What’s a Handicap?
So you’ve started golfing and you keep hearing people talk about their handicap. You’re wondering if you should get one, how you get one, and what does it all mean anyway?
It’s one of the first questions when the topic of golf comes up in conversation. People may ask, “What do you play to?” or “What’s your index?” they’re just saying….what’s your handicap, or in other words…how good are you?
The handicapping system is a numerical way to measure a golfer’s current playing ability and potential. Your handicap number, or your index, should represent how many strokes over par you might be on a fairly good day of golf - A day when you’re happy with how you’ve played.
A handicap can be used individually to track your own progress or it can be used in competitive “net” golf events to equalize the playing field. A net score is your score minus your handicap - which should be right around even par on a good day. This means that highly qualified golfers and beginner golfers can play together and enjoy some friendly competition. The lower the handicap, the more skilled the golfer.
Getting a handicap and keeping a handicap may seem intimidating, scary and a little cryptic. When it comes right down to it, though, It’s pretty easy and it can be really fun.
Here are a few reasons to start a handicap:
Track your progress - a handicap gives you historical data of where you are now in your game so you can have a measurable goal and get measurable results.
Encourage more rounds - need a little push to get out to the course? You’ll need 3 rounds or 54 holes to establish your starting handicap and once you start posting it quickly gets addictive!
Data and Stats - if you’re a data nerd like me, you’ll love the golf stats that come with the GHIN app. When you post a score, the app gives you the option of recording your missed shots and putting strokes per hole. This will show you trends and specific skills on which to improve. You may see that you’re missing your drives to the right 64% of the time - this means it’s time to start working on clubhead path and face angle. Or you may notice your average putts per round going up - time to practice lag putting.
Membership in the Cottage Golf Studio club comes with OGA (Oregon Golf Association) membership which includes:
Subscriptions to Golf Digest and PNW Golfer
Annual passes to local employee stores (Adidas, Columbia, Nike)
Discounts and special offers at local courses like OGA and Chambers Bay
The opportunity to play in OGA amateur events throughout the year
And most importantly, bragging rights!
If you are interested in joining the Cottage Golf studio, you can find the GHIN club membership in the Cottage Shop which will capture all the info we need to get your started. Or simply reach out vie email - we’re always here to help!