tour
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The handicap system in golf only applies to the non-competitive golf, as in non-PGA mandated matches. On the PGA tour or match plays of its kind, professional golfers often score below par, thus doing away with the handicap.
Handicap Rules Differ From Country to Country
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Before starting play on the course in a country outside the United States, check with the Golf Association located in that country to determine the rules for handicaps.
Casual Golf
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One can play casual golf and do away with the rules of handicaps, but that is contingent upon the golfer.
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