How to Calculate Your Golf Handicap
Did you know that around 24.8 million people play golf? Since 1997, 2020 saw the largest increase in first-time or beginner golfers.
As a beginner golfer or long-time casual golfer, you may have never used a golf handicap before. It can be useful to even the playing field with golfers of different skill levels and help you qualify for tournaments.
Also, it is nice to have a good measurement of progress or improvement. But how do you get started improving your golf handicap? Luckily, we have a must-read article for you.
In our golfing advice guide, we will review what a golf handicap is, how you calculate it, and how you can improve your game. Keep reading on for more information!
What Is a Golf Handicap?
At its core - a golf handicap helps even the playing field when players with different skill levels compete against each other. Lower handicaps equate to a more skilled player and higher handicaps vice versa.
Ultimately, it allows a particular number of strokes you can subtract from your final round. For example, maximum golf handicaps fluctuate but could be around 28 for males and 36 for females. If you have the maximum handicap allowed, you will subtract 28 or 36 from your final score.
If your gross score is 110, it would be 82 or 74. If you have a low handicap of two, you would only subtract two from your gross score.
How Do You Get a Golf Handicap?
Official USGA golf handicaps require multiple rounds of 18 to 9-holes. Golf shop pros can usually help you get started at their course by recording your handicap.
However, after tallying your final scores after each round, it becomes a bit more complicated. Each course has its maximum per-hole strokes. For example, although you took ten shots on one hole, the maximum amount might be six.
In that scenario, you would go through each hole and only count the maximum stroke limit set by the course. Afterward, you will subtract your adjusted gross core from the course rating (also listed on the course website or scorecard) and multiply by 113.
Once you have that final number, you will divide it by the course slope rating. This number provides you with the handicap differential.
Keep your differentials on hand. You will perform that same calculation for all five rounds. In the end, you will divide that number by five and multiply by 0.96. If you have multiple differentials, you will want to pick your lowest ones.
How to Register Your Handicap Index
If you want to start participating in tournaments, you will need an official handicap index. There are a few different ways you can do this:
- Sign up through USGA
- Sign up through authorized golf clubs
- Find Allied Golf Association clubs
To make things even slightly more complicated, there are approximately six different handicap systems used globally. The World Handicap System combines these six for a universal index, and in 2020, the USGA implemented the World Handicap System.
The USGA requires participants who want a handicap index to register with a golf club. Many golf courses, including public and private, are registered with the USGA. From there, you can maintain your index by registering your rounds of golf.
Can You Improve Your Golf Handicap?
After you follow the steps above, you will want to keep recording your rounds of golf to help lower your score. Some of the best ways to lower your handicap are by playing golf more frequently and taking golf lessons.
Dayton golf lessons can improve your golf game by helping you refine your golf swing and build a stronger golf swing foundation. Additionally, spending time with professional instructors can provide insight and motivation to improve your handicap.
Next, as the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. Practice facilities are ideal in these scenarios since you can practice multiple swings and clubs. It is also a perfect time to refine your short game.
On the golf course, you have a more limited opportunity to try out new techniques, clubs, or other golf tips. Practice facilities are an affordable and easy way you can start building muscle memory.
Where Should Your Handicap Be?
Many golfers wonder where their average handicap should be. Ultimately, it depends on what you are competing for. If you want to start golfing professionally, a handicap below ten is ideal.
The average handicap of all golfing ages is around 13 to 14. Here is a general range that you can use as a reference:
- Score: 80; Handicap: 5
- Score: 86; Handicap: 10
- Score: 98; Handicap: 20
Fixing the fundamentals will likely help you the most toward improving your golf game. Additionally, look at upgrading your equipment. The right ball spin, club head, and grip can make a big difference in mastering the basics.
To find the right gear, you will want to talk to a professional. They can let you test different clubs and brands to find one that works the best for your weight, height, speed, and comfort.
Find Ways to Improve Your Golf Game Today
Playing golf is an easy way to become more active and get involved in outdoor activities. If you are just starting out or have never used a golf handicap before, you may wonder how to get started.
Luckily, the process is fairly simple once you register through a qualified club and sign up on USGA. Start recording your scores and ask a pro shop specialist about any advice or guidance they can give.
It may be worth your while to sign up for a membership or start golf lessons to save money while improving your game!