HANDICAP FAQ'S
A handicap is an indication of a player's ability. A specific formula is used to compute handicaps by factoring in a player's score and the difficulty of the course played.
Why would I want to have a Handicap?
A handicap allows players of different ability levels to compete with each other. For example, generally, if a player with a 20 handicap has a score of 100, her net score is 80 (100 - 20 = 80) while a player with a 27 handicap and a score of 107 also has a net score of 80. Using handicaps helps to even the playing field, making the game more fun.
Handicaps also travel with you. If you play a course that is more difficult than your home course, your handicap will generally be higher and, on an easier course, will generally be lower.
When should I establish a Handicap?
If you are just learning the game of golf and spend the majority of your time taking lessons or practicing, then it may be too early for you to establish a handicap. Once you start playing 9 or 18 hole rounds, you should establish your handicap. After you have obtained a handicap number from your handicapping service (GHIN, GolfNet, etc.), you will need to post scores from five 18-hole or ten 9-holes rounds of golf to get your first Handicap Index. Handicaps are only revised on the 1st and 15th of each month. Any scores posted between those dates are held in the system until the next revision.
How do I establish a Handicap?
LPGA Amateurs provides a handicap service as a part of your membership.
What is a Course Handicap™?
How do I determine my Course Handicap™?
Look for the Course Handicap™ Table for the set of tees that you will use during play. These tables can usually be found in the course clubhouse near the posting computer. If not, ask the staff for a copy. Note that there are separate tables for men and women and a table for each set of tees, so be sure to ask for the correct table - the Women's Table for the Red Tees, for example. Locate your Index on the table to find your Course Handicap™. This whole number tells you how many strokes you will be given for the course and is also used to determine the maximum number of strokes you can post for any hole (see Equitable Stroke Control below). You can also use the online USGA Course Handicap calculator. You will need to know the Slope Rating for the set of tees you are playing.
What is a Course Rating™?
A Course Rating™ represents the playing difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer (a golfer with a zero or less Handicap Index) under normal weather and course conditions.
What is a Slope Rating®?
The Slope Rating® represents the relative playing difficulty of a course for a non-scratch golfer compared to a scratch golfer. The higher the Slope Rating ®, the greater the gap in expected scores between the scratch golfer and the non-scratch player.
