How Does The Golf Handicap Work? | 2020 World Handicap Explained

[@keb990]

Me trying to figure out my handicap when I haven’t played anywhere near 20 games nor do I remember my scores.

[@GolfAscending]

Haha, good luck!

[@jrodgers211]

Same, kinda, have played over 20 but now just recording my scores, mid upper 90's. Want to break 90 this summer.

[@terraoftime]

Better than me, i haven't ever played a game.

[@terraoftime]

@@dominiquesteyn7455 well i've done 2 now in the last 4 days. Though i gave my self a good blister doing it lol

[@Positive.vibes.99.]

Literally me lol guess I have to get in more rounds hahaha

[@geraldtisch7270]

Answer starts at 2:00

[@feverpa]

Just wanted to help anyone out who came looking for information about how your handicap is calculated. For info about the one guy's family outings, and why handicaps are important - go to 1:15 To see the formula for the particular handicap for a specific course - based on YOUR handicap.... go to 3:20 and to fast forward to the part where they explain how a golfer's handicap is calculated, go to 6:04 because they don't.

[@GolfAscending]

Sounds like you want a part 2 of the handicap 😂

[@feverpa]

​@@GolfAscending No, I just wanted that information to be in part one - because that's what I need to know. I would imagine that's the most common handicap question out there.

[@GolfAscending]

@@feverpa are you talking about how to calculate and get your own handicap? If so, we explain that in the video. The average score of your top 8 rounds of 18 out of 20 rounds. If not that, what specifically are you looking for?

[@feverpa]

@@GolfAscending So the average score of my top 8 18-hole round out of the last 20 is my handicap? So if the average of my best 8 is 89, then my handicap is 89? Of course it isn't. That wasn't a genuine question. There is a formula that is more complicated than just "average your scores." Did you provide that formula?

[@GolfAscending]

@@feverpa if the average of your top 8 rounds of your last 20 is 89, then your handicap would be -17. 89 is 17 over par.

[@-yourlocalmango-3435]

amazing job explaining! I had no idea what a handicap was, I literally though it was someone with a disablility xD but thanks to your video, I know what it is now! Your the only video that I found that explained it this much. :)

[@GolfAscending]

Hxnny_Blossom we are glad that we could help you out! Thanks for watching!

[@gsusmakama]

Cheers for this, I've been looking for "single digit handicap golf" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Tonayden Senadelyn Remedy - (just google it ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my friend got cool results with it.

[@-yourlocalmango-3435]

@@gsusmakama yeah ive heard of Tonayden Senadelyn Remedy althugh I haven't really gone deep into it, just skimming over it.

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

skip to 2:14 to find out

[@GolfAscending]

Noice! Haha

[@hossboss32]

I'm not even that good at golf yet but I honestly can't stand handicap play. If someone's better than me then they are better than me, I want it to be straight up regardless of how good the competition I'm playing is. Thanks for the video. I still appreciate the info.

[@GolfAscending]

Handicap really only matters in competitive play where you'll likely have "flights" of golfers in your same skill level. it's kind of like establishing an A league, B league, C league, etc. Also using handicap the score is "net". You still also keep score as normal and have a "gross". So at the end of the day, "gross" tells you who the overall better golfer is. Handicap "net" shows who played their personal best that day. Hope this helps!

[@chrislasmith]

Great info on golf handicapping! I realize this video is a couple of years old, but was going to suggest doing a real-world calculation of the handicap like you did for another commenter that averaged 89. Punch in the average of the 8 best rounds, do the algebraic equation with the parenthetical sections (which seems to mess up people who just go left to right), SR, etc. Admittedly I don’t get to the course near enough so getting 20 rounds would take me quite a while at my current rate, but the info was well presented and gave me the specifics that I didn’t know about it. A subscriber now, so maybe I’ll get out on the links more!

[@GolfAscending]

Awesome! We’re glad this video could help! And thanks for the feedback! We do have another video about how to apply the golf handicap, but not sure if it covers exactly what you’re looking for. Thanks for the subscribe!

[@TheYoyozo]

Multiple parts, thanks for a reply to any or all parts. So assume that I'm Vizzini, the Sicilian from Prince's Bride, that overthinks everything. It seems to me that it starts off easy enough, play 20 rounds, take your best 8 scores and that will give me my initial handicap. But those 8 best scores happen on several different courses so how do I know which are my best 8? So, lets say that I just take my best 8 and forget about slope/rating and the number I arrive at is 25. So assuming I'm using 25, at that point do I then use the chart that is at 2:58? Do I keep two sets of numbers? What I actually got and what is my adjusted score or do I just ignore what I actually got and use only the adjusted score?

[@GolfAscending]

If you are playing multiple courses, and vary widely in slope or difficulty, then you would want to use that chart to make it more accurate. Could take some time though. If you are just wanting a simple way to get a fairly accurate handicap, you may want to try downloading an app that tracks it, such as 18 Birdie’s, SwingU, etc.

[@andrevalentin9535]

One question, what happens when you do not have 20 matches played yet? Will it just calculate it up until you reach the 20, or will it only calculate once you have the 20 played matches?

[@GolfAscending]

Great question. You don’t really know your handicap until you have those 20 rounds. You can guess with your average before then, but it would be quite inaccurate.

[@islandvibeandsounds2023]

Simplest way according USGA handicap system...if you have x amount of 18 hole rounds you played: 3 rounds you take your lowest score of the 3 and make a -2 adjustment. 4 rounds your lowest of the 4 and a -1 adjustment. 5 rounds your lowest of the 5 no adjustment. 6 rounds your average of the 2 lowest scores and a -1 adjustment. 7 or 8 average of the lowest 2 no adjustment. 9 to 11 average of lowest 3 no adjustment. 12 to 14 average of lowest 4 no adjustment. 15 to 16 average of lowest 5 no adjustment. 17 or 18 average of lowest 6 no adjustment. 19 average of lowest 7 no adjustment. 20 average of lowest 8 no adjustment. So keep in mind that you are comparing "all the rounds" so if you're playing your 15th round you are taking the average of the lowest 5 scores from your rounds played up to and round 15.

[@willmolina7395]

Here after the Trump and Biden 2024 debate😂😂😂

[@GolfAscending]

Hopefully we cleared some things up for you!

[@MrEcliptor]

Me too. lol. 😅

[@MrEcliptor]

The presidential debate brought me here. lol. 😅

[@GolfAscending]

I guess it was worth watching then! 😂⛳️

[@neilevans704]

Informative. Would also like explanation about how the handicap affects shots per hole, depending how easy/hard the hole is.

[@GolfAscending]

Thanks for the comment! We have a video titled, " How to Apply Handicap" which goes over that information. Hope that helps!

[@neilevans704]

seen your other video, the two together go well. Cheers

[@neilevans704]

Another question if I may please; playing 20 games initially to get a handicap, can these be played on various courses, or for an official one, should most games just be played off one or two games? Thanks

[@calvindantes5803]

Hello, about the handicap index what if you played on a par 9? It only has 9 rounds, therefore would I have to play another round or can I determine my handicap with the 9 rounds I have. Thanks.

[@GolfAscending]

Par 9? Are you saying it’s a course with only 9 holes? If so, the rounds refer to a course with 18 holes. If you want a rough estimate, it may be worth getting one of those apps mentioned in the video. They provide a fairly good estimate within four rounds or so.

[@calvindantes5803]

@@GolfAscending Oops I mean 9 holes, my apologies it autocorrected it. But I appreciate the help!

[@c.i.a.3384]

Who’s here after the Trump Biden debate?

[@NotGreig]

Me. That was absolutely brilliant 🤣

[@GolfAscending]

Glad we can help answer the tough questions from the debate! 😂

[@Escapetheordinary-withBrit]

Me!

[@28russ]

I just wanna know if a + handicap is good? I'm playing PGA tour 2K21 and just got a trophy for getting a +10 handicap. It seems I misunderstood and a +10 means you actually play about -10 a round and a handicap of just 10 would mean you play about 10 over every round. I wondered why it keep going up when I was consistently scoring under par. But I think I get it now. Correct me if I'm wrong. :-)

[@GolfAscending]

Yes, if you were actually that good of a player, if you were in a tournament that used the handicap system, you would add strokes to your overall score to help even the playing field.

[@BradyCrump]

Good content guys, I’m a big fan! :)

[@GolfAscending]

Brady Crump you’re too kind!

[@kudamah]

Question- Would u guys recommend manual adjustments for handicaps for scores starting at -3 (Net) onward? In my club they have been doing this any time a player score 3 under or less in a tournament for years even while under the USGA system. To my understanding this was done to protect the playing field from baggers, which seemed as thing that was happening from certain players a little too regular. -3= 1 shot reduction -4/-5 = 2 shot reduction -6/-7 = 3 shot reduction....... and so on. Now under the WHS system, an exceptional score by definition starts at 7.0 and 9.9 differential and it has me asking "WHY" would they still want to implement a manual system starting from -3, when there are new factors to be considered under WHS. In other words i won't mind a manual adjustment for a player that has performed exceptional play in a tournament, but i do find -3 to be a bit harsh to do this when the default starting point is set at 7.0. Just wanted to get some feedback on what u guys think about this.

[@GolfAscending]

Mezziah Trinzi, thanks for your comment and a good one at that! So Tyson speaking here, in my opinion, the NEW WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM accounts for both sandbagging and exceptional scores. I also believe because the handicap is always adjusting to your most recent scores, your handicap should truly reflect your playing ability. In tournaments such as Men's League, the handicap system should place each golfer in the correct flight so that each is competing with people of similar level of play. It is interesting with your golf club that you have encountered a manual system. Although I see why a club would want to do this, I think it is unnecessary and a lack of confidence in the new system. Hope this helps!

[@kudamah]

@@GolfAscending Thanks for reply, it is helpful and I'm agreeing with all that u hv said. The thing is that the ones who are in charge at my club seems to want to hold on to the thinking prior to WHS, before giving the system a chance to fully give a picture of what "dont work" for us. Our hcap revisions were done once a month under USGA and scores were not viewed online as we are doing now, so some took advantage of that to maintain a higher hcap, but thats all eliminated now. I'm supposed to have a meeting later tonight on this and I would try to see why they view a score starting from -3 as exceptional. From your experience in dealing with honest golfers who enter their practice rounds as expected and occasionally hv these exceptional rounds, are there any other reasons that u are aware of that would hv need for a handicap committee to intervene on someone's hcap?

[@kudamah]

@@GolfAscending I totally agree. It's just an unfortunate situation when i hv to deal with the egos with the one in authority who are more stubborn than reasonable. I may come back and update u guys on this in the near future. Thx for replying.

[@ReneeNina83]

Thank you! Very informative. I have to learn about golf for a new job and this really broke it down for me 😅🙏🏼

[@GolfAscending]

Great! Glad we could help!

[@veneratedmortal4369]

Caddying?

[@MRRookie232]

Chap on the right does not blink. Thanks for the video

[@GolfAscending]

Haha, really??

[@CodPast]

So you explained how to calculate the handicap, but how do you use it? What does the number mean?

[@GolfAscending]

In short, a Handicap describes what kind of golfer someone is at their best. So when you are playing against, friends/family/local league, you can compete according to your best golf. Example: let's say I am a 5 handicap, and my friend is a 15 handicap, over 18 holes at my best, I am 10 strokes better than my friend. I can give those 10 strokes allowance to my friend to keep a competitive match between us. We have another video that explains more called "How to Apply the Golf Handicap" that goes into more details. Hope this helps!

[@CodPast]

@@GolfAscending Thank you! That helps a lot

[@standardyeepz]

Gave you your 800th subscriber. 799 was driving me crazy

[@GolfAscending]

Almost there! Haha, thanks!

[@JohnKelly-p9d]

Does the par of the course you play factor in? 2 courses I play a lot are par 70 and 71.

[@GolfAscending]

An official handicap would take the course difficulty and its par into account.

[@martymet]

can you/ did you go over this "net double bogey" system in more detail with some examples in another video perhaps?

[@GolfAscending]

We do not have another video with more detail of net double bogey. Great idea though!

[@ryangetek5856]

How does a club do your handicap and how can it get registered through so I can get my number and start competing. I have established my own handicap I just need to get it put in a number and I don’t understand how to do that. Do you guys have a video for that?

[@GolfAscending]

I would start here: www.ghin.com/login you can create an account and register there.

[@yfzmike]

I am a occasional golfer and usually play with family and friends. Been doing a golf tournament for about the last five years and our team always got last place even though we out drove and putted at least half the teams half the time. But we always got last place. Last year the MC announced we were the only team without a handicap......I have heard of handicap but didn't realize how much it comes to play in the game. My personal feeling is that this is way to complicated for the guy who plays five to ten times a year and then becomes unfair to them because they dont play enough to even calculate this. Way to complicated for a sport that hits a ball into a hole. Just my .02$

[@GolfAscending]

Usually in events like these they don't ask for an official handicap. They ask for an estimated handicap. Best way to come up with one quick is look at what you generally score on 18 holes. Do you play bogey ball and score around 90? If so the handicap is roughly 18...giving you a stroke per hole. If you are a little better than that take a few away. If you are a little worse than that give yourself a few more. Hope this helps!

[@hossboss32]

Could not agree more. I play straight up always.

[@TrailerTrashAZ]

Who would've thought I'd ever be using algebra in real world situations haha

[@GolfAscending]

Right!? lol! In most cases handicap is applied and calculated automatically through online systems. But it is good to know how the number is computed!

[@geraldtisch7270]

Does “order of operations” apply to the formula calculation?

[@lv5310]

So if I'm a +20 handicap and my friend is +10, will the course we play on vary or change our handicap? Kind of confused on that one that you mentioned

[@GolfAscending]

L V, great question, we will be releasing another handicap video shortly within the next couple of weeks. if you are playing your friend and seeing who can win "net handicap" subtract the low handicap from the high. In your example: 20-10=10. This means on 18 holes you would get 10 strokes and on 9 holes you would get 5. Hope this helps!

[@lv5310]

@@GolfAscending ah, got it. Thank you. Can't wait for the next video

[@sandraread4654]

As it’s 8 rounds from 20, if on my 1st I get 40 points then after 19 more rounds I get a handicap. If I then have another round my 21st of 40 points the 1st round drops out so does my handicap stay the same, as one 40 replaces the other, leaving my average the same, although I’ve scored 40 points and would normally be cut

[@GolfAscending]

Yeah, your handicap will always be changing and update according to your last 20 rounds. If you don’t use an app or an official USGA (or world) handicap, then you could keep a spreadsheet that is tracking your last 20 rounds. Keep in mind, a full round is typically based off of 18 holes, not 9.

[@summerbreeze5459]

How does that work if you scored a bunch of rounds in the 85’s but most of them are on a par 68 course instead of 72?

[@GolfAscending]

It’s based off of how many strokes you are above par.

[@rafabonati7757]

Good explanation here. Very clear presentation. I also watched your video on Scramble vs Best Ball. Also very clear definitions given. It appears you two know what you are doing. Subscribed now.

[@GolfAscending]

Thanks! We're glad it was helpful! Thanks for the sub!

[@kcmarathoner6057]

Me a track athlete/golfer wondering what good a one lap head start against Usain bolt would do when he ran the 100/200 or a quarter of a lap/half a lap respectively.

[@GolfAscending]

It's really not supposed to be that technical of a comparison...he's a trained sprinter and the fastest man in the world...I would have no shot beating him in a race being a normal non professional sprinter...so if "we" wanted to be competitive we'd establish a running handicap my myself.

[@kcmarathoner6057]

@@GolfAscending only a joke man; I'm a runner getting older turning towards golf. Just found humor in the comparison much the same way I'm liable to goof on a golf analogy given that I'm a beginner with a mid 30's handicap. It was meant in good fun.

[@mattpisani6933]

Quick question. If I'm a 20-29 handicap and score a 10 on a par 5, do I enter in a 10 or an 8 into 18Birdies? I'm wondering if 18Birdies calculates on the backend and adjusts the 10 to an 8, or does the golfern enter in the 8 themselves. I hope that's not confusing.

[@GolfAscending]

Record the "actual" score/strokes. An application like 18 birdies will take care of your "net".

[@terryprater8115]

I just like to play for fun. I'm not the competitive type. If I can go out and better my own score by a couple of strokes, then I feel good. But even if I don't, I still feel like I've accomplished something. I'm 72, so just getting out in the fresh air for a few hours and getting some exercise is a major thing for me. Seems like some people have to turn everything into a competition. Golfing is not a race or a boxing match. It is a game that you can play by yourself. Handicaps mean nothing to me.

[@GolfAscending]

That’s great. Not for everyone. Lot people would enjoy golf a little more with your attitude. Thanks for sharing!

[@moniquecf2002]

Very well explained for a beginner golfer!

[@GolfAscending]

Thanks! We hope it helps!

[@weepeeteeee]

TOO easy, thanx

[@GolfAscending]

Hope we helped out!

[@weepeeteeee]

@@GolfAscending You guys sure did. I'm not a golfer due to my bad back. After this easy to follow video, I know I can have an intelligent conversation with my brother and son regarding a gold handicap. They both are golfers.

[@GolfAscending]

Awesome! We just filmed another video last night on how to simply use the golf handicap when playing with friends and family. We might post it within the next few weeks or so!

[@infradig696]

What's handicap for double par lol? Seriously I only golf like two or three times a year and I suck pretty bad. When playing, I'll just plain stop at double par (which ends up happening several holes). I'm happy when when I get a double or triple bogey, and on average will get 1 par per 18 holes. So I'm probably whatever the worst handicap possible is, because I tend to golf around a 125 on a good day lol. So I guess my question is: Is there a worst possible handicap?

[@GolfAscending]

Good question! According to the USGA website, the handicap limit is 54. If your good days of scoring are around 125, then your handicap would be close to 53.

[@infradig696]

@@GolfAscending so I'm not the worst in the world??!! Thank you!!

[@infradig696]

@@GolfAscending Also, sorry for cussing that troll out on that other feed..

[@snobbypolitics7792]

Awesome!

[@louisberg7270]

thank you helped 👍

[@GolfAscending]

Great! Glad our explanation of the golf handicap system helped! It’s one of the more confusing concepts in golf.

[@Leo-rb9sp]

It sounds like communism 😂

[@GolfAscending]

Welllll😂

[@justwatchininchicago]

🤣🤣

[@Cello69.]

You’re right. It is.

[@matt-lang]

This is a great video, really informative! Thanks for breaking it down!

[@GolfAscending]

Glad we could help! It was hard to find a good video explaining it, so we decided to do it ourselves!

[@feverpa]

@@GolfAscending see my comment above. I really didn't intend to be snarky, but I can't help it. I want to know how a handicap is formulated. This video doesn't show this. I think the number one question most golfers have about the handicap is "what is the formula used to determine what my handicap is?" You don't address this at all. I know I use the best 8 rounds from the most recent 20 I've played - so how do I use that? How do I use those scores, along with the rating and slope of the courses I was playing, along with any adjustments for weather.... and how is that final handicap number for me produced?

[@extrememetaldrummer1]

Agreed. Thanks guys so much!

[@user-vt2xv6kp3w]

You should have shown an actual full example of the calculations with numbers. Also should be more specific referring to “scores”. People could be confused if it’s the 8 best ‘round’ scores or ‘hole’ scores.

[@GolfAscending]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@GolfAscending]

Our goal is to one day make the PERFECT KZbin video, where nobody comments what we did wrong, or gives us a thumbs down. One day. One day. 😂

[@infradig696]

O, you should have started a youtube channel and shown everyone how it's really done, my man. Since you know so fucking much lol

[@user-vt2xv6kp3w]

People taking offense of suggestions to actually improve their future content is classic human foolishness. Regression at its finest. Good job keep it up 🙄

[@infradig696]

@@user-vt2xv6kp3w dude, you just liked your own comment? lmao I take offense to pretentious assholes like you with a single letter for a name, going around trolling new content creators. Read your own response lol. "classic human foolishness" and "regression at its finest"??? That totally screams pretentious asshole, I don't even have to say anything, you did it all for me haha. But you, some random douche trolling youtube knows what's best for content creators... Come to my channel now and tell me how to make better videos lmao... PLEEEEEEASE!!

[@joeg464]

I used the formula in 3:19 multiple times but I keep getting infinity.

[@GolfAscending]

Haha! Then we suggest you use one of the free apps we mentioned to calculate it for you.

[@bif_sange9210]

will a score define a hole or a whole course?

[@GolfAscending]

Each hole is rated for difficulty on a particular course. Each course has a slope rating for overall difficulty.

[@landonshook7804]

I think I’m more confused after watching this video

[@GolfAscending]

It's definitely a confusing formula...an easier way to digest it is a handicap is an average of your 8 best scores from your most recent 20. That should give you a good starting point to figure out roughly where you are at. If you get your official handicap through USGA all you have to do is enter your scores and the course and tee box you played from and they do the rest. Same with something Like 18Birdies or SwingU. Hope this helped!

[@adriansimon4734]

Legitimately these guys are worse at explaining things than my wife 😂

[@shanegao7]

@@adriansimon4734

[@shanegao7]

@@adriansimon4734

[@diogeneslantern18]

Do a video on applying your handicap to a modified stableford competition and watch your viewer's heads explode xD

[@GolfAscending]

🤯🤯🤯

[@diogeneslantern18]

@@GolfAscending scratch that - applying an allowance _adjusted_ playing handicap to a modified stableford ;) 🤯

[@xpsgc]

thanks! great explanation!

[@GolfAscending]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@calebnelson4728]

coming from the presidential debate to become an informed voter

[@GolfAscending]

This video will definitely help you in your decision!

[@GitisSulekauskas]

How about putting the mic in the same room where you two are sitting?

[@GolfAscending]

Haha, sorry, this was literally one of the first videos we ever filmed. We didn’t even have a mic yet. Used a good ol iPhone.

[@DesGardius-me7gf]

PETER: Hey, uh, Joe? JOE: Ugh... don’t say it Peter. PETER: I was just wondering... JOE: _Peter, I swear to God!_ PETER: What’s your handicap? JOE: *OH-HO-HO! OH! EVERY HOLE! IT’S A JOKE THAT JUST DOESN’T GET OLD!!!* #familyguy

[@GolfAscending]

😂😂😂

[@wellingtonstanford2655]

I have a 23.8 handicap

[@GolfAscending]

Thanks for your comment! How long have you been playing?

[@wellingtonstanford2655]

One year

[@Notxarb]

Just came her to comment on the Usain bolt race. His longest race is only half a lap. 🙂

[@GolfAscending]

Hahahaha! Fair point!

[@liamsgothops5367]

Not me watching this during the 2024 presidential debates

[@GolfAscending]

Hopefully it helped clarify some things and call out some bs 😂

[@Edward135i]

Came here after Biden calmed to have a 6 Handicap.

[@GolfAscending]

Ya...fat chance 😂. he's probably at least a 20+...and that's generous 😂

[@charitycase-jg5kh]

Still don’t understand my last 8 best scores total 641. Divide that by 8 and that’s 80.12. But I am off 10 exactly

[@GolfAscending]

So if your average score for those best 8 out of 20 rounds is 80.12 for a par 72 course, that would mean your handicap is roughly 8.12. Course slope and rating would be accounted for in a legit handicap, but that can get you a rough estimate.

[@christryst]

Stupid question: If I wanted to win a tournament, could I just go out and have a bunch of poor rounds to raise my handicap and make myself look worse than I am?

[@GolfAscending]

Haha, yep. It’s called “sandbagging,” and it’s cheating.

[@agustintellez136]

I get it.

[@GolfAscending]

Awesome!

[@5bitcube]

Presidential debates will take you to the most unexpected of places

[@GolfAscending]

We welcome all! 😂

[@a-a-ron4870]

I think that turf collects a lot if dust. Its floating around. A bitt distracting

[@GolfAscending]

This is one of our first videos, we've since changed up our set and lighting so hopefully we can rid those dust bunnies!

[@spoooze]

How does it work? Is a higher handicap better? How realistic is an escaped dementia patient having a handicap of 6?

[@GolfAscending]

The higher the handicap the less skilled the golfer. lower handicap the better the golfer. If we're talking the current president in office 😂, no chance the guy has a 6 handicap 😂. A 6 handicap would essentially mean you are shooting consistently 6 over par on 18 holes...somewhere in the 70's.

[@aaronnichols9444]

Did you take College Algebra 1 & 2? Then you too can learn how to calculate your handicap.

[@GolfAscending]

Ooooorrrrr….use an app. 😂

[@NeilMcAdam9]

So it’s basically an average of the best 8 games in your last 20. Giving others an indication of your current skill level, assuming you play regularly

[@GolfAscending]

Yep, simply put!

[@StanbyMode]

For the pros, who get below par, they wouldnt have a negative handicap or anything would they? For example if Golfer A gets an average of 67, and golfer B gets an average of 59, how would they compete?

[@GolfAscending]

Yes, there is a positive handicap for pro golfers. For example, Phil Mickelson was recently measured at a +6.0 handicap. If you were a 10 handicap, you would get 10 strokes taken off your score, and Phil would get 6 strokes added to his score. If you shot an 82, your net score would be 72. If Phil shot a 70, his net score would be a 76. You would win that match with a net score.

[@StanbyMode]

@@GolfAscending thanks

[@januszkaz1209]

Dzieki :)

[@GolfAscending]

...?

[@jx14aby]

I've got a "Current Handicap Index of 30.1 and a Low Handicap Index of 25.3. I came here to figure out what that means but alas it was not to be.

[@GolfAscending]

A Low Handicap Index is the lowest Handicap Index achieved over a 365 day period prior to your most recent score recorded. The Low Handicap Index is a reference point against which your current Handicap Index is.

[@jx14aby]

@@GolfAscending thx

[@ImTOOgnarly]

First 20? Lmao I’ve only played 5 games 😭😭

[@GolfAscending]

Haha, yeaaah, takes time to know your handicap. You can get a rough idea for when you’re playing with friends though. Probably just need to be conservative with the strokes you award yourself.

[@briandeal8927]

Who else has a 6 handicap and can out drive Trump. 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@GolfAscending]

👏

[@infinitytme676]

So I've never kept track of all my score cards lol but I usually shoot between 90-100 for 18 holes that's about all I know 🤣

[@GolfAscending]

Great. So for an unofficial handicap, you are probably close to an 18-20 handicap.

[@NVSTRZ34]

Joe Biden brought me here (I dont play golf)

[@NVSTRZ34]

And the claim of him shooting a 6 handicap does indeed sound like complete 💩😂 Go figure... a politician lying

[@GolfAscending]

Ya...a 6 handicap is a really good golfer. 8 is really good as well. No chance the current president in office is that. That would mean he's shooting roughly 6 over par...for reference that's somewhere in the mid 70's.

[@murraylee]

Like this if you’re here to fact check Biden

[@GolfAscending]

Haha! Glad fact checkers are alive and well! If only people truly knew how good a 6 or an 8 handicap were. They'd know someone was full of 💩 😂

[@davidthomas6949]

Honestly never used a "handicap" and im not good... how can you enjoy cheating..? Its being an adult and choosing to play from the reds.

[@GolfAscending]

Thanks for the comment, although we get the frustration that this may feel like it is cheating, the player is still counting every shot/stroke and playing golf to the rules, however at the end of the round a NET score is calculated based upon their level of competition. The way that this evens out is each player will have a gross (normal) score and net (handicap applied). It is completely optional but in tournaments is used to make different levels of play competitive.

[@chrism7574]

You're the kind of person that'll dunk on a 5 year-old, aren't you? *Meant light-heartedly

[@GolfAscending]

@@chrism7574 LOL Absolutely!

[@diogeneslantern18]

The handicap system is not "cheating" lol.

[@dropitlikeitshot815]

How I’ve come to understand it is it’s there to even the playing field while also providing a challenge for yourself. Your goal is always to lower your handicap right? I’m quite green on the topic, and just explaining it how it was told to me.

[@robbieswrath9329]

I wish I could play 20 games a season 😥

[@GolfAscending]

The struggle is real!

[@turfie63]

A beter way might be to take the average of the10 middle rounds, dropping the best 5 and worst 5 rounds would show your true ability and not just your potential,

[@GolfAscending]

Not a bad thought, but going for the potential of your best round is mostly the point, so that you still have to play your best in competition, even with handicap applied.

[@adararelgnel2695]

Came here after the trump and biden debate.

[@GolfAscending]

Lol! For reference...a 6 handicap is very very good....no chance the president in office is a 6 or even an 8 😂. Someone with a 6 is shooting roughly 6 over par on 18 holes...somewhere in the mid to high 70s which is fantastic golf.

[@peida226]

Yeeeeah imma just count how many shots I took instead.

[@GolfAscending]

Ooooookaaaaayyy.

[@fullfatcars8174]

Ok thats how a handicap i calculated but how dafuq does it level the playing field. Now gotta find another video that does a full explanation

[@GolfAscending]

I wouldn't say that it necessarily levels the playing field, rather it allows for golfers of all experiences to compete with one another based upon their "best" skill level. We have another video on our channel that talks a little more about this called, "How To Apply Handicap". Hope this helps!

[@dirtbiker5863]

I feel like asking your handicap is like a do u play golf or nah

[@GolfAscending]

Fair point!

[@louishurr393]

Usain Bolt is a sprinter. A one lap advantage on a sprinter would mean you automatically win. 😂

[@GolfAscending]

True. But it’s probably a safe bet that he could beat the average person in a 2-4 lap race as well. 😂

[@Seektruth-59]

If my average best 8/20 SCORE = 85, 85 is NOT my Handicap Index as shown in your equation.

[@GolfAscending]

85 would be the average of your best scores. 85 is 13 above par. Your handicap would be 13.

[@Seektruth-59]

@@GolfAscending point I am making is in your opening diagram you have Handicap Index = AVG Best 8/20 scores and that is not correct as you know. Instead of an = sign, it should be an arrow indicating it is calculated from the best 8/20 scores….

[@GolfAscending]

Thanks for your concern...The only error is that it says Handicap Index when it should say Handicap Differential. That is on us, but some simple problem solving would lead you to understand 85 couldn't possibly be a handicap, maybe you subtract that from par.

[@mgolf82]

I think it’s to much it’s like getting a participation award . I recently won something as a group -19 no clue how that happened. That basically shows me it’s broken cause I shot an 85 my teammates over 110 . I am still keeping the filthy dirty prize money

[@GolfAscending]

If everyone knows their true handicap, it should keep things pretty fair. There will always be sandbaggers though. But at the end of the day, handicap doesn’t say who is actually the better player. It’s about playing your best in a competitive environment.

[@btzpromusic]

Great video but you look like you’re laying down in bed 😅

[@GolfAscending]

The only way to explain the handicap system. 😂

[@jean-bernardtheard569]

Who’s here in 2024 trying to understand if Biden was lying? 😂

[@GolfAscending]

Haha, lots! And the answer is yes. 😂

[@_Super_Hans_]

This makes absolutely no sense to me, because then the winner isn't really the winner. If a rubbish football (soccer) team plays a really good football team they don't say to the rubbish team "well we want to give you a chance at winning so here's a 5 goal headstart" - doesn't work like that. If you're no good then you're no good. Playing golf with your friends isn't about winning it's about spending time with your friends.

[@GolfAscending]

Hey Super Hans, thanks for your comment, lots of people feel the same way you do. One thing to note is that playing with a the handicap is really just a way for people of different skill levels to stay competitive with themselves and who they are playing with. At the end of the day, with the handicap applied, the "winner" really is the person who played their best golf on that given day. Not necessarily the best player. Hope this helps!

[@samlucky3334]

But why level out the playing field, if those who are better at the sport earned their skill? Usain Bolt is the fastest for a reason, he worked harder than other slower people. Why would you make it harder for him just because he’s fast?

[@GolfAscending]

That's a great question and ultimately there is one answer, to keep it competitive. For example with Brady and I currently, I will consistently beat him by around 10 strokes. Both Brady and I cannot really have a competitive match against each other with our current skill levels. What this does is it creates a competitive environment where both brady and I are competing against our best selves or "ghost/handicap" and the winner is determined who got closest/beat their "ghost/handicap". At the end of the day, this is a net score and say the higher handicap beats the lower handicap net. The lower handicap most likely won net and is still the "better" golfer, however that day, the higher handicap played better golf in respect to how they usually play. I hope this makes sense. Also understand that handicap is only applied in certain situations like league play and casually if agreed upon before the round. Higher tiered events do not use handicap, examples: (PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, State Amateurs, etc.).

[@Gwittdog]

you all have ghosts in your studio

[@GolfAscending]

Dude, for reals! We’re scared every time we have to enter that basement!

[@Gwittdog]

@@GolfAscending get the ghost adventures crew out there! Seriously that isn't dust lol

[@GolfAscending]

The upside down for sure! Well, sounds like a good KZbin collaboration!

[@mrchrisadams43]

Ok. So my average score is like 70.. so I'm a 70 handicap?... I thought it was like 3 or 4 or something

[@GolfAscending]

No, it has to do with your average strokes above or below par.

[@lukasvanstaden3918]

One lap ahead of Usain Bolt means beating him without even starting. That there doesn't seem fair.

[@GolfAscending]

Imagine it’s the 800 meter. Not really his thing, but that’s the idea.

[@christophersvatora6658]

grass is green

[@GolfAscending]

Indubitably.

[@josephdiorio1643]

Still don't understand the reason for a handicap. If I shoot 104 for 18 holes, then that's what I shot. I'm not a better golfer if I have some arbitrary number that I would subtract from the 104. Sounds like smoke and mirrors to me.

[@GolfAscending]

It’s just a way to make things more competitive among piers, friends, and family. Golf is a difficult sport to progress and improve in, and most don’t have the time and money to do so. This helps all play competitively.

[@JOHNPAUL-n1m]

ELI5

[@GolfAscending]

?

[@ELPIOJOBOLUDO]

I got half way with this video and gave up. TOO confusing. Just play for enjoyment and not have to worry about this.

[@GolfAscending]

Having fun is the most important part! Handicap doesn’t have to be used.

[@gew12]

Usain Bolt doesn't do laps. He is a short distance sprinter not long.

[@GolfAscending]

Yep. But he would probably still lap you if you ran multiple laps.

[@gew12]

@@GolfAscending He isn't built for long distance so that's probably not true

[@GolfAscending]

Vegas would probably take those odds any day against some random Joe Shmoe. 😂

[@blakedjameson]

This seems like participation trophies. Im not a good golfer, but id never allow myself to take an advantage because the person im playing with has put in more work and effort to become a better golfer. This seems akin to giving every 1st grader a prize after a race or something. So if someone is an 18 handicap, what advantage do they get versus a 7 handicap?

[@GolfAscending]

I think from the outside it looks like this, but it's far from taking advantage of anyone. When you play there are essentially two scores (net & gross). Players with higher handicaps know they aren't better than those with lower handicaps...however it helps you have fun and play competitively with people of different skill levels. Hope this helps!

[@thesun6121]

You should have given at least 1 or 2 examples with numbers.

[@GolfAscending]

Check out one of our other videos where we explain how to apply the golf handicap. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXKve2V8n86KZ6c

[@thatfreeamericantv923]

I still don’t get it

[@GolfAscending]

Well, dang.

[@boom3960]

Sounds like so bs. Im a new golfer by no means am I good. My friends have been playing for a year. Its more fun to compete and try to catch up to their scores. I understand that its for actual competition. But they can literally divide players by skill level instead of leveling the field.

[@GolfAscending]

It is a little controversial, for sure. A lot of people agree with you

[@boom3960]

I think the best way to use this is for friendly family competitions like you said. So players of all age and skill can olay to have fun. But not for a real competition. You're kiddding id be mad if in an actual competition im 2x better then you are. And at the end of the game you won because of a handicap? Well that would be more frustrating then losing in mario party.

[@GolfAscending]

Ali Rashid hahaha! Mario Party loss is devastating, for sure! So much investment! Haha! Also, the good thing with competitions using a handicap system, you are usually grouped with others that have a similar handicap, so you are playing against people at a similar playing level. Usually someone with a 25 handicap won’t compete against someone with a 5 handicap. But in those cases, it would be helpful for playing with friends...but winning that way doesn’t make anyone feel good, when with buddies.

[@boom3960]

@@GolfAscending oh ok thats a little better but still not ideal. But I don't need to worry about it. I wont be competing ever.

[@tmo4330]

Trust me, I have played in the Myrtle beach world amature handicap tournament. The VAST MAJORITY of single digit golfers do not break 80. Figure that?

[@GolfAscending]

Tyson speaking here; I believe it! I play at an 8 currently and haven't actually broken the 80's. Golf is a tough sport!

[@tmo4330]

@@GolfAscending The older you get, the tougher it is. It was much more difficult 40 years ago to have a low handicap. The handicaps now do not reflect the golfers average rounds of golf.

[@pecklehead]

this didn't even explain what a handicap is! 😅 or how it's applied. they just tell you how to calculate it. so when you have your figure which you calculated, and you've got your average score... then what ??

[@GolfAscending]

Maybe…watch it again, haha. Also, we do have another video that goes into more depth on applying the golf handicap.

[@tae912]

So.... someone with 2 handicap means what compared to someone with 10 handicap...? These calculations serve no purpose if it doesn't have any reference to understand what those commonly used terms are that i hear on other videos... for instance, I heard Michael Jordan has a handicap of 2... what the hell does that mean? Sorry I got frustrated cause I just spent 6 min listening due to the title but the title should be "who the golf handicap system is for and how to calculate it"

[@GolfAscending]

Sorry for not clearing this up, this video was intended to clarify the new system which was put into place for 2020. However great question, for beginners the handicap number is as simple as how many strokes the course will give back to you giving you a net score. Example: if Michael Jordan is a 2 handicap and he shoots a gross score of 80, his net with his handicap will be 78. What this does is if you are playing in tournament play, you will be grouped into flights (brackets depending on your handicap level) and your net score will be calculated for tournament standings. You also can use this system for casual play if you want to keep things interesting and more competitive. For example: if my handicap was 10, and a buddy's was 15. I would give my buddy 5 shots on the round of 18 so that we both can play our most competitive golf. I hope this makes more sense!

[@tae912]

@@GolfAscending You're a champ.🏆 Thank you so much for the elaboration!

[@GolfAscending]

Glad we could help! Thanks for your comment, and thanks for watching!

[@yoogiedung5225]

so, if you're off 20 and i'm off 10 and we play match play (i take it u know what match play is) the difference is 10. so, u get a shot at the most difficult 10 holes. these are shown on the card. in stroke play, if you score 100, then you take 20 off and that would be 80 entered for comp. to win a comp, with a 20 h/cap, you'd need to shoot 4 or 5 under your handicap to have a chance, and if u did shoot 5 or 6 under you're handicap would go down. all golfers, want to play better and reduce their handicap,,,its a great game and a great system to level out ability and still compete. it means you can play Tiger and have a small chance of winning, no other sport has this.

[@diogeneslantern18]

@@yoogiedung5225 exactly - and people (who I am almost certain don't play) cry about handicaps. It is an excellent system of equity and it's not as if a high handicapper is just "going to win" because of their handicap. Accurately, and honestly tracked, a person will only beat their handicap between 10-20% of the time. In any case, nowadays it's all tracked (at least where I'm from). Every golf player who is part of a club in my country has to post their score within 24h or gets penalised, or even barred from competing. I frankly think its a great system and I play with a lot of guys of all skill levels. No one has ever moaned about the system being "unfair"

[@chrisowen3264]

Good explanation but let’s be honest 99% of golfers lie about handicap or score in general because they don’t play legit golf.

[@GolfAscending]

True, which is why most leagues require an official GHIN handicap. Also when you play in league you are paired with other members who can vouch for your scores. Hopefully this video helps those who need to estimate a handicap for casual play or peak their interest in establishing an official handicap.