You’ve put in the time, posted your scores, and finally have a golf handicap. But when you check your profile on the app or website, you notice something odd: a small letter L floating quietly next to the number. Your mind starts racing - what does it mean? Is it good? Is it bad? This article will explain exactly what that L signifies, why it’s there, and what it means for your game. We'll cover the most common reasons it appears and give you a clear plan for what to do next.
Let's get straight to it. The "L" next to your handicap stands for Local Handicap. Simple as that. It indicates that the handicap number displayed is currently designated for use primarily at your home golf club or within a specific local group or association.
This is different from a standard Handicap Index, which, under the World Handicap System (WHS), is fully portable. A regular WHS Handicap Index (one without an "L") is recognized and accepted at any golf course around the globe that uses the system. It allows you to compete fairly with golfers anywhere, from your local muni to a resort course on vacation.
A Local "L" Handicap, on the other hand, has some restrictions. While it serves an important purpose, it carries a "for local use only" asterisk. Understanding why you have one is the first step toward figuring out what, if anything, you need to do about it.
An a "L" doesn't just appear randomly. Its presence is the result of specific conditions within the handicap system. For over 90% of golfers who see it, the reason is quite simple and often temporary. Here are the three most common situations that lead to a Local Handicap.
This is by far the most frequent reason for an "L" to show up. The World Handicap System is built on data. To calculate a valid, stable, and accurate Handicap Index that reflects your potential ability, the system needs a baseline of information. Under the current rules, you must post a minimum number of scores - typically the equivalent of three 18-hole rounds (which can be any combination of 9-hole and 18-hole scores) - before an official WHS Handicap Index can be computed.
But what if you've only played and posted one or two rounds? Your club still wants you to participate in leagues and casual events. This is where the Local Handicap comes in. Many handicap systems will automatically calculate a preliminary, or Local, handicap after you submit your very first score. This gives you a number to play with right away in club-sanctioned games.
Example: Let's say you just joined your local club and are excited to play in the weekly Wednesday league. You turn in your first 18-hole scorecard with a score of 98. The system hasn't seen enough of your scores to grant a full WHS Index yet. So, it calculates a temporary Local Handicap based on that single 98. You'll likely see something like a "28.5L" show up on your record. This allows you to play in the club league immediately. Once you post two more 18-hole scores, the system will have enough data to calculate your official WHS Index, and the "L" will vanish on its own.
What to do: The solution here is easy and fun: play more golf! Keep posting every eligible score, and as soon as you meet the minimum requirement (three 18-hole equivalents), the system will automatically update your status and remove the "L".
To issue a fully transferable WHS Handicap Index, a golf club must be affiliated with an Authorized Golf Association for the region where it’s located. In the United States, this is typically your state or regional golf association, which operates under the authority of the USGA. In other countries, it would be the national governing body (like Golf Canada or England Golf).
Some golf groups, however, operate independently. Think of a large company league, a social travel club, or a standalone public course that has decided not to officially affiliate with the local authorized association. These groups might still run their own internal handicap system to facilitate fair games among their members. To distinguish these handicaps from official WHS Indexes, they are often marked with an "L".
This handicap is perfectly legitimate and fair for use within that specific league or at that independent course. The "L" simply signals that it wasn't calculated by an authorized club and therefore isn't portable under the Rules of Handicapping.
What to do: If you want a handicap just for your league play, an "L" handicap is all you need. If your goal is to play in external tournaments, state qualifiers, or official events at other courses, you will need a portable WHS Index. In that case, you can often join an authorized club through your state golf association as an associate or "eClub" member. This provides you with an official WHS number that you can use anywhere.
This scenario is much less common but is an important function within the system. Every authorized golf club is required to have a Handicap Committee. This committee is responsible for making sure the handicaps issued at their club are accurate and fair.
The Rules of Handicapping give this committee the power to modify a player's Handicap Index in certain situations. One tool at their disposal is restricting an index to 'Local Use Only'. Applying an "L" is not something a committee does lightly.
Why might they do this?
What to do: If your "L" isn't a result of being a new golfer or a club affiliation issue, it’s almost certainly from a committee action. The best course of action is to have a friendly, respectful chat with your club's Handicap Chairman. They can explain their reasoning and outline any steps you need to take to have the "L" review ed or removed.
So, what are the practical, real-world implications of having that letter next to your number?
If you've decided you want or need to get rid of the "L", here’s a simple step-by-step game plan.
Seeing an "L" after your handicap isn't a reason to panic. It simply means you have a Local Handicap, most often because you’re new to the system and need to post more scores. In other cases, it might relate to your club's affiliation or a review by the Handicap Committee. For home play, it works just fine, but an official WHS Handicap Index is best for playing in events elsewhere.
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