6/12/2023 0 Comments Game golf handicap![]() It has not met with universal acclaim because a) golfers are small ‘c’ conservative and don’t like change b) it takes a bit of getting used to – like all new systems and c) lower handicap golfers think they’re being screwed. Historically, different countries used different ways to calculate handicaps and it was all a bit of a mess but then the governing bodies of the game, the United States Golf Association and Royal & Ancient, sat down with various handicapping organisations around the globe and in 2020 came up with the World Handicapping System. One layout may have narrow fairways, plenty of penal bunkers or small, undulating greens in comparison to its neighbour, and therefore have a tougher course rating, so your 19 handicapper may be allocated a 23 handicap, for example, on that more difficult course. This is necessary because, although two neighbouring courses may both be par 72, their respective course or slope ratings – which calculate how difficult the course is to play – may differ. Your handicap may not be a whole number and could include a decimal point, such as 19.3, and whatever the number is, you consult the handicap board at the course you are about to play to see what your playing handicap will be for that layout. A four-handicap player on the same course should go round in 76 it’s as simple as that – well, almost. So a 19-handicap golfer playing a par 72 course, is expected to shoot 91 (19+72). Your golf handicap is an allowance of strokes and is represented by a number, such as 19.0, which you add to the par of the course you are playing, to determine what your score should be, all other things being equal. But you could play a round of golf against Rory McIlroy and stand at least a chance of beating him, as long as you play to, or better than, your handicap (while assuming that he performs at his usual stellar level). In all three instances you would be in for a humiliating lesson. Imagine going onto a tennis court to play Novak Djokovic, trying to dribble your way past Virgil Van Dijk at Anfield or bowl to Jos Buttler when he’s got his eye in. It is also a means by which lower handicap (ie better) golfers cant moan about the unfairness of the system, but more of that later. Almost uniquely in sport, the handicapping system lets players of all levels and abilities compete against each other on equal terms. This service costs right around 25$ a year and is a Godsend for many rural golfers.At its simplest, a golf handicap is a measure of your ability as a golfer. In that case, the USGA has a rule stating as long as you live within “50 miles of the principal location of the golf club,” you can apply to an “online golf club” for an official handicap. Lastly, suppose you don’t live very close to golf courses but still want a way to set up your handicap. If you don’t have the money, time, or feel the need to join your local golf club as a member, you can often pay them a small one-time fee (between 25-50$) to obtain your GHIN Number and have the ability to post scores to have a handicap index calculated for you. Your “GHIN Number” is like a social security number, so members of competition boards can look up your most recent scores that you’ll be required to post to maintain an accurate handicap index. By becoming a member of a compliant golf club (also referred to as Allied Golf Associations), they’ll provide you with a Handicap Index and pay your fee to the United States Golf Association for your “GHIN Number.” The most costly way to obtain an official handicap index is by joining your local WHS complaint golf club as a member. – Become a Member of Your Local Compliant Golf Club – Pay a Fee to Your Local Complaint Golf Club – Join An Online Golf Club ![]()
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