Validation

The process of verifying and confirming the accuracy of a golfer's handicap index through official scoring records and peer review. Handicap validation ensures fair competition by preventing sandbaggerring and maintaining the integrity of the handicap system. Golf associations and clubs perform validation by reviewing scoring history, tournament results, and playing ability demonstrations. Proper validation protects competitive equity and ensures that handicaps accurately reflect playing ability. Some tournaments require handicap validation or have committees that review unusually low scores or rapid handicap changes.