Handicap: A number assigned to each golfer, based on his previous scores, to ensure equality among players of different skill levels. Lower scores produce a lower handicap, and vice versa. As an example, if a golfer with a handicap of 5 is competing against one whose handicap is 12, the 12-handicapper deducts 7 strokes from his 18-hole gross score to determine his net score, which is matched against his competitor’s gross score. The handicap system is administered by golf's governing bodies, the R&A and United States Golf Association (USGA).