How to Get an Official Golf Handicap

The golf handicap system allows players of different ability to compete equally.

If you are an avid golfer, you need a handicap. A handicap allows you to compete against other players who have handicaps on an equal basis, even if the other player is much better or much worse than you. The way this is accomplished is by subtracting the lower handicap from the higher handicap. That number of strokes is given to the higher handicap player, essentially making the match even. It is one of the few sports where two players of different ability can compete evenly.

Things You'll Need

• A golf course with a USGA handicap system

Instructions

Establishing a Golf Handicap

1. Find a golf course with a United States Golf Association handicap system. If you are in another part of the world, the golf community will be ruled by another governing body. Join the local association that establishes handicaps.

2. 

   The more scores you are able to turn in after starting, the more accurate your handicap will be.

   Start playing and turning in scores. Your handicap can be established with as few as five scores, but more scores work to your advantage. If you had one great round among your first five rounds, your handicap will be based on that. The more rounds you turn in, the more accurate your handicap. Turn in every score. Eventually, your handicap will be based on your best 10 rounds of your last 20 rounds.

3. Learn and respect the rules of the game. When someone does not abide by the rules of the game, their handicap is not accurate.

4. You do not need to know how to calculate your handicap. It will be done by computer, using your adjusted score, the golf course rating, and the golf course slope index. Your handicap will be derived from these numbers.

5. When you play in some tournaments, your handicap will be multiplied by .96, something the USGA calls a "bonus for excellence." It gives a very slight advantage to low-handicap players.

6. 

   Carry your "handicap card" with you when playing different courses.

   You should take the "handicap card" you will be issued with you to other golf courses. They may ask for it as a verification of your handicap.

References

• "The U.S.G.A. Site for Handicapping"