Playing Handicap and Handicap Allowances (Why 95%)
Also known as: playing handicap, handicap allowance, 95% of my handicap, 95 percent handicap, why do I only get 95 percent, four-ball allowance, handicap allowances for formats, what is a playing handicap
You get 95% in individual stroke play because that is the World Handicap System's recommended allowance for net events with medium fields. It is meant to give every player a similar chance of finishing in the top 10% when playing well. Your Playing Handicap is your Course Handicap times the allowance for the format.
Your Course Handicap is the number of strokes you get from a set of tees. Your Playing Handicap is what you actually receive in a given format. To get it, the committee applies a handicap allowance to your unrounded Course Handicap.
Appendix C of the Rules of Handicapping sets the recommended allowances. In individual stroke play it is 95% for fields of 30 to 100 players. For fields under 30, the full Course Handicap could be considered. Singles match play uses the full Course Handicap. Four-ball match play uses 90%, and four-ball stroke play uses 85%. In foursomes match play, a side gets 50% of the difference between the sides' combined Course Handicaps.
In match play, the lowest Playing Handicap plays off zero. The others get the difference. A committee sets the allowance in the terms of the competition, so check before you play.
Tips by skill level
Before an event, check the format and its allowance. Then work out your strokes from your Course Handicap.
In four-ball or foursomes, calculate everyone's strokes before the round. Errors in strokes received are a common source of disputes.
Example
A golfer has a Course Handicap of 20. In a club medal with 80 players, 95% gives her a Playing Handicap of 19. In a singles match she gets her full 20, less her opponent's.
Why it matters
The allowance explains why your strokes change from one event to the next. It keeps formats fair for players of every level.
Common mistakes
- Using the full Course Handicap in a 95% competition
- Rounding the Course Handicap before applying the allowance
- Not checking the allowance in the terms of the competition
Frequently asked questions
What is the handicap allowance for four-ball?
The recommended allowance is 90% in four-ball match play and 85% in four-ball stroke play, under Appendix C of the Rules of Handicapping.
What is the difference between course handicap and playing handicap?
Course Handicap is the strokes you get from a set of tees. Playing Handicap is what you get after the format's allowance is applied. With a full allowance they are the same.
Why do higher handicaps get 95% in stroke play?
The allowance applies to everyone. It is set so that every player has a similar chance of a top-10% finish when playing well.
Sources
- R&A Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C and Clarification C/1 (95% for fields of 30–100; 100% could be considered under 30)
- R&A Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C, Clarifications C/2 and C/3 (90% four-ball match play, 85% four-ball stroke play, 50% foursomes match play)
- R&A Rules of Handicapping, Rule 6 (Course Handicap and Playing Handicap Calculation)
Related terms
- Course Handicap vs Handicap IndexHandicap Index is a portable number representing a golfer's general ability, calculated from past scores. Course handicap converts that same index into the actual number of strokes they receive on a specific course and tee, using that course's slope rating.
- Handicap IndexA Handicap Index is the World Handicap System (WHS) measure of a golfer's demonstrated playing ability on a neutral course. A lower index means a better player.
- Net Score vs Gross ScoreGross score is the actual number of strokes taken. Net score subtracts a player's course handicap from that total, letting golfers of different skill levels compete on a fair, adjusted basis.
- Stroke Index (Handicap Holes)Stroke index ranks the 18 holes from 1 to 18 to show where strokes are given. You receive a stroke on every hole ranked at or below your Course Handicap. With a Course Handicap of 8, your strokes fall on the holes ranked 1 to 8.
- Foursomes (Alternate Shot)Foursomes, also called alternate shot, is a format where two partners play one ball and take turns hitting it. They also take turns teeing off, so one partner hits the first tee shot and the other hits the next hole's tee shot. It can be played as match play or stroke play.
Related guides & benchmarks
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