| One way that a golfer is able to measure their level of | | | | slope rating of around one hundred and twelve is |
| ability against other players is by using the golf | | | | considered to be somewhat of an average rating. On |
| handicap system. Different players may have very | | | | the other hand, course rating is simply expressed as |
| different levels of ability yet they would still enjoy | | | | normal strokes. Since this is all based around the |
| playing a game against one another. Golf can be very | | | | perceived difficulty rating of a particular course, this will |
| intense and there is a need to be able to match | | | | not vary nearly as widely as the slope rating will. |
| players up against one another to prevent a one sided | | | | An overall estimate of what a golfer may happen to |
| victory. The golf handicapping system is what is used | | | | shoot in a highly successful golf game is called the |
| to determine the levels of ability in a situation like this. | | | | Handicap Index. There exists a very common |
| The handicapping system allows players of less | | | | misconception that this represents the player's |
| proficiency to acquire strokes without counting them | | | | average score. The reality is that this fairly complex |
| towards the final score as they are playing against | | | | calculation is just a representation of the particular |
| someone else who has a much higher skill level. A | | | | individual's likely performance during a golf game. |
| fairly simple mathematical formula is used to determine | | | | However, this is also a useful method to determine a |
| a player's most likely potential based upon the scores | | | | course handicap, and this is used to establish how |
| which they have previously finished with. It is thought | | | | many basic strokes a golfer may be able to take, on |
| that a golfer will only play to their exact handicap less | | | | which specific holes they take them, and during which |
| than twenty five percent of the time. This means that | | | | exact rounds of the match they will apply to. |
| technically, in order to stay accurate, the handicap | | | | Fortunately, the normal golf handicap formula is based |
| must be constantly adjusted based upon the end | | | | upon, and also tracked, through the results of score |
| result of each new game the player is involved in. | | | | cards. There are many proponents of the game who |
| There does exist a certain course rating and slope | | | | choose to analyze their game results well beyond |
| rating that lies within the handicapping system. The | | | | what the score cards show, the general basics are |
| actual slope rating is a mathematical ratio which | | | | nicely represented and can be used as a solid |
| represents the overall difficulty of a given course. The | | | | foundation for determining an overall golf handicap. |