What Is a Playing Handicap in Golf?
Playing Handicap: Your Course Handicap adjusted for the specific format of play.
Playing Handicap — full definition
The Course Handicap adjusted for the format of play. In stroke play, it’s typically 95% of your Course Handicap. In match play, it’s the full Course Handicap. The Playing Handicap ensures equitable competition regardless of game format.
Playing Handicap — frequently asked
Playing Handicap — how does it vary by format?
- Stroke play: typically 95% of your Course Handicap
- Match play: full Course Handicap
- Ensures equitable competition regardless of game format
More on Playing Handicap
The allowance depends on the format, so it is worth knowing which format you have signed up for.
- Course Handicap calculatorStart here, then apply the format allowance.
- Charity scramble directoryTeam events where the allowance is rarely 100%.
Other course rating terms
Course Rating
A USGA-assigned number representing the expected score for a scratch golfer under normal conditions.
Slope Rating
A number from 55 to 155 that measures how much harder a course plays for bogey golfers versus scratch golfers.
Bogey Rating
The expected score for a bogey golfer — roughly a 20-handicap (men) or 24-handicap (women).
Handicap Index
A portable measure of your playing ability that travels with you from course to course.
Course Handicap
The number of strokes you receive on a specific course from a specific set of tees.
Score Differential
A score that measures how well you played relative to the difficulty of the course.
Equitable Stroke Control
A rule that caps the maximum score on any hole for handicap purposes, preventing blow-up holes from wrecking your index.