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Innovation and Invention -

Sometime in the early 20th century, The USGA invented the handicap system for golfers. It has been called “The Great Equalizer” because it made it possible for golfers with all different skill levels to play against each other in the great spirit of competition. If the average score of one player is 96 and they wish to compete with a player whose average is 74, the handicap system now makes this possible. Golfers from all skill levels now enjoy the game of golf as if they were evenly matched and it makes for a great game every time!

In a Nutshell -

The handicapping system works by giving the weaker player a certain number of “strokes” on certain holes. The weaker player can deduct a stroke on that particular hole and, after they are done with all the holes, they count up their scores and figure a “net score”. The actual number of shots minus the handicap makes up the net score and this determines who wins the competition.

Slope Rating –

In the early 1980’s, The USGA handicap system went through a major refurbishment. The idea of “slope rating” became popular and it became important to consider the difficulty of each course before figuring out your handicap. Slope rating determines the difficulty of a golf course by determining what golfers are typically able to score on that course.

The Best of Golfers and The Worst of Golfers -

The rating takes into consideration both the “best” golfers and the “worst” golfers whose average scores are compared and used to determine the “slope rating” of the course. The formula is actually quite complicated but, after five rounds of golf, you can turn in your scores to an authorized club and get your own personal handicap. Just ask the golf pro at the course to tell you what to do. Eventually, you will be asked to turn in your 10 best scores out of your 20 most recent scores. Then you will get your adjusted handicap.

Don’t cheat!

Make sure and include every score in the calculation of your handicap! This will give you the most realistic impression of your game and make it more competitive for you when you compete with other golfers. Once you have your course handicap, you’ll be ready to play on an even field with any golfer in the world! “The Great Equalizer” has made golf enthusiasts all over the world who now enjoy the game together and will continue to do so for many years to come.