Is the USGA handicap system fair?
- Perry Noun
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Is the USGA Handicap System Fair?
Unless someone comes up with a better system immediately, the current United States Golf Association (USGA) handicap system will continue to be the “one and only system” recognized throughout the U.S. for the 2026 golf season.
Is it “fair” 100% of the time? I say “no”, but I have a few suggestions that lower handicap players will embrace but higher handicappers will claim is not fair. I’ll share my suggestions with you at the end of this article.
What is true about the current handicap system is that most golfers say, “While it can be confusing to understand, they do understand why it is important to the game of golf ”.
Whether you are a beginner looking forward to playing in a friendly match or you are preparing to enter a handicap tournament, knowing how handicaps work can help golfers enjoy the game more”.
What Is a Golf Handicap?
Is there a good, simple definition of “golf handicap” that all golfers can truly understand? I believe so.
How about this one I put in an article several years ago from Golf Digest;
“A handicap is a numerical representation of a golfer’s potential playing ability based on their recent scores. It allows players of different skill levels to compete against each other on an equal basis”.
The lower your handicap, the better player you are.
The World Handicap System
As you might remember, in 2020 the World Handicap System (WHS) was adapted combining regional systems from around the world into one global system.
It is based on three principle calculations:
It uses your best 8 scores from your last 20 rounds.
It reviews the course rating (difficulty for elite golfers).
It reviews the slope rating (difficulty for bogey golfers).
These calculations create your handicap index which is then converted to a course handicap.
This number determines the strokes you receive on each course you play anywhere in the world.
Can You Calculate Your Own Handicap?
Can you calculate your own handicap? Probably, however, there are so many variables you would have to adjust for, I don’t believe it is worth your while to even bother.
For example: The World Golf Handicap system also adjusts for “easy” or “difficult” playing conditions on the day you play. Can you imagine trying to do that yourself?
Should you bother to get a handicap regardless of your skill level? I say yes, because it will certainly help you follow your improvement and allow you to play in organized competitions.
When Handicaps Create Challenges
Finally...My experience playing in handicap events has taught me that it is “extremely difficult” for a single digit handicap golfer (9 or below) to compete against golfers whose handicaps are 18 and above.
If the competing handicaps are 36 or above, it is, “almost impossible” to be competitive.
There are two ways to deal with this condition when the majority of the golfers are not local players and have high handicaps.
Two Practical Solutions
Announce in the promotional material before the competition begins that, “ALL PLAYERS WILL PLAYING AT 80% OF THEIR HANDICAP”.
This has become a popular way for tournament organizers and golf professionals to “even the playing field”.
When this occurs, the majority of players welcome the new “Local Rule”.
Consider having “TWO” HANDICAP DIVISIONS.
One division for players whose handicaps are 18 and below and one for handicaps of 19 and above.
Also announce that the prizes will be the same in each division and “ALL PLAYERS WILL BE PLAYING AT 80% OF THEIR HANDICAP.
Final Question
IS THE USGA HANDICAP SYSTEM FAIR? I believe it is.
What say you?
Follow me at...PerryNoun.com
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