How to Score Using a Golf Handicap
One of the unique aspects of golf as a competitive sport is the ability to easily adjust scores to have a level playing field between players with different abilities. A handicap rating is the average value that a player shoots relative to the par of the course. When compared to other players in a group's handicap, it can be used to predict how many shots a given player should win by, allowing you to adjust your scoring accordingly.
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Instructions
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1
Determine the handicap of every player. An official handicap can be found by entering scores into computers located in most golf course club houses. However, if players do not have an official handicap, an accurate estimate of their average score to par will suffice. A bogey golfer would be an 18 handicap, for example.
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2
Subtract the lowest handicap in the group from each of the remaining players' handicaps, and record these numbers on paper. These numbers will represent the total number of strokes that each player will receive. For a straight stroke-play match, you can simply subtract these numbers from everyone's final scores. For match or skins play, continue to Step 3, repeating the process for every player who will be receiving strokes.
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3
Find how many times 18 can be divided into the number of strokes the player is receiving. The player will subtract this number of strokes from his or her score on every hole. A player with a 40 handicap would receive at least two strokes on every hole from a player with a 2 handicap, as there is a difference of 38.
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4
Subtract the number of strokes received on every hole, multiplied by 18 from the initial handicap difference. This will be the number of remaining strokes the player will receive. In the above example, the 40 handicap would receive an additional two strokes.
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5
Subtract an additional stroke from the higher handicap's score on each hole with a handicap number less than or equal to this number. The lower the number, the more difficult the hole is. In the above example, the higher handicapped player would receive three strokes off his score on the holes ranked 1 and 2, and two strokes on all other holes.
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Tips & Warnings
Handicaps are always measured over 18 holes. If you are only playing nine holes, it will not affect the minimum number of strokes per hole. However, you will give an extra stroke on only half as many holes as the number found in Step 4.
