Equitable Handicapping in Golf

Abstract

Previous studies on handicapping have suggested that in matches between two golfers, the better golfer has an advantage. This article considers medal play between two golfers when they are both playing well. The study uses the new slope system for handicapping. In this context we argue that it is actually the weaker golfer who has an advantage. The conclusions are based on both the analysis of actual golf scores and the analysis of theoretical models. We suggest an alternative scoring formula which leads to “fairer” competitions.

Key Words:

• Data analysis
• Order statistics
• Statistical modeling