Definition of Golf Handicap

A golf handicap is a number that is used to adjust the scores so players of different skill levels can compete on an equal basis. It reflects the approximate number of strokes a player is able to shoot relative to par.

Keeping Scores

Players record all their scores, both good and bad. Individual hole scores are limited to a number set by the USGA to avoid unduly biasing the handicap.

Posting Scores

Players enter their scores in the USGA computer system. It tallies each score along with two data points from the golf course: the course rating and the slope.

Calculating Handicaps

The difference between each raw score and the course rating is scaled by the course slope. The best half of these "differentials" are averaged and scaled again to yield the player's handicap index.

Using Handicaps

In competitions each player receives a course handicap that is determined from the player's index and the slope rating of the course being played.

Allocation of Strokes

For stroke play each player's course handicap is subtracted from his final score. In match play--where one player competes against another hole by hole--strokes are subtracted on the most difficult holes from the player with the higher handicap.

References

• The USGA Handicap Manual