What would be a reasonable drop of handicap

[jhills89]

So ive been playing golf for 4 years now self taught, no lessons.

Actually I lie, I had 1 lesson 2 years back and the Left handed instructor tried to change my swing so much I went so far backwards It took me weeks to get back ot the level I was.

So I was playing twice a month for 4 years. I decided to go for it and join a club in which I play twice a week.

After playing the 3 rounds I needed for a handicap I was giving a handicap of 10. Played 2 medels since and now at 10.1.

What is a realistic target for the end of the season, Drop a few more to single figures or just try and maintain the 10?

 

[patricks148]

So ive been playing golf for 4 years now self taught, no lessons.

Actually I lie, I had 1 lesson 2 years back and the Left handed instructor tried to change my swing so much I went so far backwards It took me weeks to get back ot the level I was.

So I was playing twice a month for 4 years. I decided to go for it and join a club in which I play twice a week.

After playing the 3 rounds I needed for a handicap I was giving a handicap of 10. Played 2 medels since and now at 10.1.

What is a realistic target for the end of the season, Drop a few more to single figures or just try and maintain the 10?

I suppose it depends on you swing in particular the bad ones.

I got down to 7 with no lessons, but with the swing i had, when i was in sync i could shoot low scores when i wasn't high ones. been having lessons for 3 years now and changed my swing beyond recognition in that time. It got me down to Cat1 and now looking to maybe start getting lower still.

 

[lukeysafc100]

Personally there is no reason to not drop a couple of shots. It nice to have a goal to try and achieve at the beginning of the season.
I'd recommend going to see a pro though - they will help develop further - however find one that has a good reputation - even if it means paying 30/40 per lesson.

Off 10 self-taught! Imagine how good you are with a coach!

 

[Nashy]

Depends on what YOU want from the game. Some people are happy with where they are within the game and are happy to stay where they are and see what this brings.

Others only want to win and will make sure they keep there handicaps above a level of where they actually are to try and win the bigger events every year ( these people are known as dick heads and you should never try and be like them.).

Then there's the people who want to be the best they can possibly be and win some comps along the way. I have always wanted to be the best I can whilst still enjoying the game and if I can win along the way then happy days. I am very realistic in where I can get to with the time I can give to playing and practicing at this time in my life. I enjoy grinding out a score these days when I don't have my best game but still manage to get around near my handicap.

 

[clubchamp98]

Depends on what YOU want from the game. Some people are happy with where they are within the game and are happy to stay where they are and see what this brings.

Others only want to win and will make sure they keep there handicaps above a level of where they actually are to try and win the bigger events every year ( these people are known as dick heads and you should never try and be like them.).

Then there's the people who want to be the best they can possibly be and win some comps along the way. I have always wanted to be the best I can whilst still enjoying the game and if I can win along the way then happy days. I am very realistic in where I can get to with the time I can give to playing and practicing at this time in my life. I enjoy grinding out a score these days when I don't have my best game but still manage to get around near my handicap.

Some very good advice here.
everyone needs a handicap that you can play to
If it's to low we call that a Hollywood hcap
when you play to your ability it's great , but if you have a hcap that you struggle to play to its just not enjoyable.
good luck

 

[Imurg]

Always look to go lower.
Dropping a shot or two is realistic but don't be disheartened if you stay at 10 for a while.
You might find you flit between 9 and 11 for a season or two until things suddenly come together and you drop a bit..

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Lower is possible and you're only one shot from being single figures which is reachable. Decide what you want, whether you want to invest time working on your game or if you're happy going out and playing for fun and seeing what happens

 

[Backsticks]

Some very good advice here.
everyone needs a handicap that you can play to
If it's to low we call that a Hollywood hcap
when you play to your ability it's great , but if you have a hcap that you struggle to play to its just not enjoyable.
good luck

What would you consider a handicap you can play to given that most people (even the best of the pros!) have a big variation in their scores, proabably of the order of 15 shots best to worst during a given season ?