tasoitteet

Tasoitteet refer to numerical measures used to describe a player's potential playing ability and to adjust scores to create fair competition, with the term most commonly used in golf in Finland and elsewhere. They allow players of different skill levels to compete on more equal terms by scaling results to account for ability.

Since 2020, many national golf bodies, including Finland's Suomen Golfliitto, have adopted the World Handicap System (WHS). Each player receives a Handicap Index, a number that reflects potential ability based on scoring history across eligible rounds. The index is updated as new rounds are posted, so it evolves with the player’s performance.

From the Handicap Index, a Course Handicap is derived for a specific course. The Course Handicap adjusts a player’s score according to the course’s difficulty, commonly using the course’s Slope Rating and a standard value (113) in the calculation. The resulting Course Handicap is used to modify a player’s gross score during a round, and additional adjustments may apply for playing conditions.

Administration of tasoitteet in Finland is handled through the Suomen Golfliitto’s handicap registry and local clubs. Players submit rounds via club systems, and the federation ensures accuracy and fairness. Tasoitteet are used in club competitions, local events, and national championships, helping to enable fair competition and track improvement over time.

Tasoitteet serve to encourage participation and provide a visible measure of a player’s progress, while supporting fair play across courses and conditions.