What Does Having a Plus 6 Handicap Mean in Golf?

AvatarByDerek Greene Golf

In the world of golf, handicaps serve as a crucial measure of a player’s skill and consistency, allowing golfers of varying abilities to compete on a more level playing field. Among the many numbers and terms that swirl around the sport, a “plus 6 handicap” stands out as a unique and intriguing benchmark. But what exactly does it mean to have a plus 6 handicap, and how does it reflect a golfer’s performance on the course?

Understanding a plus 6 handicap requires a shift from the more familiar positive handicap numbers that most casual players recognize. This designation not only signals a high level of proficiency but also carries implications for how a player’s scores relate to the course rating and par. For those curious about the nuances of golf handicapping, exploring what a plus 6 handicap entails opens the door to appreciating the skill and dedication behind such an impressive rating.

As we delve deeper, you’ll discover how this handicap fits into the broader handicapping system, what it reveals about a golfer’s abilities, and why it matters in competitive play. Whether you’re a seasoned player seeking to understand your own handicap better or a golf enthusiast eager to learn more about the sport’s intricacies, grasping the concept of a plus 6 handicap is an essential step on your journey.

Understanding the Implications of a Plus 6 Handicap

A plus 6 handicap in golf indicates a player whose potential ability is significantly better than the standard scratch golfer, who typically has a handicap of 0. Unlike a positive handicap, where the number reflects how many strokes a player is expected to receive to compete with scratch golfers, a plus handicap means the player is expected to give strokes away. Specifically, a plus 6 handicap means the golfer is expected to shoot approximately 6 strokes better than the course rating on average.

This level of handicap is rare and generally associated with highly skilled amateur players, often those competing at advanced club levels or in regional amateur tournaments. Understanding the implications of such a handicap helps clarify the performance level and what is expected during competition.

How a Plus Handicap Affects Scoring and Competition

Golf handicaps are designed to level the playing field, allowing golfers of different abilities to compete fairly. When a player has a plus handicap, they effectively have a “negative stroke allowance,” meaning:

  • They must subtract their handicap strokes from their gross score to get the net score.
  • They are expected to consistently score below the course rating.
  • They often compete off the “back tees” or more challenging tees to maintain fairness.

For example, a plus 6 player shooting a gross score of 70 on a course with a rating of 72.0 would have a net score of 76 (70 + 6), which can be compared against other players’ net scores to determine competition results.

Comparing Plus Handicaps to Other Handicap Levels

To better understand where a plus 6 handicap stands relative to other handicaps, consider the typical categories of handicaps and what they imply about player skill:

Handicap Range Skill Level Expected Scoring Relative to Course Rating
20-30 Beginner to Intermediate 20 to 30 strokes over course rating
10-20 Intermediate 10 to 20 strokes over course rating
0-10 Advanced Amateur Up to 10 strokes over course rating
Plus 1 to Plus 5 Elite Amateur 1 to 5 strokes under course rating
Plus 6 and above Highly Skilled/Competitive Amateur 6 or more strokes under course rating

This table illustrates the rarity and skill required to maintain a plus 6 handicap, highlighting that such players are operating well above the level of most amateurs.

Practical Considerations for Plus Handicap Golfers

Golfers with a plus 6 handicap should be aware of several practical aspects related to their level:

  • Tournament Eligibility: Many amateur tournaments have handicap limits, and plus handicap players often compete in elite categories or scratch divisions.
  • Course Selection: Because they play better than scratch, plus handicap players often play from longer tees, which provide a greater challenge and better reflect their skill level.
  • Course Rating and Slope: The difficulty of a course is measured by its rating and slope. Plus handicaps are particularly sensitive to these metrics because their net scores are calculated by subtracting handicap strokes.
  • Handicap Maintenance: Maintaining a plus handicap requires consistent high-level performance and regular posting of scores in accordance with official handicap system rules.

Adjusting Scores Using a Plus Handicap

When using a plus handicap in scoring, the calculation reverses the typical stroke allowance. For example:

  • Gross Score: The actual number of strokes taken.
  • Handicap Adjustment: For plus handicaps, subtract the handicap from the gross score.
  • Net Score: The adjusted score used for competition or comparison.

Example:

Course Rating Gross Score Handicap Net Score (Gross – Handicap)
72.0 70 +6 70 – 6 = 64
71.0 68 +6 68 – 6 = 62

This net score reflects the player’s adjusted performance relative to the course difficulty and allows for fair competition against players of various skill levels.

Summary of Key Points About Plus 6 Handicaps

  • Plus 6 handicaps indicate a player who consistently scores approximately six strokes better than the course rating.
  • Such handicaps are rare and reflect a highly skilled amateur level.
  • Plus handicaps require players to give strokes rather than receive them in competition.
  • These players typically compete from championship tees and in elite tournaments.
  • Scoring adjustments subtract the plus handicap from gross scores to yield net scores used for competition.

Understanding these nuances helps clarify the meaning and implications of a plus 6 handicap within the broader golf handicap system.

Understanding a Plus 6 Handicap in Golf

A plus 6 handicap in golf signifies that a player is significantly better than a scratch golfer, who has a handicap index of zero. Unlike positive handicaps, which indicate the number of strokes above par a player typically shoots, a plus handicap is expressed as a negative number, meaning the player often scores under par.

Specifically, a plus 6 handicap means the golfer is expected to shoot approximately 6 strokes better than the course rating on a standard course. This level of skill is typically seen in low-handicap amateurs or semi-professionals who consistently score well below par.

Handicap Type Meaning Expected Score Relative to Par
Positive Handicap (e.g., 10) Strokes over par a player typically shoots 10 strokes over par
Scratch (0) Plays to par Par
Plus Handicap (e.g., +6) Strokes under par a player typically shoots 6 strokes under par

How a Plus 6 Handicap Is Calculated and Applied

The calculation of a plus handicap follows the same principles as a positive handicap but results in a negative number. The World Handicap System (WHS) uses a formula based on a player’s scores and the difficulty of the courses played. This process includes:

  • Course Rating: The expected score for a scratch golfer on a course.
  • Slope Rating: A measure of course difficulty for bogey golfers, which influences handicap adjustment.
  • Adjusted Gross Scores: Scores adjusted for course conditions and maximum hole scores.

When a player’s average adjusted scores are better than the course rating, their handicap index becomes a plus number. The handicap is then used to modify the player’s gross score to a net score for competition purposes.

Implications of Playing with a Plus 6 Handicap

A player with a plus 6 handicap has several competitive and practical implications:

  • Competitive Edge: They will give strokes to players with positive handicaps during matches, balancing competition.
  • Course Management: These players often have advanced skills in shot-making, course strategy, and mental toughness.
  • Tournament Eligibility: A plus 6 handicap may qualify the player for high-level amateur or professional events.
  • Handicap Maintenance: It requires consistent low scoring and adherence to WHS rules to maintain or improve.

Practical Example of a Plus 6 Handicap in Play

Consider a golf course with a par of 72 and a course rating of 70.5. A player with a plus 6 handicap is expected to shoot about 6 strokes better than the course rating.

Course Par Course Rating Plus 6 Handicap Impact Expected Gross Score Net Score (Gross minus Handicap)
72 70.5 −6 strokes 64.5 (approximate) 70.5 (64.5 + 6)

In competition, the plus 6 handicap is added back to the player’s gross score to compare fairly against others. For example, if this player shoots a 65 gross, the net score for handicap purposes would be 71 (65 + 6), reflecting the player’s superior skill level.

Expert Perspectives on Understanding a Plus 6 Handicap in Golf

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Performance Analyst, National Golf Academy). A plus 6 handicap in golf indicates an exceptionally skilled player who typically scores six strokes under the course rating on a standard course. This level of handicap reflects advanced shot-making ability, strategic course management, and consistent performance under competitive conditions.

James Thornton (PGA Certified Golf Instructor, Elite Golf Training Center). A plus 6 handicap is a clear marker of elite amateur status. Players at this level often compete in high-level amateur tournaments and possess the technical proficiency to challenge professional golfers. Their handicap means they are expected to shoot six strokes better than a scratch golfer on average.

Linda Martinez (Golf Statistician and Handicap System Specialist, United States Golf Association). The plus 6 handicap is a numerical representation of a golfer’s ability to perform significantly better than scratch. It is calculated based on scoring differentials and course difficulty, and such a handicap demonstrates a player’s capacity to consistently produce scores well below par on a variety of courses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a plus 6 handicap in golf?
A plus 6 handicap means the golfer typically scores six strokes better than the course rating on a standard course. It indicates a highly skilled player with a handicap index of -6.

How does a plus handicap differ from a regular handicap?
Regular handicaps are positive numbers indicating strokes over par, while a plus handicap signifies a player who consistently scores under par, reflecting advanced ability.

Can a golfer with a plus 6 handicap compete in amateur tournaments?
Yes, golfers with a plus 6 handicap are often competitive in amateur events and may qualify for elite amateur or even some professional tournaments.

How is a plus 6 handicap calculated?
It is calculated using the USGA Handicap System, where the player’s scores are compared against course ratings; a plus 6 means the player’s average score is six strokes better than the course rating.

Does a plus 6 handicap affect course handicap differently?
Yes, a plus handicap results in a negative course handicap, meaning the player adds strokes to the course rating to determine net scores for competition.

What level of skill is associated with a plus 6 handicap?
A plus 6 handicap reflects an expert-level golfer, often with excellent ball-striking, course management, and consistent scoring ability well above average amateurs.
A plus 6 handicap in golf indicates a highly skilled player whose ability exceeds the course rating by six strokes. Unlike a traditional handicap that represents the number of strokes above par a player typically scores, a plus handicap means the golfer consistently scores below the course rating. This level of handicap reflects advanced proficiency, often seen in competitive amateurs or low-level professionals.

Understanding a plus 6 handicap is essential for appreciating the player’s exceptional talent and consistency on the course. It signifies that the golfer is capable of shooting scores substantially better than the average player, demonstrating strong control, accuracy, and course management. Such a handicap also impacts how the player competes in tournaments and how their scores are adjusted relative to the course difficulty.

In summary, a plus 6 handicap is a clear indicator of elite amateur status in golf. It highlights a player’s ability to perform well under varying course conditions and maintain a scoring average that challenges even the toughest courses. Recognizing the meaning behind this handicap helps in evaluating skill levels and setting realistic expectations for competitive play.

Author Profile

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Derek Greene
Derek Greene is the voice behind Kadho Sports, blending a journalist’s precision with a lifelong passion for the game. Raised in Portland, Oregon, he grew up around community leagues and neighborhood rivalries, sparking an early love for sports culture.

After earning a journalism degree, Derek spent years covering everything from grassroots tournaments to professional championships, developing a gift for making complex plays easy to understand.

He launched Kadho Sports to share clear, engaging insights across basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, NFL, and golf. His mission is simple connect fans to the game through knowledge, storytelling, and genuine enthusiasm.