Basically, handicap reflects a player's potential ability allowing players with different skill levels to compete fairly by taking into account of strokes difference. Following USGA's handicap scheme, the Hong Kong Golf Association limits the highest men handicap index to be 36.4 and 40.4 for women. The best 10 of the most recent 20 score differentials are used to calculate handicap and this traveling handicap may be used at any golf course worldwide
It's a good habit to post your score when you hole out 13 holes or more and have the scorecard signed by your marker.
USGA Handicap Formula
A handicap differential is computed of 4 elements: adjusted gross score; USGA Course Rating; and 113( (the Slope Rating of a course of standard difficulty) and the Slope Rating of the course at play. Handicap Differential = (Adjusted Gross Score - USGA Course Rating) x 113/USGA Slope Rating
Example:
Adjusted gross score = 90
Course Rating = 71.5
Slope Rating = 120
Handicap Differential = 90 - 71.5 x 113 / 120 = 17.4 (Plus 17.4 Handicap Differential)
The best 10 of the most recent 20 score differentials are used to calculate USGA Handicap Index. If there are less than 20 scores, the following table will be used with a multiplier of .96
| No. of Acceptable scores | Differential to be used |
| 5 or 6 | lowest 1 |
| 7 or 8 | lowest 2 |
| 9 or 10 | lowest 3 |
| 11 or 12 | lowest 4 |
| 13 or 14 | lowest 5 |
| 15 or 16 | lowest 6 |
| 17 | lowest 7 |
| 18 | lowest 8 |
| 19 | lowest 9 |
| 20 | lowest 10 |
Example: Only 11 acceptable scores and the total sum of the lowest 4 equals 104.5 averaging 26.126, multiplied by 0.96 equal to 25.08 making 25.1 as the handicap index
Playing well means you can hole out in each hole with minimum strokes. Good knowledge in golf rules; possession of quality equipment and clubs; being properly dressed and back-up of learned technique all contribute to being a good golfer. Of course, reasonable training with numerous practices in top class fields also count. Golf is a gentleman sport in tradition and that's why it is important to learn etiquette as a courtesy on the course to honour yourself and to respect other players.
To make golf your beloved pass-time, you can try the following:
- Understand the basic rules and theories;
- Team up with your friends for regular practices;
- Forget all the theories and enjoy the pure pleasure of hitting the ball on the field; and
- If you can afford, go overseas to meet new challenges in exotic courses
