• Golf handicap programs help make tracking easier.Golf image by Vanessa van Rensburg from Fotolia.com
  
  Handicaps are used by amateur golfers to show their level of expertise. Although the exact way of calculating them can vary by country, in general, handicaps are found by getting a net score from the number of strokes actually used to complete a course.Using the precise mathematical formula to determine a handicap, and then keeping a log of it, can be irritatingly time consuming for the amateur golfer. A number of software programs (some free) are available that enable you to calculate your handicap and keep track of it more easily.
  
  

StatDoctor

• StatDoctor software does statistics, handicaps and general game improvement, all in one program. It's available for both Macs and Windows. A handicap report can be made from both nine- and 18-hole courses. All handicap scores are unofficial. Get stats by entering the round information from your game into a program scorecard, which is just like a regular golf course scorecard. The software can then generate a handicap report, or "Doctor's Analysis" report, which breaks your game down into the areas of driving, short game and approach. In addition, StatDoctor offers tips for improving your game. As of 2010, StatDoctor is $29 to purchase by check or money order or $33 by credit card. You can download a free demo version from the StatDoctor website, which allows 10 rounds to be entered and has no time limits.
  
  

Golf "Handy" Cap Plus

• Golf "Handy" Cap Plus allows users to not only calculate individual scores but also those for multiple clubs and tournaments. The program will create an official USGA (United States Golf Association) handicap for either nine or 18 holes and will create audit reports and scorecards. Golf "Handy" Cap Plus can find the nearest hole markers, do team play and calculate Callaway handicapping. Several golf games also are included. As of August 2010, the program is only available for Windows. Download a demo of version 8 for free from Loft Software or purchase the program for $15.
  
  

Handicap System 2010

• Handicap System 2010 uses a spreadsheet-style interface to keep track of any number of golfers, from one to 999,999 per roster. The program allows you to create an unlimited number of rosters and can sort them in a number of ways, such as age or gender. You can keep track of many pieces of information with Handicap System, including address, phone number, email, ID numbers, birthday, dues, tees, holes, courses played, name or handicap. You can also create customizable fields. Handicaps are created according to the USGA formula. It can emulate Royal Canadian Golf Association handicaps, although these are not official and are not certified. You can change calculation modes and even make your own handicaps using your personal parameters. Pricing depends on the number of players. As of 2010, software for unlimited players is $197, while the lite version, which can handle up to 25 players, is free to download from Golf Software.