A golf handicap is a way to compare the abilities of different golfers. Golf handicaps are computed based on a combination of a golfer's actual performance and the difficulty of the courses played, as determined by the U.S. Golf Association. The handicap calculation uses different variables to reflect a golfer's potential, rather than simple reflection of past performance.
Purpose
The intent of the golf handicap system is to level the playing field so golfers of all abilities can successfully compete against one another. Essentially, the handicap system penalizes better golfers by improving the scores of golfers of lesser ability. In the handicap system, better golfers are assigned lower handicap numbers. The difference between the handicaps of two players is the number of strokes that the weaker player may subtract from his score to obtain a net score for a golf round.
Score
The calculation of a golf handicap begins with the gross score that a player shoots. Generally, the raw score a player earns is used, although for handicap purposes the USGA has developed a system known as equitable score control. Under this system, the number of strokes a player may record for handicap purposes is restricted based on the player's handicap. Essentially, a good golfer cannot record a very poor score for any one hole as that one hole is not indicative of the golfer's potential ability. Mathematically, taking too many strokes for any one given hole would change the golfer's handicap to indicate that the player is not as good as he truly is.
Course Rating
A course rating reflects what a professional golfer should shoot on average on a given course. The higher the rating, the more difficult the course should be for a good golfer. Golf ratings typically range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s, with a higher rating indicating a more difficult course.
Course Slope
A course slope is another way to rate a course's difficulty, but whereas rating reflects how a typical professional would fare on a course, slope reflects the difficulty a course would pose for an average amateur golfer. Golf slopes range from 55 to 155, with an average rating of 113 and higher ratings indicating a greater degree of difficulty.
Calculation
The handicap calculation takes a golfer's gross score and subtracts the course rating. This figure is multiplied by 113, which is the slope rating of an average USGA course, then divided by the actual slope rating of the course played. This final quotient is then multiplied by .96. At least five scores must be recorded to register a handicap, with more scores providing a more accurate handicap. Once a golf has recorded 20 scores, only the highest 10 results are used in the handicap calculation.
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