A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability that is used to level the playing field when golfers of different skill levels compete against each other. It allows players of varying abilities to compete fairly by adjusting their scores based on their relative skill levels.
The handicap system is based on the principle that a player's handicap represents the number of strokes they are expected to take above or below par for a round of golf. A player with a lower handicap is considered to be a better golfer than one with a higher handicap.
Handicaps are typically calculated based on a golfer's scores from previous rounds of golf, taking into account the difficulty of the courses played. Handicap Systems take into account factors such as the difficulty of the course, the player's score relative to par, and the course rating and slope.
Once a golfer has a handicap, it can be used to adjust their scores in competitions so that players of different abilities can compete on an equal footing. For example, if two golfers with different handicaps are playing against each other, the player with the higher handicap may receive strokes on certain holes to even out the competition.