You Asked: What is a Golf Handicap?

One of the most misunderstood elements of golf is a player’s handicap. What is a handicap? How does it work? Is there a difference between a handicap and handicap index? Do I need a handicap? 

These questions are what I found myself asking when I first started establishing an official United States Golf Association (USGA) handicap this past season. Whether you’re a high handicap or scratch golfer,  this article will help to answer these questions and more so that you can better understand how this valuable tool can benefit your game the next time you head to the golf course. We will also take a look at some of the changes made to the World Handicap System and how those will be implemented in 2024.

Definition of a Golf Handicap

At its most basic level, a golf handicap is a general term defined as the number of strokes, or shots, a golfer is expected to take above or below a course’s par score. A higher handicap means players are able to subtract more strokes from their gross score to determine their net score. A lower handicap indicates a more skilled golfer, who subtracts, or in some cases may add, a smaller number of strokes from their gross score (this is known as a “plus” handicap).

What is a “Good” Golf Handicap?

A “good” golf handicap is hard to clearly define, as it is relative to the golfer. For example, a 30-handicap golfer may feel that a 10-Handicap is a good golf handicap. The average handicap index for men in the U.S. is 16 while women have an average of 28. The maximum handicap a golfer can carry, regardless of gender, is 54.0.

Handicap Versus Handicap Index

The general term “handicap” differs from a “handicap index”, which is a rating given to a golfer’s game specific to a scoring system, like the USGA Handicap System. A handicap index is not a representation of your average score. It is used to calculate your course handicap by taking into account the course rating and slope rating. There are other factors that are taken into consideration when calculating course handicap, which will be discussed later on. Establishing an index is relatively easy to do, as the minimum number of scores needed equates to three 18-hole rounds. Internet access makes it easy to enter your scores into the Golf Handicap & Information Network (GHIN) system. Your handicap index will then be updated each time you post another score at midnight local time the following day. 

How is a Handicap Index Calculated?

The formula used to determine your handicap index takes the sum of your eight lowest handicap differentials divided by eight when 20 or more scores have been posted. This calculation gives us a number that is then rounded to the nearest tenth. For golfers with fewer than 20 scores, the table from USGA rule 5.2a provides information on how score differential is calculated. Many golfers believe they should shoot or beat their handicap index on a regular basis, which is not true. It is simply a measure of your playing ability over a given number of rounds. Often, golfers will finish a few strokes higher than their index. It is important to note that both nine-hole and 18-hole scores may be posted towards generating your handicap.

Importance and Benefits of Having a Handicap

We’ve identified both a handicap and handicap index as well as the difference between the two. Now you may be wondering, “Why the heck do I need a handicap, anyways?” The best answer to this question is that you don’t! If you golf casually and don’t take it that seriously, there really is no need to worry about carrying a handicap; official or otherwise. However, if you plan to play in tournaments or leagues, you likely will require a handicap to participate as it is used to level the playing field. Let’s look at an example of how a handicap is used in medal play (also called stroke play) format:

John is a relatively new golfer with a course handicap of 20. His friend Mike, who has been playing golf since he was a kid, carries a course handicap of three. In medal play format, Mike will give John 17 strokes (20-3=17). John’s final score is a 96, giving him a net score of 79, while Mike shoots a 77. Golf’s handicap system allows less skilled players, like John in our example, to compete with better golfers based on his current ability.

How is my Course Handicap Calculated?

There are a multitude of factors taken into consideration when determining course handicap. The playing conditions calculation (PCC), maximum hole scores for handicap purposes (net double bogey) and adjustments made to differentials for an exceptional score. In addition to course and slope rating (as mentioned previously) are all used. Both course and slope rating can be found on your scorecard (each set of tees carries its own slope/rating number). Let’s take a look at what some of these terms mean.

• Playing conditions calculation (PCC). Whether a a course was playing easier or more difficult than normal due to weather or setup
  
• Net double-bogey. You may count a maximum of two strokes over par plus any strokes you’re entitled to, based on stroke allowance for that hole. Use this chart to determine your per-hole maximum as it varies based on handicap index.
  
•  Exceptional Score. A submitted score seven or more strokes better than your handicap index at the time the round is played
  
• Course Rating. The difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer
  
• Slope Rating. The relative difficulty of a course for players who are not scratch golfers compare to those who are

Additional Calculations

Your handicap may vary across courses or even from one tee box to another. This is due to differences in course slope and rating in relation to the tees you’re using. Your handicap index determines your course handicap. For instance, I typically play to a 16 handicap from the white tees at my home course but I’d adjust to a 19 when playing from the back tees. Why? Because the fact that the course plays tougher from those tees affords me more strokes. This practice aids in maintaining accurate scores when navigating courses with varying slope and course ratings.

Another benefit to carrying a handicap if you’re taking your game seriously is that you can see your improvement, or lack thereof, over the course of a season and beyond. As it is a measure of one’s ability, it is easy to track how your golf game progresses.

World Handicap System (WHS) 2024 Revisions

Revisions have been made to the WHS that will be implemented beginning Jan. 1, 2024. Since its implementation in 2020, many countries have seen significant increases in the number of rounds posted for handicap purposes. With more than 100 million scores posted yearly, the WHS helps to unify players globally through a standard measure of playing ability. The upcoming changes include:

• Inclusion of shorter-length golf courses Within the course rating system, 18-hole courses as short as 1,500 yards and nine-hole courses as short as 750 yards will now be eligible for a course and slope rating
  
• Use of an expected score for a hole not played. To handle holes not played, the use of a player’s expected score will be implemented rather than a score of net par. Also, as nine-hole rounds are becoming more popular, an expected score can be used to convert a nine-hole round into an 18-hole score differential.
  
• Playing Conditions Calculation adjustments made more frequent. PCC has been modified to increase the likelihood of an adjustment for abnormal playing conditions.
  
• Enhanced guidance on conducting a handicap review. A yearly handicap review has been recommended to ensure a player’s handicap index remains reflective of their ability. New reporting tools that national associations can incorporate into their systems have been developed to assist in conducting the reviews efficiently and consistently

Conclusion

I hope I have been able to adequately explain, and answer, any questions you may have had surrounding golf’s handicap system. It is a beneficial tool that allows golfers of all skill levels to compete with one another. It keeps track of how their game progresses over time and leads to more enjoyment and less frustration on the course. If you haven’t carried an official handicap in the past and would like to get started, doing so is easy! Discover your local Allied Golf Association and sign up today! You’ll be ready to grab your golf clubs, head out for a round of golf at your local course. Then start reporting scores for an official handicap in no time.