What is the First Handicap Exam?

It’s your first official golf test (also called the Playing Ability Test or golf exam). It shows you can play safely, apply basic rules, keep score correctly, and maintain proper pace of play.

What is the Playing Ability Test (PAT)?

The PAT is more than hitting shots. It proves you can manage yourself on course: handle clubs and a trolley, know when it’s your turn in a four-ball, prep without slowing others, let faster groups play through, and know when and how to speed up. Examiners watch these skills as closely as your score.

What is Stableford scoring?

A points-based scoring system that lets you reset each hole instead of counting every stroke. It reduces pressure and helps maintain pace — ideal for beginners.

An approach where the player who is ready hits first (when safe), not strictly by honors. It improves pace of play and is highly valued in exams.

What does Best Ball (Texas Scramble) mean?

A format where a player always plays the best shot of the team — or, in this context, the best shot of another player. It speeds up play. You won’t record your own score while using it, but you’ll keep pace and stay engaged in the round.

What is Pick Up and Drop?

A pace-of-play method: after two failed attempts from a tough spot, pick up your ball and drop it further along to continue. Especially useful in penalty areas, waste zones, or deep rough to save time and avoid frustration.

What score do I need to pass the First Handicap Exam?

Examiners typically don’t expect you to reach Handicap 54 level during the exam. About 10–12 Stableford points with safe play, proper pace, rules applied, and correct scoring usually shows you’re beyond the “luck phase” and ready for real golf.

Am I eligible to play any course with Handicap 54?

Not always. Some busy courses require a lower handicap to maintain pace. New golfers should call ahead to confirm tee times and any restrictions.

What is a Pre-Shot Routine?

A short, repeatable sequence before hitting. It helps you think about the right things at the right time and then trust your swing.

Home > Golf Glossary: First Handicap Exam, Playing Ability Test & Key Terms

Golf Glossary: First Handicap Exam, Playing Ability Test & Key Terms

Q: How do I reduce my handicap?

Submit official scores via tournaments or private rounds (EDS). In Spain, you can currently submit up to six private rounds per year; after that, tournaments only. Targeting 36–42 is a solid step toward club competitions.

This glossary explains the core terms you’ll see when preparing for your First Handicap Exam (also called the Playing Ability Test or golf exam). Each entry is concise, beginner-friendly, and links to deeper guides.

First Handicap Exam

Your first official golf test. Also called the Playing Ability Test (PAT) or golf exam. Proves you can play safely, apply basic rules, keep score correctly, and maintain proper pace of play.

👉 Learn more: Guide to Your First Handicap Exam

Playing Ability Test (PAT)

The PAT is more than just hitting golf shots. It shows you can manage yourself on the course: handle clubs and a trolley properly, know when it’s your turn in a group of four, time your preparation so you’re ready without slowing others down, recognize when to let another group play through, and know when to speed up play — and how to do it. Examiners watch for these skills as closely as your score.

👉 Learn more: What is the PAT?

Golf Exam / Playing Ability Exam

Common beginner terms for the First Handicap. Same concept: the test where you obtain your first official handicap.

👉 Learn more: Golf Exam Overview

Stableford Scoring

A points-based scoring system used in many beginner exams. Lets you reset each hole and score points instead of counting total strokes—reducing pressure and keeping play moving.

👉 Learn more: Stableford for Beginners

Ready Golf

Play when you’re ready (and it’s safe), rather than strictly by honors. A key part of pace of play—and something examiners value highly.

👉 Learn more: 34 Ways to Play Faster

Pre-Shot Routine

A short, repeatable sequence before you hit. Helps you think about the right things at the right time and then trust the swing.

👉 Learn more: Simple Pre-Shot Routine

Course Strategy

Planning each hole: safe targets, avoiding hazards, playing to your strengths. Makes holes feel easier and lowers stress.

👉 Learn more: Beginner Course Strategy

Station Training

A practice method for beginners: rotate between chip, putt, pitch, bunker, and range shots to simulate on-course variety.

👉 Learn more: How to Practice Without Course Access

Golf Etiquette

Behaviors that make you a great playing partner: pace, safety, respect, kindness, and helping others. Examiners value this as much as scoring.

👉 Learn more: Golf Etiquette Basics

Scoring Result

Examiners typically don’t expect you to score to Handicap 54 level during the exam. If you post roughly 10–12 Stableford points while playing safely, at proper pace, applying rules, and keeping score, you’ve shown you’re beyond the “luck phase” and ready for real golf.

👉 Learn more: What score do I need to pass?

Eligible to Play

Handicap 54 makes you official, but some courses require a lower handicap (due to pace and volume). Always call ahead to confirm when you can play with your new handicap.

👉 Learn more: Course access with HCP 54

Reduce Handicap

Beginner golf is inconsistent – expect highs and lows. To lower your handicap, submit official scores (tournaments or private rounds like EDS). In Spain, you can currently submit up to six private rounds per year; after that, tournaments only. Targeting 36 – 42 is a solid step toward club competitions.

👉 Learn more: How to lower your handicap

Change of Federation

Moving abroad? You can transfer your handicap. Send a screenshot of your current handicap and playing history so the new federation can add you to their database. Remember to cancel your old membership at year’s end.

👉 Learn more: Transfer your handicap internationally

Best Ball (Texas Scramble method)

A playing format where a player always plays the best shot of the team – or in this case, the best shot of another player. This method is used to speed up play. You won’t be able to count your own score while using it, but you’ll stay on pace and still be part of the game.

👉 Learn more: Best Ball for Beginners

Pick Up and Drop

A pace-of-play method where you stop hitting from a tough spot after two failed attempts. Instead, you pick up your ball and drop it further along the hole to continue play. Especially useful in penalty areas, waste zones, or deep rough. Helps avoid frustration, save time, and keep the round moving.

👉 Learn more: Pick Up and Drop Method