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Join SandwedgedA Beginners Guide - How to Get a Golf Handicap
A golf handicap is a simple measure of an amateur golfer's current playing standard. It typically represents the number of strokes per round a player takes more than that which a "scratch" (zero handicapped) golfer is considered likely to score. Maximum handicap for men is 28 and for women it is 36.
The recognised handicap system in the UK and Ireland is known as the CONGU Unified Handicapping System (www.congu.com). It is designed to make sure that golfers can compete fairly on an even playing field regardless of ability.
Arguably the greatest benefit of keeping a golf handicap, however, is that it provides a measurable record over time of whether a golfer's game is progressing and which areas need improvement going forward.
Understanding how the golf handicap score system works in practice can be confusing, but the basic premise is that the weaker golfer is allocated playing strokes on certain holes on the golf course. This means that on a particular hole, the weaker golfer can take a stroke off his or her score for that hole. Once the round is completed, the two players will be able to calculate their net score - the total (or gross) score for the round minus the strokes they were allocated on certain holes.
The Starting Golf Handicap Calculation
Golf handicap calculation is dependant upon a golfer calculating a starting handicap. For this, two pieces of information are critical.
- The golf course standard scratch score (SSS) of the tee that is being played
- Three scorecards for rounds over an 18 hole golf course
Under the CONGU handicap system, a golfer can submit a maximum score of double bogey (+2) maximum, on any hole. This means, if a player takes a total of 8 shots (gross score) on a par 5, the maximum score allowed for that hole is 7 (adjusted gross score).
| Round | Strokes | Standard Scratch | Gross Score | Adj. Gross Score |
| 1 | 108 | 72 | 36 | 32 |
| 2 | 105 | 72 | 33 | 28 |
| 3 | 101 | 71 | 30 | 24 |
| 84 |
To determine golf handicap based on the table above, a simple starting golf handicap formula is applied. The three adjusted gross scores are added (84) and divided by the number of rounds (3). So the starting handicap would be 28.0. This starting handicap will then be adjusted every time a golfer submits a scorecard to the club they are a member of. Read our article "Adjusting Golf Handicaps and Using Stroke Index" for more information.