Golf handicaps are a mathematical adjustment to scores made to allow golfers of different ability levels to compete on an even playing field with one another. A golfer's average standard of play is used to determine how well or poorly that golfer plays in relation to expectations. Essentially, golf handicaps change competition between individuals from a straight strokes game to a contest of who can perform best relative to his individual abilities.
Step 1
Play five scored rounds--18 holes--of golf, or take the scores from the last five rounds you played. All five rounds should be played on the same course.
Step 2
Look on your scorecards and identify the rating and slope of the course. If the slope and rating are not listed on the scorecard, contact the manager of that course.
Step 3
Subtract the course rating number from your first course score. Multiply the resulting number by 113, then divide the product by the slope of the course. Repeat this process for all five course scores. The result for each course score is called a differential.
Step 4
Multiply the lowest differential of the five by .96. This is your handicap.
Tips and Warnings
- You can get your handicap authorized by various organizations, such as Total Golf Club and the United States Golf Association, to gain access to various golf courses with minimum restrictions on how good golfers must be to be able to play a course. To do this, you will need your handicap calculated and approved by a representative of the organization. Your own calculations are not admissible. Contact these organizations to set up a time to have your handicap calculated. Once the handicap is verified, you will be given a handicap certificate.
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