A high handicap in golf is typically considered to be anything above 18, with the upper limit being 54. This means that a golfer with a high handicap requires more than the suggested number of strokes (par) to finish the golf course. Around 25% of male and 81% of female golfers reside within the high handicap bracket. High handicaps are often further categorized into lower-high, mid-high, and higher-high subsections. For example, a high handicap golfer typically has a handicap of 20 or more and may be shooting in the high 90s or more each round.

Golf handicaps are important as they help level the playing field between experienced and novice players, allowing them to compete against each other. They also serve as a way for players to track their personal progress throughout the game. To move from a high to a low handicap, golfers can focus on improving their skills, such as finding the fairway, hitting all irons well, and working on their overall game.

Ultimately, a high handicap indicates that a golfer is still developing their skills and may benefit from using clubs that are suited to their level of play. As a golfers skills improve, they may see their handicap decrease, reflecting their progress in the game.