Golf handicaps are a means to level the playing field among golfers in competitive play, such as tournaments or other official events. They can also be used by amateur golfers to gauge their skill level in comparison to a golf course’s difficulty or the skill of their opponents. How a golf handicap is calculated can be a bit complicated, but ultimately is meant to benefit the golfer.

In this article, we’ll discuss the purpose of a golf handicap, how they relate to the golf course you are playing, and common uses of a handicap once established.

What is the Purpose of a Golf Handicap?

There are many ways to explain what a golf handicap is and its purpose, and all are very similar in definition. In summary, a golf handicap is a measure – or metric – applied to a golfer based on their score history to determine their current ability playing the game. This metric is established by a player recording their score into a handicap system or interface after each of their golf rounds. Many golf courses have a computer in their pro shop on which a player can log their score or look up their current handicap.

A handicap essentially signifies how many strokes a player of a certain ability will take above or below par to finish a round of golf. For example, if a player has a handicap of 10 and plays a golf course with a total par of 72, they are likely to shoot a score ten strokes over par, or 82 in this case.

As of the time of this writing, the maximum golf handicap for male golfers is 36, while the maximum for female golfers is 40. Golf handicaps are defined, monitored, and assigned by the United States Golf Association (USGA), or other governing body for the game of golf.

Handicaps can also come with a modifier that includes a “plus” sign (+) ahead of the number. In this case, a player is a highly skilled golfer and will likely shoot under par for 18 holes. Using our example above, a player who is a +3 handicap will shoot a score around 69 strokes for the same par-72 golf course, or 3-under par. Most professional golfers carry a plus-handicap due to their immense skill on any golfer course they play.

Golf handicaps are commonly required for players who wish to play in competitive, flighted events where golfers of a specific ability are grouped together while competing. Handicaps are also required for highly skilled players who wish to qualify for professional tournaments, and usually must be lower than a maximum number to compete in the qualifier. This practice ensures a fair playing field among competitors.

Common Uses of a Golf Handicap

More commonly, handicaps can be used among a foursome for competitive mini games or friendly money games. Based on a player’s handicap, they can receive “strokes” on the golf course’s hardest holes. This also ensures a level playing field among the group, regardless of a player’s overall golf ability.

For example, if a golfer has a 10-handicap, they will receive on stroke on each of the golf course’s toughest holes as defined by the golf course. When looking at a golf course’s scorecard, you will see that each hole has a defined handicap number. The toughest hole on the course will be assigned a handicap of “1”, while the easiest receives a handicap of “18.” If a player has a handicap higher than 18, they will receive additional strokes on the course’s most challenging holes up to the total of their handicap score.

This handicap-per-hole assignment is helpful in determining which holes a player will receive a stroke. Using the example above of a 10-handicap, the player will receive a stroke on any hole with a handicap between 1-10. To receive a stroke means that if a player scores a bogey – one over par – for a hole on which they are receiving a stroke, they can subtract one shot from their final score (in this case, a par instead of a bogey).

Obtaining a Golf Handicap

There are many ways to obtain a golf handicap. The most common way is to register for a golf handicap via the USGA website, or your local golf governing body, such as the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA). This is a straightforward process that may include a small fee to register but will allow you to enter your 9- or 18-hole scores into an interface for the purpose of establishing your handicap.

Some smartphone apps are also available to calculate a golf handicap using a formula like what is used by golf’s governing bodies. However, these apps are likely for informational purposes only as they are not officially associated with a governing body, and the resulting golf handicap score may not be used for sanctioned competitive events. Regardless, these apps are often free of cost and provide the golfer with information on their current skill level.

After registering for a golf handicap, a player most log a minimum number of rounds into the handicap interface to establish their handicap score. This number differs from one governing body to the next, but the minimum number of rounds required to establish a handicap is usually fewer than 10. If a golfer has a log of past golf round scores, he or she may enter them all at once to establish a handicap.

Improving a Golf Handicap

Once a golfer has a golf handicap established, they will likely seek to improve – or lower – their handicap score. Doing so will suggest that their golf skill is improving since they need to shoot lower scores to also lower their handicap.

One way to do this is to take golf lessons from a golf training professional. Beginner golfers will likely improve their golf handicap very quickly as they have the most room to improve overall. More skilled golfers with lower handicaps will have a more difficult time reducing their overall handicap score, which is to be expected. While this may be frustrating to some, it’s likely a good problem to have.