Understanding the Concept of Golf Handicap: Who Sets It and Why?"

One of the fundamental aspects of golf that separates it from many other sports is the concept of golf handicaps. Handicaps allow golfers of different skill levels to compete on a level playing field. The process of setting up and calculating handicaps falls under the jurisdiction of golfing authorities globally, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

A golf handicap is essential because it levels playing fields in this sport. Without a handicap, a novice golfer would have zero chances of defeating a seasoned golfer. A golf handicap gives each player a certain number of additional strokes, allowing him or her to play against a more experienced player with fairness. It provides a numerical representation of a player's potential playing ability based on the courses they play and the tees from which they play.

Setting a golf handicap is not a random process. There are several steps and calculations involved in determining an accurate handicap. First, the golfer must be a member of a golf club that is affiliated with a golfing authority such as the USGA. Only these clubs can issue official handicaps that are widely accepted.

To start the process, a golfer needs to turn in at least five scores of 18-hole rounds. The scorecards should include the date of the round, the course played, and the tees used. It's advisable to hand these in as soon as possible after the round to ensure the scores are up-to-date.

Once the scores are submitted, the golf club will then calculate the golfer's handicap using the 'Handicap Index' formula. The USGA formula is particularly popular and involves an intricate process which includes determining the score differential for each round (which considers the course rating, slope rating, and equitable stroke control), selecting the lowest differentials, and calculating the average of these lowest differentials.

It's also important to note that a golfer's handicap isn't set in stone - it's dynamic, changing as the golfer's skills improve or decline. A golfer is required to submit every score of every round they play, which is then factored into the handicap calculations. As such, the handicap continually reflects the player's potential ability.

Yearly revisions are also done to ensure that the handicaps remain current, as course ratings and slope ratings may change over time. These reviews are conducted by the relevant golfing authorities and clubs.

In conclusion, understanding and setting up golf handicaps are crucial in the world of golf.

Golf handicaps play a major role in determining the outcomes of various golf match plays. A golf handicap gives a level playing field for players of different skill levels, thus leveling the competition and decides who may potentially walk away as the winner.

Handicapping in golf is a mechanism that attempts to reduce the impact of individual skill levels on the outcome of the game. Essentially, it allows players of vastly varying abilities to compete against each other on an equal footing. The concept revolves around a numerical representation, where lower numbers indicate greater proficiency in golf. Understanding the golf handicap system directly reflects one's understanding of the odds for a game.

The setting of golf handicaps is done by national golfing associations or authorized bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in the UK. These organizations use complex mathematical calculations based on past performance to establish each player's handicap. The key target is to make the scoring fairer, so a player's skill level doesn't wholly determine the match outcome.

There’s one thing that many golfers need to understand: your handicap isn’t meant to reflect your average score. Instead, it’s more like your potential, a measure of what you should be able to score. The number doesn't just measure a player's ability but also the consistency of their performance.

Golf handicaps indeed influence the game and its results. Typically, in a golf competition, the player's handicap number is subtracted from the actual strokes played, giving a 'net' score which is used for competition purposes. For instance, if player A with a handicap of 7 plays 18 holes in 90 shots, and player B with a handicap of 12 plays the same holes in 95 shots, player A's net score would be 83 (90-7) and player B's net score would be 83 (95-12). Therefore, despite having higher actual strokes, player B stands equal to player A owing to the golf handicap system.

Consequently, these handicaps can significantly influence the game's tactics. Players with higher handicaps may take certain risks during the game, knowing they have a buffer of extra shots to fall back on. On the other hand, players with lower handicaps must be more consistent and cautious with their strokes, understanding that any mistake could significantly impact their net score.

Moreover, this handicapping system also promotes a spirit of continuous improvement among golfers.