Stupid Golf Question
What is a golf handicap?
Someone asks your handicap before you have finished learning what counts as a penalty
Plain answer first
The plain answer
A golf handicap is a standardized number based on eligible scores that represents a player's demonstrated scoring ability. It can be used to adjust scores so golfers of different ability levels can compete more evenly.
The NPG answer
It is golf trying to let different skill levels play the same match without pretending everyone shoots the same scores.
When it matters
It matters for many competitions, net scoring, and tracking an official measure of playing ability over time.
What to do next
Learn the concept first; when you want an official handicap, use an authorized service or golf association that applies the current calculation.
Do this next
What is slope rating?
Slope rating measures how much harder a course plays for a bogey golfer than a scratch golfer.
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