What handicap can I tell people I have ?

[Gustavo]

Sorry for posting such a basic question, but do I have to be a member of a club to have a real handicap ? My local course is a par 68, my last fours scores have been 92, 90, 90 and 86. Today's 86 was very enjoyable, I parred the last 4 holes, including a 15 foot putt on the 18th witnessed by half a dozen people sinking a few cold ones in the sun. It felt great to receive a round of applause from people I've never met before. Anyway, back to my question, what can I say my handicap is ?

Also, I'm confused by all these nett/gross score stats. What does it all mean ?

Today's 86 was by far the best I've ever played, admittedly I was lucky now and again, especially when a planned chip onto the green to roll towards the pin turned into a thinned shot straight against the flagstick, stopping 3 foot from the hole for an easy par putt. I'll take a bit of luck any day !!

 

[TonyN]

My Old man tells everyone his Handicap is his wife, because she never lets him play. He thinks its hilarious!

Yes you have to be a member to have a real handicap but if they are your average scores then it would be fair for you to play off 18-20.

A gross score is what you score before any deductions so in your case, todays Gross would be 86.

If you played off 20, you net score would be after the 20 was deducted so 86-20= net score of 66.

 

[fastmover2]

18-20 would seem fair enough as a starting point if we allow that yr 86 was a good day.

I would, however, suggest that you sign up to one of the online handicapping sites e.g www.golfclubgb.co.uk and get it done that way so you avoid any utterances about "banditry" and know exactly where you stand.

 

[EchtLoon]

Let's be accurate here. If people ask what your handicap is, you can only tell them you don't have a handicap.

If it's to play in some sort of outing/society day, then tell them you play off about 20 as has been said.

If it's for something that requires a genuine handicap, you're screwed.

 

[Parmo]

Playing for a hcp card is a different world compared to playing with mates or on your own, your game has to stand up to pressure, I bet a hcp of 25-26 would be what you would be.

 

[EchtLoon]

Playing for a hcp card is a different world compared to playing with mates or on your own, your game has to stand up to pressure, I bet a hcp of 25-26 would be what you would be.

I agree with the first bit, but not the second. I would also say that in a medal every shot counts, so many players concentrate far more than when just knocking it round casually. The pressure only applies the first few times you play a comp, after that you know what it's about and hence your handicap settles down.

People who "guesstimate" a handicap always tend to go high because they tend to average out their scores, rather than taking something close to their best, and forget that in a medal, their 7s & 8s become double bogies for handicapping purposes.

 

[funkyfred]

Must agree with you Parmo. I am a new member at my first club and are in the process of putting in my 3 cards for my handicap, and I must say that I have felt the pressure as every shot counts. My previous experience is playing staplefords with my friends.

After a good start yesterday, front 9, 51 against a par of 37. I fell apart on the back 9 and struggled badly.

Not sure if this is the correct way but if I take my best score on all the 18 holes, (I have now put in two cards) I see a handicap of 26 and that is with 4 holes I have given myself a double bogey due to not scoring well enough.
So hopefully I can do better next week, I'm out with the guy who looks after our clubs handicaps.

 

[TonyN]

My previous experience is playing staplefords with my friends.

Stableford