Golf's system of handicapping was created to allow amateur golfers of varied abilities to compete equally against each other, regardless of skill levels. This means, for example, that you, a relatively new golfer, can compete with your boss, who has years of golfing experience, and can still be on equal playing ground. In the United States, handicaps are set and monitored by the United States Golf Association, or USGA.
Golf Club
To be assessed for a handicap, you must belong to a golf club. This club must be licensed by the USGA and adhere to the association's rules. For a golf club to be approved, it must present a minimum of 10 members and monitor all related course operations.
Course Rating
Each golf course is rated by the USGA based on variables that will affect the difficulty of the course. Raters collect data at each hole of the course and combine them with averages of shot totals by both bogey players, known as plus handicaps, and scratch players, known as zero handicaps, to fairly construct a course rating. Trees, bunkers, water hazards and any other course obstacles are also factored in.
Slope Rating
Raters use the slope rating in accordance with the course rating to produce a personal handicap index for you. The slope rating represents the difficulty of the course by comparison of the scores from both bogey and scratch golfers. As the difference in strokes increases, the slope rating increases as well, and more strokes are given. Alternately, as the difference decreases, the slope rating also decreases, and fewer strokes are given to even the field.
Handicap Index
Next, you must be assessed and given a handicap index. This number progresses from zero and is specified to one decimal place. The index is calculated based on a minimum of five to a maximum of 20, for 18 hole rounds of golf. The index defines your skill level based on your average number of strokes compared with the average number of strokes shot by a scratch player (zero-handicap.) To calculate your handicap index, you also require the slope rating as well as the course rating. Again, calculations can be tricky, so the clubhouses can provide you with assistance.
Course Rating Table
To equate you and your partner's golf competition, you must make calculations of the course rating, slope rating and your handicap index. This calculation can be complicated, so for your convenience, clubhouses generally have a course handicap table or a computer-generated calculator to precisely produce the number of strokes that will make you and your partner equal in competition, giving you a course handicap.
Scratch Golfer
A scratch golfer plays on any rated golf course with a handicap of zero.
Bogey Golfer
A bogey golfer tends to have a significantly higher handicap index. For men, a bogey golfer generally has an approximate handicap index of 20. Women bogey golfers average 24.
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