Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Handicap Competition is an organised event in which players' results are adjusted using handicaps to make competition fairer between ability levels. It describes event administration, not one single scoring format: the Terms of the Competition must state the format and applicable handicap allowance.
How it matters in match play
In match play, the recommended individual allowance is 100%, subject to the Committee's Terms of the Competition. After the allowance is applied, the player with the lowest Playing Handicap normally plays from zero, and each opponent receives the difference between their Playing Handicap and that baseline. The same principle is not automatically transferable to every team or informal game.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Handicap Competition |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | WHS Rules of Handicapping, Rule 6.1 and Rule 6.2; Appendix C |
| Related concepts | Handicap Index, Course Handicap, Playing Handicap, Handicap Allowance, Stroke Play |
Worked example
In an illustrative singles Handicap Competition, Alex has a Playing Handicap of 12 and Ben has 18; with a 100% individual match-play allowance, Alex plays off zero and Ben receives 6 strokes, applied according to the event's stroke allocation.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping, Rule 6.1 and Rule 6.2; Appendix C
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is Handicap Competition a separate golf format?
No. It describes a competition that uses handicaps, while the underlying format may be Stroke Play, Match Play, Stableford or another authorised format. The Committee's Terms of the Competition should state the format and how handicaps are applied.
What handicap allowance is recommended for individual match play?
WHS Appendix C recommends 100% for individual match play. That is a recommendation, not a permission to ignore the event conditions: the Committee should specify the allowance in the Terms of the Competition, and allowances can vary for other formats.
Are match-play strokes taken directly from a Handicap Index?
No. The Playing Handicap is calculated by applying the appropriate allowance to the unrounded Course Handicap. In ordinary singles match play, the lowest Playing Handicap is then set to zero and the other player receives the difference.
Can a casual game be called a Handicap Competition?
Players can agree to use handicaps in a casual game, but the agreed conditions are house rules unless the event is administered under an authorised competition's Terms of the Competition. Do not assume that one official allowance applies to every informal game.
Does every Handicap Competition use the same percentage?
No. The recommended percentage depends on the format. For example, WHS Appendix C lists 95% for individual stroke-play net events, 100% for individual match play and 90% for four-ball match play, with the Committee responsible for the event's stated allowance.
Who decides the allowance in an organised Handicap Competition?
The Committee should specify it in the Terms of the Competition. Under the WHS framework, a National Association establishes allowances or may delegate that responsibility to a regional association or golf club, so local competition conditions still need to be checked.