Handicapping has existed in golf in some form since the 17th century, according to the U.S. Golf Association. A player's handicap index indicates her ability compared to that of a scratch golfer on a standard course. Handicaps allow players of different ability levels to compete more easily. The USGA, the governing body for the sport in the United States, provides detailed rules for the calculation and use of handicaps.
Basic Principle
A player's handicap index indicates the number of strokes he would have to add or subtract from his average score to reach par. A player with a zero handicap, often referred to as a "scratch golfer," shoots an average score of par. A player with a +1 handicap shoots an average score of one under par. A player with a -7 handicap shoots an average score of seven over par. In handicap golf tournaments, each player adds or subtracts strokes from his score based on his handicap. Tournament organizers must announce whether they will use handicap scoring.
Issuing Handicaps
Golf clubs and associations must have a USGA license in order to issue authorized handicap indexes to players. Only members of licensed golf clubs can get an authorized handicap index. Golf clubs and associations must follow USGA rules for calculating the handicap. The clubs should continually update a player's handicap index based on the scores for the most recent 20 rounds. Handicap calculation takes into account the difficulty of the courses on which these rounds were played. Clubs should calculate the handicap index to one decimal place.
Posting Scores
Players turn in the scores of any acceptable round to their club. Players must also consistently try to play their best on each hole and in each round. If players purposely shoot high scores to alter their handicap, or withhold particularly low scores, they unfairly prevent their handicap from reflecting their true ability. Post all of your scores, even those that seem to represent a fluke round. The handicap calculator at your club will determine which stray rounds, such as an unusually high round, should be disregarded. You must post at least five scores before your club can issue you a handicap index.
Course Handicaps
Golf courses with USGA authorization earn a course difficulty rating, referred to as a slope rating. Some tournaments require players to adjust their handicap according to the course's difficulty. You can determine your course handicap by multiplying your handicap index by the course's slope rating and then dividing the resulting number by 113. Round the resulting value up or down to the nearest whole number.
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