HCP Golf Abbreviation

Handicap

Handicap (HCP) in golf is a numerical representation of a player’s skill level, allowing golfers of different abilities to compete on fair and equal terms. A golfer's HCP is calculated based on recent scores, course difficulty, and playing conditions, ensuring that players receive stroke allowances to balance competition against lower-handicap golfers.

The World Handicap System (WHS) standardizes HCP calculations, incorporating factors such as Slope Rating (SR), Course Rating (CR), and Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) to maintain accuracy. A lower HCP indicates a more skilled golfer, while a higher HCP provides additional strokes to compensate for performance differences. Golfers use HCP to track improvement, qualify for tournaments, and compete equitably across various courses.