A system designed to equalize playing fields within the sport of golf, it enables players of varying skill levels to compete fairly against one another. This numerical representation of a golfer’s potential ability indicates the number of strokes above or below par that a player is expected to score in a round, on average. For instance, a golfer with a “10” will generally score around 10 strokes over par on a course of average difficulty.
The principal benefit is fairness. It provides a means for equitable competition, regardless of a golfer’s experience or aptitude. Without such a system, tournaments and friendly matches would overwhelmingly favor highly skilled players. This allows golfers to track their progress and improvement over time. Historically, different systems were developed independently around the world, leading to inconsistencies. A standardized system, such as the World Handicap System, promotes uniformity across different regions.
