Golf Handicap

What exactly is a handicap in relation to golf? The term golf handicap is used in reference to a numerical measure that determines a net score from the number of strokes actually played. A golf handicap score allows a more fair comparison of personal skill and growth when two golfers of different skill levels are playing against each other. Thus, it helps determine which player or players are in need of extra strokes for certain holes in order to make it fair. This is for amateur use only as a golf handicap is not used in professional golf. Obviously professional golfers don't need a level playing field and are on their own in this respect.

References to a golf handicap and a golf handicap index are often used interchangeably, but are technically not the same thing. A golf handicap index is the score given to a person by the USGA or other authority. The index is a number compared to your course rating so that your course handicap can be more accurately determined. As a result, your course handicap is then used to calculate strokes.

Several golf handicap calculator tools exist in helping to calculate your golf handicap. There are even convenient online golf handicap tools based on the particular handicap algorithm you are using. The algorithm varies from country to country (although it is the same in the United States and Mexico) so using a calculator that supports your particular algorithm is necessary for an accurate assessment of your handicap.

Use a golf handicap tracker to track your progress or a golf handicap calculator to determine your handicap based on new criteria as your golf game improves. Typically, online golf handicap tools are free and provide a fairly accurate way to assess how many strokes you need. Usually, a golf handicap calculator determines your golf handicap, index, and even your average score. Some have the added feature of a golf handicap tracker, but not all have included this.

Up and coming golf social networking sites and golf course directory sites like American Golf have a huge number of online tools for golfers. Find a golf course near you, book a tee time '" and now, via golf social networking sites, calculate your handicap strokes using an online calculator. Golf social networks are becoming the ideal one stop place for everything related to golf and improving your number of strokes. Knowing where you stand and how to make improvements has never been easier since these handicap tools have went online and is basically automated after you input the information that the calculator asks for. Now you will know where your strengths and weakness lie and how to go about fixing the weaknesses.

Susan Slobac is a consultant in the golf industry. Susan writes about trends in golf handicap & golf handicap calculator.