A golf handicap is an attempt to measure the relative abilities of different golfers. As golf is a numerical game, various data can be entered into a handicap formula to estimate the potential of each golfer based on previous performance and course difficulty. Although no formula is perfect, the handicap formula provides a basis of comparison between golfers.
Uses
As all golfers use the same handicap formula to compute their handicap number, the difference between your handicap and another golfer's handicap should be a roughly accurate estimate of your relative abilities. If you have a handicap of 20 and you are playing a golfer with a handicap of 8, the other golfer should be roughly 12 shots better than you over an 18-hole course. In order to make a round more competitive, you could add these 12 shots to the score of the better player.
Computation
The actual computation of your golf handicap is usually performed by a computer since it involves a number of variables. If you want to calculate the number yourself, take your 18-hole score and subtract the course rating, which you can find on the scorecard. Multiply this number by the slope of the course, which should also be found on the scorecard, and divide this number by 113. Take this final figure and multiply it by 0.96. The resulting number will be your handicap index for that day.
History
To earn a handicap sanctioned by the U.S. Golf Association, you must complete at least five full rounds. To make your handicap more accurate, you should enter at least 20 rounds. The USGA uses handicap to measure a golfer's potential ability, only your best rounds are considered for handicap purposes. For example, if you enter 20 scores into the USGA computer, only your best 10 rounds will be used for your handicap calculation.
Course Rating
Course rating is one of the ways the USGA ranks the difficulty of any given golf course, and it plays an important role in the handicap calculation. A course rating usually ranges between the mid-60s and the mid-70s, and it reflects the USGA's determination of what a professional golfer might shoot on that course on average.
Course Slope
Course slope is another way that the USGA evaluates the difficulty of a given golf course. While course rating reflects a course's difficulty for a professional golfer, slope is meant to reflect a course's difficulty for the average amateur golfer. Slope ratings range from 55 to 155, with a higher number representing a more difficult course. The average golf course has a slope of 113.
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