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Plus 6 Handicap in Golf: What It Means and How It Works
Have you ever heard someone described as having a “+6 handicap” in golf and felt completely lost? Many golfers struggle to understand the handicap system, especially when it comes to the elusive “plus” handicaps. It can be confusing to figure out how these handicaps work, what they mean for a golfer’s skill level, and how they impact scoring.
What is a plus 6 handicap in golf? A plus 6 handicap in golf signifies an exceptional golfer who consistently scores six strokes below par on a neutral course. This is the opposite of a typical handicap, where strokes are subtracted from the gross score.
Understanding the handicap system, especially the concept of a plus handicap, can be daunting. However, I’ve spent years analyzing golf statistics and performance metrics, and I’m here to demystify this concept for you. In this comprehensive guide, you will find the meaning of a plus 6 handicap, and how it compares to other handicap levels. It will cover all the frequently asked questions, allowing you to better understand golf performance metrics.
- Key Facts:
- Rarity: Only about 1.13% of male golfers and 0.50% of female golfers in the United States have a plus handicap. This translates to roughly 2,000 women and 20,000 men.
- Professional Level: Most professional golfers on major tours would have plus handicaps if they maintained them, often ranging from +4 to +6, and even higher for top players.
- Tiger Woods’ Amateur Peak: During his amateur career, Tiger Woods reportedly reached a handicap as low as +8.0.
- Tiger Woods’ Professional Peak (Estimated): It’s been estimated that during his dominant 2000 season, Tiger Woods’ handicap could have been as low as an astonishing +13.
- Score Addition, Not Subtraction, Golfers with plus handicaps add strokes to their gross score to determine their net score, unlike the vast majority of players who subtract strokes.
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What Does a Plus 6 Handicap Really Mean in Golf?
A plus 6 handicap indicates an extremely high level of skill and consistency in golf. Golfers with a plus 6 handicap are expected to shoot, on average, six strokes under par on a standard golf course. This is significantly better than a scratch golfer (0 handicap), who is expected to shoot around par.
The core concept behind a plus handicap is that these exceptional players add strokes to their score to get their net score. For example, if a +6 handicap golfer shoots a remarkable 66 on a par-72 course, their net score would be 72 (66 + 6 = 72). This contrasts sharply with golfers having a standard handicap, who subtract their handicap from their gross score. This “adding” of strokes highlights just how consistently these golfers perform below par.
How Does a Plus 6 Handicap Compare to Other Handicap Levels?
Understanding how a plus 6 handicap stacks up against other levels provides valuable context. A 6 handicap golfer (without the plus) is already considered very good, consistently shooting in the mid-to-high 70s. According to a study by the United States Golf Association (USGA), a 6-handicap golfer is in the top 25% of male golfers.
A scratch golfer, with a 0 handicap, represents the baseline of excellent golf, typically shooting around par. A plus 6 handicap, however, is six strokes better than scratch. This difference is substantial, representing a significant gap in skill, consistency, and shot-making ability. It places the golfer in a very elite category, far exceeding the capabilities of even highly skilled amateur players.
How is a Plus 6 Handicap Calculated?
The calculation of a plus handicap follows the same fundamental principles as standard handicaps, but the numbers work in reverse. The World Handicap System (WHS) uses a golfer’s best scores, adjusted for course difficulty, to calculate a Handicap Index. For a plus handicap, the golfer’s scores are consistently below par, resulting in a negative differential. These negative differentials are then averaged, and the resulting Handicap Index reflects the player’s ability to score below par. The plus sign (+) is placed before the number to indicate that it’s a plus handicap.
The USGA’s handicap system, used to calculate both standard and plus handicaps, accounts for several factors:
- Gross Scores: The actual scores a golfer shoots.
- Course Rating: A measure of the difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer.
- Slope Rating: A measure of the relative difficulty of a course for bogey golfers compared to scratch golfers.
- Handicap Differential: A calculation that takes into account the gross score, Course Rating, and Slope Rating.
What Skills Does a Plus 6 Handicap Golfer Possess?
A golfer with a plus 6 handicap demonstrates mastery in all aspects of the game. They don’t just excel in one area; they exhibit a well-rounded skillset that allows them to consistently perform at an extremely high level.
Here are some key areas where a +6 handicapper excels:
- Exceptional Distance Control: These golfers have pinpoint accuracy with their irons and wedges, consistently hitting approach shots close to the pin.
- Masterful Short Game: Their chipping, pitching, and bunker play are incredibly precise, allowing them to save par even when they miss the green.
- Consistent Putting: They are proficient putters, sinking a high percentage of putts within 10 feet and rarely three-putting.
- Superior Course Management: They have a deep understanding of the game and strategize effectively, making smart decisions on each shot.
- Mental Fortitude: They possess exceptional mental toughness, staying focused and resilient under pressure.
How Does a Plus Handicap Affect Competition Scoring?
In competitions, a plus handicap golfer’s playing handicap is adjusted to ensure fairness. If a competition uses a handicap allowance (a percentage of the player’s full handicap), the plus handicap is adjusted by the same percentage.
For example, if a competition uses an 85% handicap allowance, a +6 handicap would be adjusted to +5.1 (85% of 6 is 5.1). This adjusted handicap is then added to the golfer’s gross score to determine their net score. This ensures that the competition remains equitable for all players, regardless of their skill level. According to an article about “Plus Handicap Allowances…”, it stated that when handicap allowances are applied, a player with a plus Playing Handicap moves up towards zero including rounding.
Can a Plus 6 Handicap Golfer Turn Professional?
While a plus 6 handicap strongly suggests the potential for a professional career, it’s not a guarantee. A plus 6 handicap golfer consistently shots in the mid to high 70s. Many factors beyond handicap influence success in professional golf, including:
- Competition Experience: Playing well in amateur tournaments is different from competing against seasoned professionals.
- Mental Game: The pressure of professional golf is immense, requiring exceptional mental fortitude.
- Financial Resources: Pursuing a professional golf career requires significant financial investment.
- Consistency Under Pressure: Maintaining peak performance week after week is crucial.
- Physical Conditioning and Injury Prevention: Professional golf demands peak physical fitness.
However, a plus 6 handicap undeniably demonstrates a very high level of skill and significantly increases the likelihood of success at the professional level. The USGA states a 6 handicap player is in the top quarter of male golfers—the top 3 percent for females.
What is a “Scratch” Golfer and How Do They Compare to a Plus 6?
A “scratch” golfer is a player with a 0 handicap. They are expected to shoot around par on a standard golf course. A plus 6 handicap is six strokes better than a scratch golfer. This means the plus 6 golfer is expected to consistently shoot six strokes under par, a significant difference in skill and performance.
Tip: If you encounter a golfer with a “plus” handicap, understand that you’re witnessing a truly exceptional player. Their consistency and ability to score below par are hallmarks of a highly skilled golfer.
FAQs About What is a Plus 6 Handicap in Golf
What is the difference between a plus handicap and a regular handicap?
A regular handicap indicates how many strokes over par a golfer is expected to score. A plus handicap indicates how many strokes under par a golfer is expected to score.
How rare is a plus 6 handicap?
A plus 6 handicap is extremely rare, representing a tiny fraction of the golfing population. Less than 2% of male golfers are scratch or better. A +6 is much better than scratch.
What does the “+” sign mean in front of a golf handicap?
The “+” sign indicates that the golfer’s Handicap Index is below zero, meaning they are expected to score below par.
Do professional golfers have plus handicaps?
Technically, professional golfers do not maintain official handicaps because they are no longer amateurs. However, if they were to calculate their handicaps, most touring professionals would have plus handicaps, often ranging from +4 to +6 and even higher.
How do you calculate a net score with a plus handicap?
You add the plus handicap to the golfer’s gross score to get their net score. For example, if a +6 golfer shoots a 68, their net score is 74 (68 + 6).
Can handicap go below zero?
Yes, a handicap can go below zero. When a handicap goes below zero, it is represented as a plus (+) handicap, such as +1, +2, +3, and so on.
Learn more about “What is GIR in Golf”.
What is a good golf handicap for a beginner?
A good golf handicap for a beginner typically falls between 20 and 30. To know more about “What Is a Golf Handicap for a Beginner?” read this article.
What is a cut in golf?
In professional golf tournaments, a “cut” is a point in the competition (usually after 36 holes) where the field of players is reduced.
Read more about “What Is a Cut in Golf?” in this article..
What is a condor in golf?
A condor in golf is an incredibly rare score of four strokes under par on a single hole. Learn more about Condor in golf, through this article.
What is a golf course rating?
Golf course rating is a numerical value that indicates the difficulty of a golf course for a scratch golfer (a player with a handicap of 0) under normal playing conditions. To know more about “What Is Golf Course Rating and Slope” click here.
Conclusion
A plus 6 handicap in golf represents an exceptional level of skill and consistency. It signifies that a golfer is not just good, but truly elite, capable of consistently shooting well below par. Understanding the nuances of plus handicaps, how they are calculated, and how they impact competition provides a deeper appreciation for the game and the remarkable abilities of these golfers. While the term “plus 6 handicap” may seem complex initially, the concept is straightforward: these players are so skilled that they add strokes to their score, highlighting their consistent performance below par.
