Golf Handicap RulesCalculating Golf HandicapsWhile many of the rules in calculating a golf handicap are obvious, there are several tricks to remember when adding up your scores to update your golf handicap index. For high-handicappers and beginning golfers, note that there is maximum score that can be recorded on each hole for the purpose of calculating handicaps. That number varies depending on a golfer’s skill level – a single-digit handicapper on a particular hole can’t take more than a double-bogey, while a 40-plus handicapper maxes out at 10 strokes. That helps keep disastrous holes from affecting the overall handicapping index – pulling a Tin Cup won’t be quite as devastating, though it is also unlikely to win you Rene Russo. Another common question: what happens when a golfer picks the ball up rather than completing a particular hole? The rule states that for handicap purposes, enter your most likely score for each hole the ball was picked up. This often occurs in Match Play situations, where there is little incentive to finish a hole that has already been lost. Therefore, if you are on the green in four shots 30 feet from the hole and your opponent makes par to win, assume the two-putt and give yourself a six. There’s also the issue of unplayable holes, whether for construction reasons, weather-related issues, or darkness. In that case, golfers should give themselves their expected score, which would be par plus their individual handicaps. A 18-handicapper should record an unplayable par four as a five – the four shots required to par the hole, plus the handicap stroke received.
Two Handicap Golf RulesFinally, there are two handicap golf rules to follow that have as much to do with sportsmanship as with golf. The USGA mandates that every scorecard be turned in, no matter how brutal the round (or how good, for those looking to gain an extra stroke or two per round), and that every golfer should try their best on every hole regardless of how annoying their playing partners are and their desire to just lose all their golf balls and go home. That ensures that the system works fairly for all.Note that these rules only cover handicaps in the United States. If you travel overseas, the courses you play may have different rules or a separate way of calculating the number. If that will be important to you, make sure you know how to adjust your handicap before you go.
Learn More about Handicaps...Are you curious about how to compete with fellow golfers, all with different skill levels? Understanding and Tracking your Handicap.Medicus Dual Hinge Combo Chosen by golf pros as top swing trainer clubs in the world. Try now! Begin now to establish your handicap by accessing this Why have a handicap? And how do you determine it? Explaination of Why and How for Handicaps. What handicap are you shooting for? Double bogey, bogey or bogey free scratch. Do you want to know What is a Good Handicap? The long hand handicap formula for manually Calculating Your Handicap.
|