Several people love golf because it is one of the most effective sports with a calming effect. Golfers tend to feel a sense of relaxation while they are playing on the field. Perhaps this can be attributed to the environment and the landscapes that you get to enjoy while playing. If you want to get better at this sport though, you need to understand some of its underlying principles such as the handicap system.

This article tackles some of the things that you need to know when it comes to the golf handicap system.

Golf Handicap in Brief

A golf handicap score represents the skill level of a player based on the scores he garnered on his previous games. The scheme intends to match golfers with the same skill level to ensure a balanced playing field. The handicap system also aims to help you, as a golfer, compare yourself to other players and track your progress.

The handicap number is typically between 0 and 28 for men and between 0 and 36 for women. The number represents the number of strokes over par you score on a neutral course. Generally, the lower your handicap score, the better you are as a player. For instance, if you have a handicap score of 6 and your friend’s score is 12, then this simply means that you are a better player than him. To be exact, you are 6 strokes better than your friend.

To lower your handicap, you need to master your swing, as well as use the appropriate clubs such as a putter or wedges as necessary. When it comes to the latter, make sure that you have the best equipment that suits your level. In this case, explore online sources because this is where you will be able to find the best golf wedges for mid-handicappers or more of the average players, or the right putter for beginners, as well as seasoned golfers. When you have the right gear, there is a great chance for you to perfect your swing and lower your handicap score.

Handicap Score Calculation

If you are a first-time golf player, you will not have a handicap score yet. The reason behind this is that you need to be able to play at least 10 rounds before you can come up with your handicap score. Thus, to get a handicap score, the first thing that you need to do is to keep the score, with another person signing your card at the end of each round. While this scoring system may be quite complicated at first, as soon as you familiarize yourself with it, you will eventually get the hang of it.

After you get your first ten scores, you need to take its average and then compare that with the par of the course that you have played. For instance, you may have computed an average of 100 in playing an 18-hole course. If the par for the course or the course rating that you played is 72, then your average score is 28 over the par or the standard. This means that your handicap score is initially 28. Your score then adjusts based on the score that you garner from your most recent game.

Net Score

As soon as you get your handicap score, you can use it to compute your net score the next time you play golf. In this case, the first thing that you may want to do is find your course handicap, which is typically your handicap score multiplied by the slope rating of the course. The slope rating is the difference in the expected score between a bogey golfer and a scratch golfer, or whose handicap is zero. Divide the difference you get by 113. To calculate your net score, subtract the result that you get from this to your handicap score. In this way, you will have a good idea of how well you played by comparing your net score to the course rating.

The golf handicap system is a scheme that aims to assess the skill level of a golfer to ensure a balanced playing field. With this system, beginners get to be matched with other beginners and it follows that seasoned players get to play with other expert players. Rest assured that as you delve more into golf, you will be able to lower your handicap score eventually and be leveled alongside some of the best players on the field. Keep in mind that there is no better way of lowering your handicap score but by keeping on playing and practicing.