How quickly should you get to 18 handicap after taking up the game?

[UlyssesSky]

I don't know what ways exist in the UK to reduce your handicap, but here in germany it's only through (stableford) tournaments, which means it's quite difficult to reduce your handicap fast because of technical reasons (additional to the game not being the easiest one ever invented.. ).

For every stableford point over 36 the hcp gets reduced by .5 for handicaps above 26.5, by .4 for handicaps between 26.4 and 18.5 and by .3 for handicaps of 18.4 to 11.5.

Even if your were constantly shooting 90 (+18) from the beginning (and scoring on the 'right' holes to maximise your stableford points, i.e. no double bogeys on holes you only get one shot), you would need to play at least 7 tournaments to get from 28 to 18.

Now if a handicap of 18 was a true representation of someones ability, he should be expected to shoot his handicap about 20% of the time (not 7 tournaments in a row), so it would probably take longer than just 7 tournaments.

Plus you won't be shooting 90 from the beginning, as for the first few weeks your actual handicap will be much closer to 28, thus further limiting the amount and tempo of lowering your cap.


Generally I would say going from 28 to 18 in one year is possible, but can not be expected to happen. Maybe from young and fast learning players, but certainly not from the majority of golfers.

 

[Hobbit]

I don't know what the issue is, so what, I'm a cat4 (21.2) and just love playing golf with like minded people and sharing great company on the course, if their happy to look for my occasional stray ball, like yesterday, then great, if they don't because I'm judged and should be off 18 or lower after playing for 4yrs, then I simply won't look to play with those people, stuff 'em! I think the later you come into the game the harder it can be to improve to certain levels or judgmental barometers!

If I don't reach my goals I won't beat myself up about it anymore, as long as I know I'm trying my best and enjoying myself and not having a negative effect on those playing with or around me, who cares if I'm off 19, 21, 24 or 28!

I won't win many things as an individual but I'm a great pairs or team player putting at least two 4 pointers and a handful of 3 points on a card per round, everyone of you low guys loves a Cat4 player when it suits in your team or BB pairing though!

No plethora of excuses from me, I'm simply not consistent enough to put a total 18 holes of decent golf together at times, but I won't stop trying...

Very well put Robin. I couldn't give a monkey's toss what you play off providing you're decent company. And I don't expect everyone's etiquette to be that of a long standing player either.

I was lucky, I started playing at 9 yrs old. By the time I reached mid teens, age, I could navigate around a course fine. Those that come into the game when they've stopped playing football, or when the kids have flown the nest don't have the same flexibility or time to practice.

Sadly, as Delc says, old age is a limiter too. Youngsters are knocking it way past me now...

 

[Foxholer]

...
Our shared view was that everyone should be able to do it within a year of starting the game properly, i.e. joining a golf club. You just need to be able to grasp the basics of the game at beginner level in order to play at this standard.

Obviously, this conversation took place in the real world, but I mentioned to my friend at the time that saying something similar on a forum like this would invite a barrage of criticism and a plethora of excuses.

He said it doesn't matter, we both know we are right. 18 should easily be doable in a year. I agreed.
...

Close the thread now then! End of discussion.

I'm with Hobbit and LP though. Far too many variables as to why (and when) folk take up the game and what their natural ability is.

 

[duncan mackie]

I don't know what ways exist in the UK to reduce your handicap, but here in germany it's only through (stableford) tournaments, which means it's quite difficult to reduce your handicap fast because of technical reasons (additional to the game not being the easiest one ever invented.. ).

For every stableford point over 36 the hcp gets reduced by .5 for handicaps above 26.5, by .4 for handicaps between 26.4 and 18.5 and by .3 for handicaps of 18.4 to 11.5.

Even if your were constantly shooting 90 (+18) from the beginning (and scoring on the 'right' holes to maximise your stableford points, i.e. no double bogeys on holes you only get one shot), you would need to play at least 7 tournaments to get from 28 to 18.

Now if a handicap of 18 was a true representation of someones ability, he should be expected to shoot his handicap about 20% of the time (not 7 tournaments in a row), so it would probably take longer than just 7 tournaments.

Plus you won't be shooting 90 from the beginning, as for the first few weeks your actual handicap will be much closer to 28, thus further limiting the amount and tempo of lowering your cap.


Generally I would say going from 28 to 18 in one year is possible, but can not be expected to happen. Maybe from young and fast learning players, but certainly not from the majority of golfers.

In practice it wouldn't take that long because of ESRS or handicap committee intervention under CONGU, but you make a good point.

On the other hand not everyone starts with 28! My first handicap was 17 (managed a 90 in my firat week of playing) under a system that equated that to about 15 today.
It's also easier to get allocated 18 than play to it (because of the stableford adjustment and being assumed to be screened for the allocation calculation).

Just as a matter of interest we have just allocated someone 8 as their first ever handicap...not surprisingly we double checked their assertion that they hadn't been a member with a handicap anywhere previously! Note our course is 6600-7000yds depending on Tees used!

 

[UlyssesSky]

In practice it wouldn't take that long because of ESRS or handicap committee intervention under CONGU

So, that seems to be one of the ways to reduce your handicap that exists in the UK but not in germany...

Actually had to google what ESRS is and am quite sure no such thing exists here.. And the only handicap committee intervention is the yearly handicap review, so no way to lower your handicap during a year other than playing tournaments (or EDS rounds).


And yes, not everyone (in the UK) starts with 28.



I guess a different phrasing for the OP's question, that leaves hcp technicalities out, is: how long should/would it take someone to shoot/break 90 and how long would it take for someone to consistently play to that level?

 

[dufferman]

I got to 18 just shy of a year after joining a club. I had been playing "nomadic" golf for 3 years or so before that. I got a 22 handicap when I joined, then steadily got it down to 18 (now 17!).

However, I have no aspirations of getting it lower. I wouldn't complain if I did get down to 16 or whatever, but my aim since I can remember playing golf was to break 90 on a regular basis. I often shoot 4 or 5 over my handicap so maybe I do need to get down to 15 or 14 to consistently break 90, but the idea of actively focussing on a 10 handicap is a bit off putting. Too much hard work and might take the fun out the game!

 

[freddielong]

I don't think it's a given that everyone gets to 18 is it.

 

[duncan mackie]

And the only handicap committee intervention is the yearly handicap review, so no way to lower your handicap during a year other than playing tournaments (or EDS)...

Section 3.16 of your handicap system manual covers the committees powers and responsibilities in this area - specifically 3.16.2.

They are the same as CONGU'S and if a player returned a score = handicap of 18 3, or 4, times in a row I would expect them to act!

However, I suspect that you are right and most wouldn't (which is exactly why ESRs were brought in!).

From next year (under CONGU) computer software is also required to flag other scoring patterns that suggest a mid year adjustment would be appropriate - both up and down.

Whether the EGA make any changes or not I have no insight into at the moment.

 

[duncan mackie]

I don't think it's a given that everyone gets to 18 is it.

No it isn't

 

[FairwayDodger]

So, that seems to be one of the ways to reduce your handicap that exists in the UK but not in germany...

In the interests of completeness, I feel urged to point out that ESRs are available in England but not Scotland. Not sure about Wales or NI!

 

[Oddsocks]

I don't see why two years max isn't doable

My mate had 5 lessons to get the basics right and off 28 shot 30 points in his first round, he had never been in a bunker, in rough or on a putting green prior to that round and combined range sessions and lessons hadn't hit 1000 balls in total.

Bogey golf isn't that hard if you plot your way around, another pp has come from 28 to 21 in three months after taking his bad shots out and managing his way around the course, even if it means hybrid 7i 7i on par5's

 

[ger147]

I don't know what ways exist in the UK to reduce your handicap, but here in germany it's only through (stableford) tournaments, which means it's quite difficult to reduce your handicap fast because of technical reasons (additional to the game not being the easiest one ever invented.. ).

For every stableford point over 36 the hcp gets reduced by .5 for handicaps above 26.5, by .4 for handicaps between 26.4 and 18.5 and by .3 for handicaps of 18.4 to 11.5.

Even if your were constantly shooting 90 (+18) from the beginning (and scoring on the 'right' holes to maximise your stableford points, i.e. no double bogeys on holes you only get one shot), you would need to play at least 7 tournaments to get from 28 to 18.

Now if a handicap of 18 was a true representation of someones ability, he should be expected to shoot his handicap about 20% of the time (not 7 tournaments in a row), so it would probably take longer than just 7 tournaments.

Plus you won't be shooting 90 from the beginning, as for the first few weeks your actual handicap will be much closer to 28, thus further limiting the amount and tempo of lowering your cap.


Generally I would say going from 28 to 18 in one year is possible, but can not be expected to happen. Maybe from young and fast learning players, but certainly not from the majority of golfers.

From recent personal experience, I would have to go for 2 years as in year 1 I managed to get from 18 to 19

Doing a wee bit better now but the handicap deffo seems to lag behind an imporvement in general play and scores e.g. if I shoot 4 under my current handicap my playing handicap will only reduce by 1 stroke, if I shoot 3 under my current handicap my playing handicap won't reduce at all.

 

[UlyssesSky]

Section 3.16 of your handicap system manual covers the committees powers and responsibilities in this area - specifically 3.16.2.

They are the same as CONGU'S and if a player returned a score = handicap of 18 3, or 4, times in a row I would expect them to act!

However, I suspect that you are right and most wouldn't (which is exactly why ESRs were brought in!).

The problem is that the rule is very vague. While it's clear that it's the committees obligation to act, the prerequisite for the committee to take action is "justified belief", that a players handicap doesn't reflect his real ability, which leaves quite some room for interpretation.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

I don't think it's a given that everyone gets to 18 is it.

I remember reading somewhere that the average handicap in the uk is about 18, so for every scratch player, there are 2 x 28 cappers out there

 

[Oddsocks]

Does that include women Phil

 

[garyinderry]

I don't see why two years max isn't doable

My mate had 5 lessons to get the basics right and off 28 shot 30 points in his first round, he had never been in a bunker, in rough or on a putting green prior to that round and combined range sessions and lessons hadn't hit 1000 balls in total.

Bogey golf isn't that hard if you plot your way around, another pp has come from 28 to 21 in three months after taking his bad shots out and managing his way around the course, even if it means hybrid 7i 7i on par5's

Agreed. Most times it is people trying to make regulation pars that causes them to not shoot below +18.

Playing most par 4s and 5s as three shots should lead to at the very least bogey golf if you making decent contact and half decent around the greens.

Try to par short par 4s.
Three shot the rest and par 5s
Try and par the par 3s.

Do this and you won't be far off 18 if not below it.

 

[ger147]

Agreed. Most times it is people trying to make regulation pars that causes them to not shoot below +18.

Playing most par 4s and 5s as three shots should lead to at the very least bogey golf if you making decent contact and half decent around the greens.

Try to par short par 4s.
Three shot the rest and par 5s
Try and par the par 3s.

Do this and you won't be far off 18 if not below it.

Depending on the Par 3's, you could end up with the same issues with trying to get Par 4's on longer Par 4's.

On 1 of the 2 courses we have at our place, we have 1 Par 3 at nigh on 200 yards off the whites with lots of trouble left of the green, and another that is 175 off the whites with trouble short left, short right, left of the green and long - a real card wrecker.

 

[garyinderry]

Obviously lay up at card wreaker par 3s.

The system is malleable. Even on longer par 4s. You can take a club that will sneak you on the front of the green in reg as long as there is no bunker front protecting it. Try this if they are at the side and take the chance on a long two putt.

 

[Foxholer]

I remember reading somewhere that the average handicap in the uk is about 18, so for every scratch player, there are 2 x 28 cappers out there

I believe for those in the Congu system, it's more like 14-ish.

 

[duncan mackie]

I remember reading somewhere that the average handicap in the uk is about 18, so for every scratch player, there are 2 x 28 cappers out there

ah statistics.......

in practice I'm happy to bet that at the majority of clubs the number of 28 handicap golfers exceeds the total number of cat 1 golfers! There are a huge number of clubs without a scratch golfer - and none that I can find the records for that don't have a 28