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Handicap systems

A handicap is a numerical measure of an amateur golfer's ability. It can be used to calculate a so-called "net" score from the number of strokes actually played, thus allowing players of different proficiency to play against each other on equal terms. Handicaps are administrated by golf clubs or national golf associations.

Handicaps are complicated, but essentially are the average over par of the ten best scores of the golfer's last 20 rounds, adjusted for course difficulty.

Handicap systems are not used in professional golf. Professional golfers typically score several strokes below par for a round.

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