What Is a Handicap in Golf?

Golf handicaps aren’t something bettors need to worry about when creating golf parlays for the PGA Tour. 

Handicaps are vital in assessing a player’s standard and ensuring scoring is fair for recreational golfers.

What Is a Handicap in Golf?

A golf handicap is a measure of a golfer’s ability. It is a means for players of different skill levels to compete on a level playing field. 

Better players have a lower handicap. For example, a player with a handicap of 5.2 averages 5.2 strokes over par across an 18-hole round. 

How Does the Golf Handicap Work?

A golf handicap is calculated using a golfer’s previous scores. The USGA handicap index uses a player’s eight best scores across their last 20 rounds, which are adjusted for the difficulty of the course and conditions on the day. 

When playing against other people, a player with the higher handicap is given strokes to compensate for the difference in ability. These strokes are decided based on the difficulty of each hole. The player with the lowest handicap plays off scratch.

What Is a High Handicap in Golf?

Any handicap of 20 or above is usually considered a high handicap.

People new to golf are likely to have a handicap of 34 or higher. 

What Is a Good Handicap in Golf?

A “good” handicap is subjective and depends on a golfer’s experience level. 

Most recreational golfers are satisfied with a handicap between 10 and 20. 

What Is Considered a Mid Handicap in Golf?

Mid handicaps range from 11 to 19. These golfers generally shoot between 82 and 92 across a round of golf.

They can make birdies, but will generally struggle for consistency on more difficult holes.

What Is a Bad Handicap in Golf?

There is no set definition for a “bad” handicap. It depends on each golfer’s aims and how seriously they take the sport. 

High handicaps are 20 or higher, indicating that a player averages higher scores across 18 holes. Players with a handicap of 30 or higher struggle to break 100.