Golf handicapping is a method used in the game of golf to ensure players of different skill levels have an equitable opportunity to compete against one another. The purpose of a golfer’s golf handicap is to provide a measure of their ability and help them find competition that’s fair and challenging.
If you’re new to playing golf, you may not understand exactly what a golfer’s golf handicap is or how it helps you compete more fairly with other players. You might even wonder why it’s called a handicap when it seems like an advantage. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, we have everything you need to know about finding the perfect golf handicap and competing on the same level as your friends. Let’s take a look at what exactly a golfer’s handicap is and how to find the perfect one for you!
What is a Golf Handicap?
For most people, the first thing they think of when they hear the word “handicap” is someone who is physically disabled and needs assistance. This is actually not what a golf handicap refers to at all. Instead, a golfer’s handicap is a measure of a player’s ability relative to the “scheduled” or “course” difficulty of a given course. It is designed to allow golfers of varying abilities to compete against each other on more even footing.
A golfer’s handicap is determined by taking their average score over a number of rounds and applying a formula to it to create a number that represents their ability as a golfer. This number is then plugged into a table that correlates course difficulty and the golfer’s ability to create an adjusted, or “scheduled,” score for each hole on the course. This adjusted score is used to determine the golfer’s handicap total, which is the basis for how they are matched up with other players.
How to Find the Perfect Golf Handicap for You
How do you find the perfect golf handicap? Well, first you’ll need to do some self-assessment. You’ll want to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses as a golfer to find a handicap that challenges you while being attainable. You don’t want to be playing golf below your ability and winning all the time, nor do you want to be struggling to finish each round.
You’ll want to start by taking a look at your course history. If you’ve been playing golf for a while, take a look at your scores. If you have digital scorecards, that’ll be excellent. If not, get a notebook and start writing them down. This will help you see where your strengths and weaknesses are and provide great information to help you find the perfect handicap.
Finding Your Course Rating
You can find your course rating by taking the average of your last 10-15 rounds and plugging it into the following formula: Find the average score of these rounds by adding up the total score and dividing it by the number of rounds you’ve played. Once you’ve found your average course score, plug it into the formula and find your course rating. This will be the basis for how you find your golf handicap.
Finding Your Equivalent Stroke Average
To find your equivalent stroke average, add up the total number of strokes you took during your last 10-15 rounds of golf and plug that into the following formula: Find your total number of strokes by adding up each score. Once you’ve added up all your scores, plug them into the formula to find your equivalent stroke average. This will be the basis for how you find your golf handicap.
Finding Your Adjusted Playing Rating
To find your adjusted playing rating, add up the total number of strokes you took during your last 10-15 rounds of golf and plug that into the following formula: Find your total number of strokes by adding up each score. Once you’ve added up all your scores, plug them into the formula to find your adjusted playing rating. This will be the basis for how you find your golf handicap.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve gone over everything you need to know about finding the perfect golf handicap, it’s time to get out on the course! Make sure to keep all of the information we’ve covered in mind when you’re out playing to make sure you’re finding the perfect handicap for you. And if you ever have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your golfing buddies or a professional golf instructor!
