What is a reasonable target?

[SteveW86]

Following on from the twenty2scratch thread, some people seem to think that is an impossible target. Now I don't take offence to the guys blog, I may read it, I may even find some tips in there for myself as I am currently an 18 handicapper.

My question is based on myself as I am looking for a target to set myself for the season, I have a few process goals, but ultimately I want to see my handicap tumble and if I carry on the way I am then I have every confidence it will. Upto the end of last season (which was my first year playing) my best score was an 89, but would most regularly find myself 90-95. Throughout the winter I have been practising pretty hard, both lessons and range time with a fair amount of chipping around the green.

Ive played 4 times so far this year, score wise I have ranged from 78-84. I am definitely happy with my progress but am wondering what handicap target to set myself. I know it will depends on how I perform with a card in my hand as that will be different, but I would love to get to single figures.

But, is that achievable in 1 season?

 

[Scozzy]

How much time have you got? If you are flexible,can move work/home commitments easily and live close to club you could rip it to shreds....If,like me you have a business,family blah blah to manage as well as keep your hand in,play when you can and practice irregularly then taking one or two shots off would be worthy of raising a glass.....

 

[Imurg]

It sounds obvious but it all depends on. How you play in the qualifiers.
Having that card in your hand can turn you into a gibbering wreck..
And don't forget, that handicap can go up as well as down....
Aim to lose 3-4 shots and see where that takes you.
As you get lower you need to play better just to stay there....

 

[Region3]

I think single figures is achievable - especially now with ESR's available - but it's a big ask.

It's one thing thinking you can play to 9, but another to actually get there. When you get to 10 you have to play to 9 5 times to actually get there.

I think a better target would be cat2. If you get there with time to spare then reassess.

Edit: I think Imurg beat me to it, albeit said in a slightly different way

 

[Hobbit]

It depends how well you play and how many qualifiers you play in. There isn't a limit to what you can achieve apart from the limit you set yourself. That limit might be only 3 qualifiers you decide to play, or turning up 1 min before your tee time. Play 75 qualifiers in a year and do all the right things in between. You could shave 10 shots that way...your choice.

 

[SteveW86]

I think what will hold me back will be the number of qualifiers I am able to play.

I know the closer I get to 10 the harder and longer it will take to get there. I would be very happy to end the season on 12, I think that would be a good achievement at the end of my second season.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think what will hold me back will be the number of qualifiers I am able to play.

I know the closer I get to 10 the harder and longer it will take to get there. I would be very happy to end the season on 12, I think that would be a good achievement at the end of my second season.

Having seen you play there is no reason, depending on how many qualifiers of course and how you play under the pressure of card and pencil, why you can't get to at least 14 if not lower

 

[SteveW86]

Having seen you play there is no reason, depending on how many qualifiers of course and how you play under the pressure of card and pencil, why you can't get to at least 14 if not lower

Thanks Homer

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

If you can shoot 78-84 on a regular basis in qualifiers then I think somewhere around 10 would a very good target. You need to take advantage of the par 5's at Stoneham as they are all great birdie chances :thup:

 

[patricks148]

can't see why you couldn't get to single figures especially in England where you have ESR. I wouldn't necessarily set a target though.
Just play as often as you can and enter as many comps as you can.

I started playing after a Cricket club golf day, was hooked from then on. i had no idea about handicaps or anything else about golf. Joined a club, found a little group who where all new to the game and stuck our 3 cards in. I got 24 which i was over the moon with.
i went from 24 to 12 in about 3 months on moving back to Inverness. played a lot mind but only in a Wednesday stableford every week and the odd open. I did struggle after that as i joined a links course and moved my handicap it took me a couple of years to learn how to play on a tighter links course off the tee.

got to cat 1 after 5 years.

 

[Deleted member 21258]

Some will also depend on how hot you can get and if you can score those low scores in a competition. Many different ways of dropping your handicap.

If you can shot very low from time to time then your handicap will drop quickly(say once in 4 rounds), as the pluses for the other 3 rounsd will be small when compared to the negatives.

As a example in the comps I played(think I played 7), I only beat my handicap once but still dropped 0.4 last year(10 to 9.6), and I think out of the 7 comps I played 5 rounds were like 85 plus. So getting hot once in 3/4 rounds is a great way of reducing the handicap quickly.

Hope you manage it, enjoy the good days and have fun and let the scores take care of themselves.