Whats this Handicap business all about???

The handicap scheme allows players of different golf proficiencies to compete against each other on equal terms, much like a head start in a race.

Golfer handicaps are administrated by golf clubs affiliated to and under the jurisdiction of national golf unions recognised by the Royal and Ancient.

To maintain a handicap, a player must complete and return to their home club at least three score cards from official competitions every year.

The highest handicap is 27 and a player without handicap is said to play off scratch - a scratch golfer.

In stroke play, a player with a handicap of 4 who shoots 84 is beaten by a golfer of handicap 20 who shoots 98. Their adjusted scores are 80 and 78 respectively. Handicap allowances are worked out slightly differently for matchplay, stapleford and other forms of competition.

To lower your hanicap you need to shoot better than your handicap when compared with the par of the golf course.

Obviously in order have a handicap, a golfer must be a member of a golf club (other than handicap administered by GolfPass) which is affiliated to a golf union recognised by the Royal and Ancient.

Furthermore, one must play a few times a year to maintain it. Sometimes a club will impose a handicap limit on visiting golfers. They can insist that handicap certificates are produced prior to letting the visitor onto the course.

Handicaps are a serious matter and illustrate further how comprehensively golf is governed. There is a distinction between the casual and amateur golfer. The latter has many obligations and responsibilities. The exact administration of the handicap scheme is somewhat complicated and may vary according to whichever golf union is responsible for your area.