Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A handicap allowance is the percentage of a player’s Course Handicap used to calculate their Playing Handicap for a particular format. It is intended to create equity between players or teams, and is applied as the final step to the unrounded Course Handicap.
How it matters in match play
In individual match play, the recommended World Handicap System allowance is 100%. After the allowance is applied, the player with the lowest Playing Handicap plays from zero, while each opponent receives the difference between their Playing Handicap and the lowest one. The Terms of the Competition should state the allowance.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Handicap Allowance |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | WHS Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C; Rules 6.1 and 6.2 |
| Related concepts | World Handicap System, Course Handicap, Playing Handicap, Handicap Stroke, Handicap Index |
Worked example
As an illustrative example, if Alex has a Course Handicap of 12 and Ben has 20 in singles match play using the recommended 100% allowance, Alex plays off zero and Ben receives 8 Handicap Strokes relative to Alex.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C; Rules 6.1 and 6.2
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What is the recommended handicap allowance for singles match play?
Appendix C recommends 100% for individual match play. That means the allowance does not reduce the Course Handicap before the match-play comparison, subject to the Terms of the Competition and any applicable local authority decision.
Is a handicap allowance the same as the strokes one player receives?
No. The allowance is the percentage used to calculate each player’s Playing Handicap. In match play, the lowest resulting Playing Handicap is normally set to zero and the other player receives the difference, allocated by Stroke Index.
Can a committee use a different handicap allowance?
It can be different where the authorised governing body or competition committee sets another allowance. The Terms of the Competition should state it, and Appendix C notes that allowances may be adjusted for field size or field composition.
Is the allowance applied to a rounded Course Handicap?
The WHS method applies the allowance to the unrounded Course Handicap as the final step, helping avoid double rounding. In limited practical situations, applying it to a rounded value may be permitted when the unrounded value is not accessible.
Does a 100% allowance mean both players get all their strokes in match play?
It means each player’s Course Handicap is used in the Playing Handicap calculation. The match is then set relative to the lowest Playing Handicap, so that player is on zero and the opponent receives the difference rather than both receiving strokes against the course.
Does a handicap allowance apply to extra holes?
The allowance is designed for 9-hole or 18-hole equity. If a match goes to Extra Hole, the Terms of the Competition should specify how handicap strokes are applied.