What handicap do we give a new skilled player, a professional or an entrant without a Handicap Index?

New or returning skilled players

• The Handicap Committee may adjust a player's initial Handicap Index up or down (to a maximum of 54.0) based on other evidence of their ability.
• Consider an index at the low end of the range for skilled players returning after a long break, skilled players who have never had an index, and professionals returning to the amateur game.
• Before allocating an index lower than 2.0, follow the procedure set by the national association (GolfRSA) and get its approval.

Professionals (GolfRSA guidance)

• Professionals may, and are encouraged to, get a Handicap Index in the normal way.
• If a professional without an index is allowed to play in a competition, the committee issues a Playing Handicap using a deemed Handicap Index of +5.0 for touring professionals and +3.0 for non-touring professionals.

Players without a Handicap Index (GolfRSA guidance)

• The Terms of the Competition must say whether they may play, and on what terms.
• If allowed, the recommended Playing Handicap uses a deemed Handicap Index of 14.0 for men and 20.0 for women. A player of known ability can be given a lower one.

No handicap allowance is applied to an issued Playing Handicap.

Sources: Rules of Handicapping (2024), Rules 1.4a and 5.2a; GolfRSA Rules of Handicapping 2024 club training (Section VI, Local Guidance).