Handicap levels
| Handicap Index | What it means |
|---|---|
| 0 or better (plus) | Scratch and plus golfers: they usually shoot par or better. |
| 1–4 | Expert amateurs; regularly break 80. |
| 5–9 | Single-digit golfers; usually shoot in the high 70s to mid 80s. |
| 10–17 | Solid regular golfers; usually shoot in the mid 80s to mid 90s. |
| 18–27 | Typical recreational golfers; usually shoot in the 90s to around 100. |
| 28–39 | Improving golfers; usually shoot over 100. |
| 40–54 | Beginners. 54.0 is the highest Handicap Index there is. |
Average score to handicap
| Usually shoots | Likely Handicap Index | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 3–5 | Low single-digit |
| 85 | 8–10 | Single-digit |
| 90 | 13–15 | Mid handicap |
| 95 | 18–20 | High handicap |
| 100 | 23–25 | High handicap |
| 105 | 28–30 | Improving golfer |
| 110 | 33–35 | Improving golfer |
| 115 | 38–40 | Improving golfer |
| 120 | 43–45 | Beginner |
On a standard course (Course Rating 72, Slope 113). Rough guide, not an official index.
Find out where you are: calculate your handicap from your recent rounds.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good golf handicap?
For a recreational golfer, anything under 20 is good, and a single-digit handicap (under 10) puts you among strong amateur players. Scratch (0) means you are expected to shoot about par.
What is the highest handicap you can have?
Under the World Handicap System, the maximum Handicap Index is 54.0.
What does a plus handicap mean?
A plus handicap (for example +2) means you are better than scratch: in competitions you give strokes back to the course rather than receiving them.