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.: EWGA - WILMINGTON, DE CHAPTER
P.O. Box 7171
Wilmington, DE 19803
.: ETIQUETTE/PACE OF PLAY
.: HANDICAPS
For those who have just started to play this great but very frustrating game, you probably have a lot of questions including, "What is a golf handicap?" and "What does a golf handicap mean?" For most beginners, the golf handicap seems complex and confusing. However, once you get the basics, it’s very simple and makes complete sense.
Simply, a handicap is a numerical measurement of an amateur’s playing ability and is used to create a net score from the number of strokes actually played. To put it another way, a handicap is the number of strokes that a golfer receives and is able to remove from her overall gross score at the end of the round. So, the higher your handicap, the more strokes you get to remove. Cool!
The handicap system allows all golfers, regardless of their skills, to compete on a level playing field. Whether you have just started playing or have been playing for years, you will be able to compete equally with any golfer. And if competition isn't a compelling argument for establishing a handicap, a handicap will allow you to see how your game is progressing. And because it's all about progress, don’t be concerned if your handicap is at the maximum (40.4). It will just be that much more fun to watch it go down as you play more and more golf.
For more detailed information on handicaps, click on the "Handicap Q&A" link above.