Tips for handicap rounds?

[Dannyj1984]

Finally doing my first round towards my handicap on Sunday.

Has anyone got any tips? I am guessing its best to play the percentage shots? Not trying anything fancy.

My friends have all said its better to get a high handicap, but I want to test myself and see if I play as well as I do on my own when with someone else and there is something to play for.

Thanks

 

[Ross61]

Just play your normal game. Remember that once you have scored a double bogey any more shots on that hole don't count towards your handicap, so don't get stressed if you rack up a triple bogey or more.

 

[SteveJay]

Im in a similar position Danny, submitted one card so far and like you, want to try to get it low as possible to start with.

I would try to play your own game but don't take on high risk shots but don't be overly cautious as that could work against you too. I think I actually play better with others than when on my own but thats just me!

Good luck.

 

[Bobirdie]

Try playing level 5s in your head.
every hole is a par 5
You would shoot 90 if you done that.
If you start 4,4 then you are 2 under 5s and so on. Saves overthinking the score on your card etc

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

I wouldn't worry about your score at all, it's just a starting point and if you regularly play competitions your handicap will find it's natural level pretty quickly.

 

[selwood90]

Try and take it as a normal bounce game. As said above anything over a double makes no difference what so ever anyway. So take your usual lines, don't try anything fancy if you do find yourself in trouble. No matter what your given as a start there's plenty of time for improvement. And good luck!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Go out and do what you normally do. Use good course management and don't try and force a good score.

 

[dewsweeper]

Try playing level 5s in your head.
every hole is a par 5
You would shoot 90 if you done that.
If you start 4,4 then you are 2 under 5s and so on. Saves overthinking the score on your card etc

Sound advice in my view.
2 under 5s has a more positive ring to it.

 

[Slab]

Once you get your handicap you might want to avoid any money games with your friends

Good luck with the cards

 

[BrizoH71]

Try playing level 5s in your head.
every hole is a par 5
You would shoot 90 if you done that.
If you start 4,4 then you are 2 under 5s and so on. Saves overthinking the score on your card etc

I still play the course this way.

It's been said, just go out and play your own game as much as you can, and don't be intimidated by other players who may be better. It's a different game when you're putting in a card though, and chasing a score for handicap can cloud your judgement.

But most of all, just go out and enjoy the day.

 

[Hosel Fade]

Just go and play your normal golf and don't get in a huff if you happen to have a bad hole as the max they take for the handicapping is a double so it doesn't matter at all If you make a 9 or whatever

 

[bobmac]

Don't try the spectacular when the simple will do

 

[Ross61]

Try playing level 5s in your head.
every hole is a par 5
You would shoot 90 if you done that.
If you start 4,4 then you are 2 under 5s and so on. Saves overthinking the score on your card etc

I don't think that would work for me as I would get too depressed after 3 holes. Our course starts with 2 par 5's followed by an SI 1 par 4.

 

[Spear-Chucker]

Been a while since I've done a hcp card OP but I'm not convinced the basic rules ever change tbh...

Play conservatively to your strengths, keep it simple and enjoy the opportunity to be out.

 

[Deleted member 1147]

I'd just say to play your normal round of golf. Afterall, that is what your handicap should be based on.
So if you are naturally a safe player, don't take on any risks you normally wouldn't. Or, if you are a naturally aggressive player, and would be if playing a competition once you have the handicap, then go for it. Don't change just because it's a handicap card.