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handicap

1 of 2noun
/ˈhændikæp/
Forms:handicaps
1

a condition that impairs a person's mental or physical functions

2

a set of rules or conditions that are put in place to balance the game and give a disadvantaged player a better chance of winning

A handicap is a set of adjustments or conditions designed to give a player who is at a disadvantage a fairer chance of winning. These adjustments can involve giving the weaker player extra points, advantages, or making the game more challenging for the stronger player. The purpose of a handicap is to level the playing field and create a more balanced, competitive experience, ensuring that both players have an opportunity to win, regardless of their skill or ability. Handicaps are commonly used in sports, games, and competitions to promote fairness.

3

something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

4

a numerical measure of a golf player's ability, used to level the playing field in competition

A handicap in golf is a system used to adjust a player's score based on their skill level, allowing players of different abilities to compete fairly. It is a number that represents how many strokes above par a player is expected to shoot on average. A higher handicap indicates a less experienced or skilled golfer, while a lower handicap shows a more skilled player. When playing in a competition, a player's handicap is subtracted from their total score to determine their final score, making the game more balanced and enjoyable for all players.

  • Players with a lower handicap are expected to perform better in tournaments.
  • It's challenging to compete against someone with a much lower handicap.
  • The handicap system allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly.
  • Even with a high handicap, he manages to enjoy the game every time he plays.
  • He's working hard to lower his handicap before the big tournament.