Do You Need a Handicap to Play Golf in Spain?

Spain is an amazing country for golf fanatics, with some of the best courses in Europe and generally nice weather for a round of golf. However, playing golf in a different country can mean a few differences in requirements and golf etiquette.

One of the main questions we often get is:

Do you need to get a golf handicap before you can play in Spain?

We would like to set the record straight in this helpful article.

Golf Handicap in Spain

It is not necessarily required to have a handicap to play golf in Spain, but we would very much recommend you bring proof of your handicap, just to be sure.

Some courses you will be fine to play, others will ask you to provide proof of handicap. As such, we would highly recommend you check with the course beforehand to see if they have a maximum handicap or requirement.

Golf Handicaps on the Catalonian Golf Courses

For each of the golf courses we include in our packages, the handicap often sits around the maximum available handicap. This means that the courses are readily accessible for golfers of any level. The World Handicap System, which has been introduced in 2020, has upped the maximum available handicap from 36 to 54, If you are unsure if this updated handicap will impact your experience, do reach out to us and we can help.

Here is an overview of the courses and their indicated handicaps:e

Barcelona Golf Courses:

• Real Club de Golf El Prat: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Club de Golf Barcelona: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Sitges Terramar Golf Club: maximum is 28 for men and 32 for women.
• Vallromanes Golf Club: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Llavaneras Golf Club: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Club de Golf Montanya: maximum 54 for both men and women.
• La Roca Golf Club: maximum 36 for both men and women.

Costa Brava Golf Courses

• Camiral, a Quinta do Lago Resort: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Emporda Golf Club: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Pals Golf Club: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Club de Golf d’Aro – Mas Nou: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Costa Brava Golf Club: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Peralada Golf Course: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Torremirona Golf Club: maximum 36 for both men and women.

Costa Dorada Golf Courses

• Infinitum Golf Course: maximum 28 for men and 36 for women. All participants are kindly requested to bring their handicap certificates and federation licenses. Professional players must identify themselves at the clubhouse with their PGA licenses.
• Costa Daurada Golf Club: maximum 36 for both men and women.
• Gaudi Golf Club: maximum 36 for both men and women.

What is a Golf Handicap?

Golf handicaps can be quite confusing, so we want to explain it in simple terms.

A golf handicap is a numerical score given to your recent performance as a golfer. The lower the number, the better you are estimated to be at the game.

The number indicates how many strokes a player is expected to take above or below the par set out for the course. A higher handicap means you are allowed to subtract more strokes from the par for the course to determine your actual score.

For example, if you have a handicap of 15 and you shoot a 95 on a course with a par of 80, you have achieved a net score of 80 (95-15=80).
A lower score is often a sign of skilled golfer who is expected to have a lower score. A ‘scratch’ is someone who has a handicap of 0. This means they are playing at the expected level for the course consistently, not subtracting any strokes from their net score.

You can calculate and submit your handicap to England Golf via their app.

Why Do You Need a Handicap in Golf?

A golf handicap allows you to play against people of different skill levels and still get fair competition. Less-skilled players get more of an advantage against higher skill levels and it keeps things interesting.

However, some clubs and courses require you to have a certain maximum handicap before they will allow you to play there.
Often a handicap is also indicative of how serious one takes the game. A lower handicap often means that the player has put in more time into the game. This means that this player is also more familiar with golf etiquette & sportsmanship. This can translate the player being more careful with the course and thus result in less damage and maintenance after they’re done.

For other & often busier courses, a handicap can be indicative of the time a player or group of players will need for their game. As higher handicapped player often need more strokes before they sink the ball, they can take a longer time on the course as well.

To ensure that every group has enough time to play their full game, a handicap can be used to give you a time to tee off, meaning that the chances of being held up by less experienced players on the hole ahead of you are reduced.

Book your Barcelona Golf holiday today

If you want to explore beautiful Catalonia for a golf holiday and are curious about your own handicap and if you are ready to play on our courses, do get in touch with us and we can assist you further in the process of booking your golf holiday.