Definition
"Maxed out my handicap" is where a player's actual score on a hole or for a round is so high that it exceeds the maximum allowable score for their handicap
Usage
Put me down for a 7, that's the max for my handicap on this hole.
This post may contain affiliate links for which I receive a small commission when you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my affiliate disclosure for more information.
"Maxed out my handicap" in golf refers to a situation where a player's actual score on a hole or for a round is so high that it exceeds the maximum allowable score for their handicap on that hole or for the entire round.
In most cases, golfers have a maximum score they can record on each hole based on their handicap index. This maximum score is often referred to as a "net double bogey." It ensures that a player's handicap doesn't become unfairly affected by a few disastrous holes. So, when someone says they've "maxed out their handicap," they mean they've taken the maximum allowable strokes for their handicap on one or more holes, resulting in a score that doesn't accurately reflect their actual ability.
For example, if a player has a handicap index of 18 and plays a hole with a stroke index of 12 (meaning it's one of the harder holes on the course), their maximum allowable score for that hole might be 8 strokes (net double bogey). If they take 10 strokes to complete the hole, they've "maxed out their handicap" for that hole.
Don't worry if you don't understand all this... Even for an experienced golfer, this can be tough to understand!