Can you explain how the scoring system works in golf ? What is a handicap ?

Question

can you explain how the scoring system works in golf ? What is a handicap ?

Answer 1

A golf handicap is a numerical measure of an amateur golfer's playing ability. It can be used to calculate a net score from the number of strokes actually played, thus allowing players of different proficiency to play against each other on somewhat equal terms. Handicaps are administered by golf clubs or national golf associations. Exact rules relating to handicaps can vary from country to country.

A handicap is calculated with a specific arithmetic formula that approximates how much worse than par a player should be able to play. The R&A (now a separate organization from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club), based in St Andrews, Scotland, is responsible for the authorization of handicap systems in all golf playing countries except the United States and Mexico, where United States Golf Association rules apply. The administration of handicapping systems in countries affiliated to the R&A is the responsibility of the national golf associations, which are affiliated to the R&A. The two governing bodies specify slightly different ways to perform this calculation for players. The details of these calculations are presented below.

A golfer's net score is determined from the gross score (the number of strokes actually taken) by subtracting the player's handicap from the gross score. The net scores of all the competing golfers are compared and (generally) the lowest score wins.

A player's handicap is intended to show a player's potential, not his average score, as is the common belief. A player will play to his handicap less than 25% of the time. The USGA refers to this as the "average best" method. So in a large, handicapped competition, the golfer who shoots the best with respect to his abilities and the normal variations of the score should win.

While there are many variations in detail, handicap systems are generally based on calculating an individual player's playing ability from his recent history of rounds. Therefore, a handicap is not fixed but is regularly adjusted to increases or decreases in a player's scoring.

A golfer whose handicap is zero is called a "scratch golfer." A golfer whose handicap is 18 is called a "bogey golfer." It is possible to have a handicap below 0; these are referred to as 'plus' handicaps, and at the end of the round, a 'plus' handicap golfer must add his handicap to his score. A professional golfer plays off scratch, but has no actual handicap.

In the United States, handicaps are calculated using several variables: The player's scores from his most recent rounds, and the course rating and slope from those rounds. A "handicap differential" is calculated from the scores, using the course slope and rating, and the player's handicap differentials are used to calculate the player's handicap.

See more detailed info here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf_handic...

Answer 2

MatchPlay - Each Hole Is Played And The Lowest Score Wins The Hole. If You Win A Hole (1up) Lose A Hole (1dwn) Half Hole (All Square). And The Game Is Played Until Someone is (Up) by more then the holes remaining.

i.e - 3 up with only two holes left.

StrokePlay- Play You Own Round Like Any Other And Try To Beat Your Handicap.

Handicap System- Your Handicap Is How Many Extra Shots You Will Recieve.

Take Mine For Instance I Play Off Of 4 So If The Course Par Is 72, To Shoot My Handicap I Would Have To Shoot 76.

Your Handicap Can Go Up Or Down, By Playing Competative Golf.

I Hope This Helps.

Answer 3

A good and detailed answer from Ohio.   To add a little more, in order for you to obtain a handicap you need to play a minimum number of rounds (usually 10).  You need to enter your score into a handicapping program that will also require you to submit the name of the course where you played the round(s).  A very simple if unscientific way for you to have a general idea of your handicap, take par on the course you play, (assume 72).  The number of strokes over par that you shoot is going to be fairly accurate for calculating your handicap.  IE:  If over 10 rounds, your average score is 90, then your going to be approximately an 18 handicap (72+18=90).   This isn't exact because of the variances that Ohio explained in calculating a handicap but it will give you a general idea of your handicap.

Answer 4

Ohio certainly has quoted " chapter and verse " of the handicap system, its origin, reason and use. Let's try to simplify the process. An official golf handicap index is calculated by taking the 10 best of the last 20  adjusted scores entered, adding that total, divide that by 10, subtract par of course from that dividend , take 96 % of the difference and that is your course handicap index.If everyone has a  legitimate handicap the worst player can compete with the best. Unfortunately, there are some golfers who prefer " vanity " handicaps and never turn in their worst scores. Then you have the " bagger " who manages never to turn in his best scores so that his handicap will indicate more strokes than he deserves. Don't play this bird for too much money.