What Is a Handicap in Golf? A Beginner’s Guide to Fair Play

Many golfers ask what is a handicap in golf because it plays a major role in scoring and competition. A handicap reflects a player’s typical performance relative to par and adjusts as scores change over time. Understanding how handicaps work helps golfers compete fairly, track improvement, and set realistic goals. This guide from ParTeeOf18 explains the purpose of a handicap and how it influences both casual and competitive play.