Everyone loves a fair game, but it’s impossible when competition is between a less skilled player and a player with much superior skills. So how to make it a fair competition? Well, golf has a way. Using the Golf Handicap, there can be fair competition. But what exactly is a Golf Handicap? And how to get a golf handicap online? Read below to know more.

What is a Golf Handicap?

A golf handicap helps measure the golfer’s potential, which helps them compete with players with different skills. The players with the lowest handicaps are considered to be better players. In simpler words, golf handicap helps level the playing field no matter the competitor’s skill level.

Calculating Golf Handicap

So before January 2020, there were multiple golf handicap calculation systems. Everyone had their way of calculating, which made it a lot more confusion about what system people should follow. As of January 2020, the World Handicap System has been implemented, making it easier for people to follow a universal calculation system. So, according to the new system, one must know their golf handicap index. Calculating the handicap system is a lot simpler. Take the most recent 20 games; out of that, select the best 8 and take an average of those 8 scores. This gives a golf handicap index. But one must keep updating the golf handicap index with each game. Remember, the 20 most recent games are calculated.

Now the formula for calculating the Golf Handicap score is

Handicap score = Handicap index x (Slope rating / 113) + (Course rating – Par)

Where Slope rating is the value given to the course for hills or any elevation changes that might be a factor affecting the shots, their accuracy, and distance. This slope rating is divided by 113 to get the average slope score. The course rating is a value given to represent how challenging the golf course is for a skilled player with a zero handicap rating.

Golf Handicap Online

While these calculations can be done on a calculator, they still have to be managed by continuously updating the scores manually and calculating every time, which can be hectic. Therefore, there are multiple online golf handicap calculators which will do the job. But how to get a golf handicap online? One way of doing that is by becoming a golf club member. They provide an Id and password, which can be used to update the scores and help calculate golf handicap scores. Apart from that, multiple online sites can be used to update the golf handicap scores without joining a club.

Conclusion

Golf Handicap ensures no upper hand to either of the players. It ensures a fair and level playing field, and while its calculation seems a little complex, it is all online and can be easily calculated. The most common question of how to get a golf handicap online must now be clear.