Key Facts - What is a golf handicap?

One of the reasons golf is such a popular game is that a system of handicapping means players of all abilities can play against each other.

A handicap is a certain number of strokes which a player is allowed to remove from his total score for a round.

Think of a handicap like a headstart given by more skilful players to weaker.

The better the player, the lower the handicap.

It means that players who have no handicap can play those with a handicap of 18, for example, and the game can still remain competitive.

The player with a 18 handicap will have 18 shots more in which to get around the course.

Or if you like an extra shot per hole.

The handicap system can seem confusing, which is why it is so important to keep your scores on a scorecard so you can work it all out at the end of your round.

Only highly skilled players reach zero, also known as 'scratch' or 'level'.

A select few even get so good they enter positive figures - which means they have to add strokes to their total.

In reality, most golfers who reach that standard are good enough to turn professional.

All professional tournaments are played as scratch or 'level' i.e. without handicaps.

In foursomes, the team's handicap is usually calculated by adding the two players' handicaps together and dividing by two.

The normal maximum handicap is:


Men: 28
Women: 36

Key Facts - Introduction to strokeplay golf

Golf is the only sport where the scores are kept by fellow competitors, not by officials.

Players swap cards at the start of a round, marking each other's score as well as their own.

Both players must sign both cards if the card is to be submitted to a competition or for handicapping.

In a tournament, failure to sign a cards or signing for a wrong score can lead to disqualification.

Strokeplay is the simplest form of scoring.

Each player adds up his score for the round and, once handicaps have been deducted if they are being used, the lowest score wins.

Strokeplay tournaments are often called medals.

Because the player is playing against the course rather than an opponent, every putt must be holed no matter how short.

Most professional tournaments are played like this.