As a reminder, a golf handicap or handicap index is a numerical score that measures a golfer's playing ability. Handicaps help level the playing field and allow players of different skill levels to compete fairly against one another. The handicap system enables golfers of all abilities to play together and have a good time.
A golf handicap represents the number of strokes a player is expected to take above or below the course's par score. The higher the handicap, the more strokes a player is allowed to subtract from their actual score to determine their net score. A lower handicap indicates a more skilled golfer who is expected to have a lower net score.