If you’ve never kept a Handicap Index (or even if you do), chances are you’ve used some excuse for why you don’t need one. We’ve heard them all, so we decided to break down some common excuses and why they’re flat-out wrong. Now it’s up to you: read on and decide to get legit with your golf game, or keep playing in the dark.
1. I have to be good to keep a Handicap Index
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The worse you are, the more it helps you! The World Handicap System is designed to provide a way for players of all skill levels to compete on an even playing field. If you're tired of losing to that friend that played in college and finally want a fair shot, this is the way to do it.
2. I only need a Handicap Index if I'm playing in a tournament
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We all know that playing a round with your buddies fires up your competitive spirit just as much (if not more so) as playing in an organized tournament. Whether you're playing for skins or bragging rights, get yourself a handicap and stop giving away strokes arbitrarily. If you keep your Handicap Index, your 100 could be a NET 80. If your friend is a net 81, guess who gets to talk trash?
3. I have to join an expensive club to get my Handicap Index
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Skip the initiation fees, high monthly dues, and food and beverage minimums. There are plenty of golf clubs near you that you can join and get your official Handicap Index for just the price of a cup of coffee per month. (Still not sure what it means to join a golf club? Check out our posts on redefining the modern day club or myths about joining a club.)
4. I can only record scores at one course
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When you join a golf club to get your Handicap Index, you may pick a group that calls a specific course home. However, there are also thousands of groups that don’t claim a home course and decide to play different courses throughout the year. Regardless of which group you join, you can post scores from ANY course (as long as it has a Course Rating).
5. I have to play in club events to use my Handicap Index
FOX
As mentioned in myth #4, your Handicap Index travels with you to any course and any round you play can be posted (provided you have at least one other person with you to confirm your score is correct).
6. I have to record every stroke, even if I have a really bad hole
Blumhouse
Thanks to the Maximum Hole Score of Net Double Bogey, those blow-up-hole moments don’t define you! Net Double Bogey sets a maximum number a player can post, depending on their Course Handicap and handicap strokes received based on the hdcp or stroke index listing on the scorecard.
7. I can't establish a Handicap Index because I usually only play 9 holes
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You can post 9 hole scores! They are instantly converted to 18-hole Score Differentials via some fancy math for use in your Handicap Index calculation.
8. It's just an equation
Sure, there is an equation used to calculate your Handicap Index (we won't bore you with the details here). But this equation means nothing without a Course Rating. The Course Rating assigns a numerical value to the difficulty of the course and set of tees you play from. While your Handicap Index is one number, the number of strokes you get for a given round (called the Course Handicap) changes based on where you're playing. (Want to learn more? See our posts for more info on the Handicap Index and Course Rating.)
9. I can just use my average score
New Line Cinema
As discussed in myth #8, each course has a unique rating based on its difficulty. Shooting even par at the local par 3 ain’t the same as even par at Augusta. Take the guess work out and start using a Handicap Index to get a razor-sharp understanding of how well you played.
10. I'm just buying a Handicap Index
NBC
When you get a Handicap Index, you also become a member of your regional/allied golf association (like the SCGA). In addition to the tournaments, outings, and discounts you receive through this membership, you'll also be connected to a community of golfers in your area where you can meet new golf buddies and find your new home for golf.
11. I can get a legitimate Handicap Index anywhere
NBC
While there are plenty of ways to get an imitation handicap, the only way to get a Handicap Index is through an authorized golf club that is a member club of an authorized allied (regional) golf association like the SCGA.. Becoming a member through your local club that is registered through the SCGA or any other USGA allied golf association is the only way to go.
