Low vs. High Handicap In Golf (Defining Golf Handicaps)
A golf handicap is essential as it is a system that equalizes the golfer’s playing field regardless of their playing level. This is only fair as many different golf players have different skill levels. This way, golfers can play in a competitive field and have an equal chance of winning. So, what is the difference between a low and high handicap in golf?
Zero to ten is a low handicap in golf. A low handicap usually has a single digit, and anything under five is regarded as very low. Mid-Handicap ranges from 11 to 18, whereas 19 and up is considered a high handicap. As only 20% of players keep a handicap index, the average handicap is 15.
In golf, the word handicap is commonly used. Although players frequently use the phrase, few know what low, mid, and high handicaps are defined as. A golfer’s handicap is determined by adding together their most recent scores and comparing them to the degree of difficulty of the courses they have played.
In this article, we’ll explore further low vs. high handicaps in golf. Let’s tee off!
What Is Considered Low, Mid, And High Handicap In Golf?
It may appear as if there is a lot of mystery behind the world handicap system in golf due to a lot of math and equations. However, the basics are that it is determined by the best previous 8 of a golfer’s last 20 scores. Therefore, it isn’t exactly what a player shoots on average.
Also, the course’s degree of difficulty has to be taken into the equation.
“I know so many good golfers who are brilliant players on courses that are familiar to them and have a low degree of difficulty. They are able to claim a low handicap. But put them on an unfamiliar and harder course, and they struggle.”
Golf Educate
A good golfer must be able to overcome difficulties no matter what course they play. Therefore, I always recommend a golfer plays on as many different courses as possible to obtain his true handicap.
| Handicap | Category |
|---|---|
| 0-10 | Low |
| 11-18 | Mid |
| 19+ | High |
What Is A Low Handicap In Golf?
Most average players regard attaining single figures as a low handicap, which is 1-10. This is the ideal aim most average players are going for. Only a small portion of players succeed in doing this.
A handicap under 5 in golf is considered a very low handicap and is far more challenging to achieve. A golfer is regarded as being a better player the lower their handicap. For instance, a player with a 3 handicap is considered far better than one with a 9.
Excellent golfers are deemed to have a low handicap.
The lower the handicap, the fewer shots a player will take. Golf courses are typically 70–72 stoke courses. A player is deemed to have a low handicap if they can finish a round in 80 strokes or less.
What Is A Mid Handicap In Golf?
The largest percentage of golfers worldwide have a mid-handicap. On the par 72 courses, a mid-handicap typically shoots scores in the mid-80s to low 90s, which translates to playing off anywhere from an 11 to an 18 above par.
Most players generally plateau out at this level.
The jump from mid to low handicap is challenging. It takes hours of practice and expense. A player’s clubs usually need to be upgraded, and extra coaching and practice are required.
See also: How Good Is 15 Handicap In Golf?
What Is A High Handicap In Golf?
A high handicap is one that is 19 or above. The worse the golfer, the greater their handicap. Many high handicap players have not played for very long and are still figuring out how to lower their scores.
See also: How Good Is 20 Handicap in Golf?
But with the correct coaching and practice, players can quickly move into the mid-handicap category.
If the handicap is high, it means that the player will require extra strokes to complete the golf course. The USGA allows a handicap of 36 for men. In contrast, it allows 40 for women.
Read more: What Is a Good Golf Handicap for a Beginner?
How Can Golfers Move From High To Low Handicap?
Suppose you’re wondering how golfers can improve their handicap. You may also wonder what the worst handicap in golf is. It goes without saying that practice is key.
However, there are some things to keep in mind. Players will often stand there and hit ball after ball in an aimless effort to increase their scoring potential. However, such exercise will only very slightly, if at all, lower your score.
Strike every shot utilizing the same effort and focus you would use on the actual course to grind effectively. Try to find a rhythm and hold onto it for as long as possible so that you are hitting nearly all of your shots as you want.
Creating a go-to shot and working on particularly challenging shots can quickly improve your scoring average by striking a balance with muscle memory and feeling.
Players should practice their short putting, 3 to 10 feet, if they want to see a significant improvement in a short amount of time.
This is an essential key for lowering your handicap because these are the putts players can save shots. A golfer will be well on their way to a 10 handicap or below if they practice enough to make nearly:
- 100% of the 3 footers
- 50% of the 6 footers, and
- 30% of the 10 footers
Let’s Wrap This Up!
A handicap is an excellent way to keep golf fun and allow players to have an equal chance of winning.
Yes, as you improve as a golfer, your handicap decreases; thus, your margin for error also decreases on every hole. But being able to claim you are a low handicapper is a great feeling when you announce your handicap in the scorer’s hut before play or in the clubhouse bar later!
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