In the early 20th century the USGA (United States Golf Association) introduced a handicap system in an attempt to level the playing field. It meant that golfers who were great at the game could still compete fairly with those of ordinary ability. This was good news for all those ordinary golfers. It also helped the clubs to remain viable while everyone improved their game.
Basically, playing with a handicap means that the weaker golfer may be allowed to deduct one of those many strokes it took to get to the hole. Then when the score is totalled at the end of the round, the net score is ascertained by subtracting the gross score minus the strokes they were allowed. There is no par allowed in computing handicaps, but course rating and slope rating are considered.
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