Maybe you don't know what a Handicap Index is, maybe you think you're not "good enough" to keep one, or maybe you just haven't found a compelling reason yet. Whatever the case, the fact is that no matter how good you think you are, if you're playing any form of competitive golf (which you probably already do) you should do it with a Handicap Index. Still need a reason? Here's 10:
1. Level the playing field
Universal
We all have those friends – they grow up around the game, played golf in high school or college and they just destroy you every single time out. It’s demoralizing. Well, get yourself a handicap and stop giving away strokes arbitrarily. It’s time they picked on someone their own handicap!
2. Play in local competitions that require a Handicap Index
Carla Delaney
Your crew at the office needs a fourth for their member/guest at the local course but guess what – the tournament requires a handicap index. Are you really going to turn down the chance to raise work camaraderie to the highest of levels?
3. Win prizes in charity tournaments
NBC
We all play in charity tournaments to help a great cause, right? Oh, and to win post-round prizes. If you’re one of these people with an “approximate handicap” you’re automatically ineligible. That’d be a good rake, though.
4. Assessment of skill level and progress
Fox Searchlight
A Handicap Index offers you the ability to track your progress (whether good or bad). Is your trend headed towards a U.S. Open bid or a full set of clubs tossed in the lake?
5. Be legit
Paramount
Don’t be that person. “Eh, I’m around a 16,” and then proceed to shoot 80. You won’t get an invite back. Stop floating and get real! It’s the only way to prevent yourself from becoming a bagger.
6. Accurate reflection of how well you played vs. the course
HBO
You vs. the course is the ultimate test of golf (and let's be honest, most of the time you feel severely outmatched). The beauty of the handicap system is that it’s fused with Course Rating. Disappointed about a 94 from the tips at PGA WEST Stadium Course? Don’t be. It’s the equivalent of an 82 at Rancho Park GC.
7. Understand the scorecard
Universal
No one likes to feel dumb. With a Handicap Index you’ll soon learn what the heck all those numbers mean on the scorecard. “Handicap” or "Stroke Index" is printed all over the scorecard – get in the know.
8. Stop losing money
FX
This one is a no-brainer. If you aren’t getting strokes from your friends (who are clearly better) then you’re just lighting your money on fire. Get yourself a handicap and start to earn back some loot!
9. Have confidence around the water cooler
NBC
It’s Monday morning and everyone is rehashing their rounds from the weekend. “I shot 80 but the course was easy so it’s differential was 13.3.” What? “My handicap went up .7 in the last eRevision.” Is that English? Don’t get left out.
10. If it’s good enough for A-list celebrities, it’ll work for you.
MTV
Heart-throb JT is a 4.1 playing out of Lakeside GC. Funny man Larry David is a 12.9 at Riviera CC. Mark Wahlberg is a 14.7 swinging it at Wilshire and Riviera. Join greatness.
