Delaware Women’s Golf Association

Preserving & Expanding Women’s Golf in Delaware since 1962

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Golf Handicaps

Golf Handicaps

Overview

DWGA requires all of our members to maintain a valid USGA handicap. Handicaps allow players of different abilities to compete on an equal basis.

In spite of what many golfers may think, a golf handicap is NOT the average of a player’s golf scores. It actually represents their potential ability and indicates the number of strokes over par they are expected to take on a given course.

Handicapping Rules are jointly governed by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A). In 2020, in cooperation with the other worldwide handicap authorities, the USGA and R&A introduced the World Handicap System (WHS), a single set of handicapping rules that apply worldwide to all golfers. The handicapping rules and other rules resources can be found at the USGA website at: https://www.usga.org/rules-hub.html.

The following article provides a great handicap overview:

Understanding Golf’s Handicap System a Beginner’s Guide

Posting Your Scores

It is very important to post all of your scores the day of play so that your handicap remains accurate and current. In fact, the USGA requires it. Even if you don’t play a full round, you’ll still need to post most rounds.

Scores that must be posted include all rounds played that are:

  • In an authorized format
  • In at least the minimum number of holes for a 9- or 18-hole round:
    • At least 14 holes for an 18-hole round (adding par plus any handicap strokes for each hole not played)
    • At least 7 holes for a 9-hole round (adding par plus any handicap strokes for each hole not played)
  • In the company of at least one other person
  • By the rules of golf
  • On a USGA rated golf course
  • During the area’s active season (April 1 – November 14 in DE and PA; March 15 – November 14 in MD)

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