What is a Handicap in Golf

You’ve probably been asked, “What’s your golf handicap?” by fellow members on the field or maybe, you’ve recently picked up the club and want to know all about golf and its handicaps before hitting any tees. Your golf handicap essentially defines your skill set as a golfer, in numerical terms. Essentially, golf handicaps act as an equalizer that levels the playing field to ensure golfers of all skill sets can play 18 holes without a marginal difference.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the basics of what a golf handicap is, how to calculate yours, and how to improve your golf handicap.

What Is A Golf Handicap?

A golf handicap also known as a handicap index is the numerical value that measures a golfer’s playing ability. Simply put, it’s the number of strokes a golfer would have to take to complete a hole or a course’s par score. The higher the handicap, the more strokes or points a player is allowed to minus from their net score.

For instance, let’s say that a beginner to golf has a handicap of 10, while a seasoned golfer’s handicap is 38. Even if the beginner finished the round in 80 strokes, while the veteran completed the course with a score of 104.

Naturally, you’d assume the beginner to golf won the game. However, that’s when the effect of a golf handicap comes into play. The beginner’s handicap is subtracted from the score resulting in 70, applying the same basic maths- the veteran has a score of 66. From the calculations conducted, you’ll have gained a basic understanding of what a golf handicap is and how to calculate yours.

What Is A Golf Handicap In Simple Terms?

Essentially, the higher the handicap, the more strokes a golfer is allowed to deduct from their overall score to evaluate their net score. A lower handicap indicates a skilled golfer whereas a higher handicap identifies a casual golfer or less proficient golfer. If you have a high handicap, you’ll need more than the set number of strokes (par) to complete the course.

Is it Important To Know Your Golf Handicap?

Knowing your golf handicap is your gateway to gaining experience playing with other golfers and helps you track your progress. You may not have a golf handicap as you pick up the club, but as you learn to maneuver the golf club- you can evaluate your golf handicap by the strokes (par) you take to complete a round.

If you’re a casual golfer and lack a competitive streak, you don’t need to question how a golf handicap is calculated. However, calculating your golf handicap can help you access an exciting round with mixed-level players as it levels out the score at the end of the round. Additionally, calculating your golf handicap is an easy way to broaden your experience and improve your score by observing seasoned golfers on the field.

You can follow our easy guide on how to calculate your golf handicap to know where you stand on the ladder and work to climb up.

How To Calculate Your Golf Handicap

While there’s no specific set standard to calculate your handicap, the method can differ depending on what golf association calculation you choose to follow. The general theme stays the same for all golf handicap calculation systems. Below is the step-by-step guide on how to calculate your golf handicap based on the USGA Handicap System:

Step 1: Calculate The Handicap For Each Round: Subtract the course rating (the par score set for the course) from your score and multiply it by 113, which is the standard slope rating. Once you have the result, divide it by the slope rating of the course. Here’s the formula to calculate your golf handicap differential:

Formula: (Score – Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating = Handicap Differential

Step 2: Examine Your Handicap Differential: When you have over 20 scores, choose the lowest 10 handicap differentials.

Step 3: Calculate The Average Of Your Lowest Handicap Differentials: Add the lowest 10 handicap differentials and then divide the result by 10. Here’s the formula as a reference:

Formula: Sum of Handicap Differentials / Number of Handicap Differentials

Step 4: Multiply the average by 0.96 (or 96%): Once you have the result of your handicap differentials, multiply it by 0.96 or divide it by 96% to get your handicap index. 

Formula: Average of lowest Handicap Differentials x 0.96 = Handicap Index

If you’re preparing for a national tournament, this method helps you evaluate where you stand in the golfing pool. Some golfing tournaments or leagues may follow an alternate method to evaluate your golf handicap. It’s best to follow a global method or use the basic way how to calculate your golf handicap, which is: 

  • Step 1: Play 20 rounds of golf, get the total number of strokes per course 
  • Step 2: Subtract your score from the average course rating 
  • Step 3: The result is multiplied by 113 

Now you must have an understanding of what your golf handicap score is, if you have a low handicap score, you don’t need any more practice, however for those who got a high handicap score- let’s move on to, how to improve your golf handicap index.

How To Improve Your Gold Handicap Index

If you have a high handicap, your next step will be how to improve it. Firstly, your gold handicap cannot be fixed overnight, you’ll have to practice on the golf course and score a hole with as minimal strokes as possible. 

Although, a high handicap isn’t a bad thing. Look at it as a way to help you gain the opportunity to play with more skilled or pro golf players. But if you plan on going pro or would like to invest more time in lowering your golf handicap, here are the ways to do it: 

  • Golf Simulator Clubs: Playing off-season will transform your golf game. You don’t have to restrict yourself to the summers to improve your golf handicap. By visiting your local indoor golf simulator club, you don’t have to fear your skills getting rusty in the off-season. 
  • Invest In Customized Golf Clubs: Your golf club will have a set of golf clubs for you to swing with, however, most golfing pros have their own set of clubs, designed for efficiency. Designing a golf club that matches your swing style and height will completely change the way you play. 
  • Take PGA Golf Lessons: Most indoor golf clubs offer golf simulator lessons instructed by renowned PGA golf pros. You can lower your handicap with just a few lessons! 
  • Practice: While it’s overly stated, the only way to improve your handicap is to play more golf. The more you play, the better you’ll become which will reflect on your golf handicap.

Improve Your Golf Handicap With TIPS!

Understanding what is a handicap in golf may be similar to solving a complex puzzle for beginners. However, it’s not all too difficult among the various etiquettes and complex terminologies that come with the game. At Tips Golf Club, we work to make golf convenient and accessible for golfing enthusiasts of all skill levels. Our indoor golf simulators allow you to adjust your golf handicap to hone your skills all year round. You don’t have to wait for the summers to lower your golf handicap when our indoor golf simulator club is here to be the solution you need.