When someone mentions a plus-six handicap in golf, they’re talking about a level of skill so elite it’s hard for most of us to even picture. This isn't just good golf, it's a number that signifies a player operating on an entirely different plane from the average amateur. This article will break down exactly what having a +6 handicap means, just how rare these players are, and what their game really looks like from tee to green.
Before we can get into the specifics of a +6, it’s important to understand the concept of a "plus" handicap, also known as a plus-figure handicap. Most golfers have a standard handicap, which is a positive number (like 10, 15, or 24). This number represents the approximate number of strokes over par they are expected to shoot on a course of average difficulty.
For example:
A plus handicap is the opposite. It is represented by a "plus" sign (+). This means the player is so good that they are expected to shoot under par. Instead of receiving strokes from the course, they have to give strokes back.
For example:
Think of it as starting the round with a negative score. The better the player, the higher the plus number. So a +6 handicap is significantly better than a +1 handicap. Simply put, these golfers are competing against the course at its absolute toughest - and they're still winning.
A +6 handicap is a figure that lives in the realm of professional and elite amateur competition. To be identified as a +6 means a golfer's scoring average, calculated from their best rounds on challenging courses, is an incredible six strokes below the course rating.
Let's put that in real-world numbers. If a +6 handicap player is teeing it up on a championship course with a Course Rating of 74.0, their average expected score is a 68. To maintain such a handicap, their best rounds submitted must frequently be in the mid-to-low 60s. These aren't just one-off hot streaks, this is consistent, repeatable, high-level performance under pressure.
It's vital to recognize that the World Handicap System (WHS) calculates your Handicap Index using the average of the best 8 of your most recent 20 scores. This means a +6 player isn't just shooting 66 once a year. For every 70 they might post, they are also posting a 64 or 65 to keep that index so low. They almost never have a "bad" round that balloons into the high 70s.
In a word: incredibly. It is the pinnacle of amateur golf and the standard for most professional golfers on major tours.
According to data from the USGA, only about 1.6% of male golfers who maintain an official handicap are "scratch" or better (meaning a handicap of 0.0 or less). From that tiny sliver, the numbers plummet exponentially as the plus-figure increases.
To reach a +6 means you are likely one of the top few hundred amateur golfers in your entire country, if not the world. It’s a number that commands instant respect on any first tee because everyone in the game understands the dedication it represents.
A +6 handicap isn't built on just a good driver or a hot putter. It is the product of comprehensive mastery of every single aspect of the game. Let's break down the pillars of their skill.
A +6 golfer doesn't just hit the ball long, they command it. Their power is almost always paired with extreme accuracy.
This is arguably where the most significant separation happens between them and even scratch players. Their distance and direction control with their irons is nothing short of surgical.
When they do miss a green, their short game is a weapon. It turns almost certain bogeys into tap-in pars.
Playing at a +6 level is as much a mental and strategic marathon as it is a physical one. This is the invisible skill that binds everything together.
Reaching a +6 handicap is a goal that requires a lifestyle of total dedication, rivaling that of a professional athlete. It takes a blend of natural talent and an immense amount of focused work.
The journey involves thousands of hours of purposeful practice, expert coaching to refine technique and strategy, a commitment to physical fitness and nutrition, and regular play in high-level competitions to hone skills under pressure. For the vast majority of golfers, achieving and maintaining a +6 handicap is simply not a realistic goal. However, understanding what it takes gives every golfer an appreciation for that level of play and offers clues for their own improvement: better course management, more purposeful practice, and a resilient mental approach.
A +6 handicap represents a true mastery of golf. It’s more than just a number on a screen, it's a reflection of skill, knowledge, and mental strength forged over years of unwavering dedication to being the best possible player you can be.
While achieving a plus handicap is a goal for only a select few, every golfer can benefit from thinking their way around the course more intelligently. We built Caddie AI to give all golfers access to elite-level strategy, acting as your personal caddie for every shot. You can get a a smart game plan for a tricky hole or real-time advice when you're stuck with a weird lie, helping you make confident Swings and avoid the big mistakes that derail a round.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
