A golf handicap is a number that measures a golfer's playing ability so players of different skill levels can compete fairly. The lower the number, the better the golfer. A scratch golfer has a handicap of 0, while a beginner may have a handicap of 30 or more.
Handicap Index vs Course Handicap
- Handicap Index: your portable ability number, calculated from recent scores.
- Course Handicap: the number of strokes you receive on a specific course and set of tees.
- Playing Handicap: the Course Handicap adjusted for the format of play, when a competition requires it.
How a handicap works in a match
Suppose you have a Course Handicap of 12 and your friend has 20. In a stroke play round using net scores, your friend subtracts 20 from their gross score and you subtract 12. The player with the lower net score wins, so a weaker player can beat a stronger player on a good day.
Why golf uses course rating and slope
Courses differ in difficulty. The World Handicap System uses course rating and slope rating so a score on a hard course counts for more than the same score on an easy one. See course rating and slope.
Get your own number
Use our golf handicap calculator to estimate your Handicap Index from recent scores, or read how to calculate your golf handicap step by step.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good golf handicap?
Single digits are considered strong. Under 20 is common for regular golfers. Scratch (0) is elite for amateurs.
Do I need a handicap to play golf?
No. You need one for many club competitions and for fair matches between players of different skill.
Can a handicap be negative?
Better-than-scratch players have a plus handicap, shown with a plus sign.
