Handicapping For Casual Golfers

Golf handicaps are used to make the game of golf more competitive for golfers with different skill levels. I was introduced to the game of golf by a friend who was an avid golfer and, of course, I was a beginner therefore there was no way I could even consider beating him in the game of golf. When I had reached what I call the advanced beginner stage my friend introduced me to the concept of handicapping. With handicapping, the game was more competitive for both of us.

There is a standard system of handicapping that is used for tournament play on all golf courses. This system is quite complicated and takes into account the golfers average score, the course ratings (total par for the course) for the courses played and the slope rating (course difficulty) for each course played. Computer software is used for this calculation and this system is always used to establish your official handicap.

For casual, non-tournament golf play where the players have not established an official handicap, here is an unofficial system that I find quite useful.

1.Keep track of your score and the course rating (total par for the course) every time you play golf.
2.Take the difference between your score and the course rating.
3.Calculate the average of the 10 best of your last 20 differences (or the best half of the differences you have recorded if less than 20) and multiply by 96% (drop everything after the 1st decimal place). The maximum allowable handicap is 36 .4 for men and 40.4 for women
4.Compare the result with the other golfers who are playing.
5.The lowest average receives no handicap. All other golfers have a handicap which is the difference between their average and the lowest average.
6.Each player subtracts their handicap from their total score to determine the winner (if match play, apply the handicap first to the number 1 difficulty hole then number 2, etc.)
7.The group could agree on whether to do the above calculations using the gross score or adjusted gross score (described below)

Adjusted Gross score
The gross score is the total strokes for 18 holes. The adjusted gross score places a cap on the number of strokes counted on any hole for handicapping purposes to eliminate the effect of a disaster hole when calculating a handicap. Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) rules are used to determine the maximum strokes per hole based on your Course Handicap as calculated in # 3 above.

Course Handicap Maximum Score
0-9, Double Bogey
10-19, 7
20-29, 8
30-39, 9
40 or more, 10

If you are doing this for the 1st time use the maximum handicap, 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women.

I have been playing golf for more than 30 years and desire to share some of the things that I have learned. I am especially focused on ideas for improving the score and enjoyment of the game of golf.

The best golf courses are the ones that have the best golf hills -Jay Evans (Golf Enthusiast)