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I play off 25.2 and i shoot mid to late 90's so that seems a massive difference, having said that, i don't have a 'club' hcp only a tracker hcp which doesn't take into account 'catastrophe' holes which would get scratched on a normal hcp.

You usually need about 20 rounds to make a fair hcp and also i reckon you're expected to play to your hcp once in every five rounds.h would get scratched on a normal hcp.

You usually need about 20 rounds to make a fair hcp and also i reckon you're expected to play to your hcp once in every five rounds.

The only stupid Question is the one not asked. You should have 20 scores to have a true handicap. Also play every shot.

The only stupid Question is the one not asked. You should have 20 scores to have a true handicap. Also play every shot.

Some golfers don't post their best rounds towards their handicap to gain an unfair advantage in tournaments. They're called sandbaggers and some seem to be pretty brazen :) See http://www.popeofslope.com/san..

Milliron, I think that other golfers with the same handicap will have the same issues that you have: they too can and will probably shoot higher than their handicap. The system wouldn't be fair to you if all other golfers with a 12.7 handicap shot 85 all the time, but that's simply not the case. Everybody's score varies a lot... So go on and beat them all at the World Amateur Event next year!! :))

Some golfers don't post their best rounds towards their handicap to gain an unfair advantage in tournaments. They're called sandbaggers and some seem to be pretty brazen :) See http://www.popeofslope.com/san..

Milliron, I think that other golfers with the same handicap will have the same issues that you have: they too can and will probably shoot higher than their handicap. The system wouldn't be fair to you if all other golfers with a 12.7 handicap shot 85 all the time, but that's simply not the case. Everybody's score varies a lot... So go on and beat them all at the World Amateur Event next year!! :))

I agree with the comments below. Keep in mind, the handicap system is designed to compete with all golfers regardless of handicap. Your 12.7 is simply what you will shoot on your better days on the course.

Another thing to consider: When your handicap gets into the lower single digits (i.e. 5,4,3, etc.) that it takes a lot of rounds below your average score to move your handicap lower.

For example, if a golfer is a 5, he/she will have to shoot approximately 20 rounds below 5 over par to move their handicap lower. In fact, once you get to a 5 or 6 index, you will have to make substantial improvements in your game to see a drop in handicap....

When comparing handicap to another golfers handicap the system works great, if and only if, every golfer TURNS IN EVERY ROUND. Golfers that "inflate" their handicap are really doing a dis-service to the inventors of the handicap system....

I agree with the comments below. Keep in mind, the handicap system is designed to compete with all golfers regardless of handicap. Your 12.7 is simply what you will shoot on your better days on the course.

Another thing to consider: When your handicap gets into the lower single digits (i.e. 5,4,3, etc.) that it takes a lot of rounds below your average score to move your handicap lower.

For example, if a golfer is a 5, he/she will have to shoot approximately 20 rounds below 5 over par to move their handicap lower. In fact, once you get to a 5 or 6 index, you will have to make substantial improvements in your game to see a drop in handicap....

When comparing handicap to another golfers handicap the system works great, if and only if, every golfer TURNS IN EVERY ROUND. Golfers that "inflate" their handicap are really doing a dis-service to the inventors of the handicap system....

I know this isn't a USGA handicap but if I was to play in a tournament that wanted a handicap I'd give them the 12.7, right? This doesn't seem fair since I'm not playing that good all the time.

So, do you pick and choose what scores to post just to keep my handicap at a certain level? I've posted all my scores. Is this not the correct way the system is used? So, if I have a good round, do I just keep it to myself? Since what your saying; the handicap is calculated from my better rounds.

The reason I am asking all these questions is I'd like to compete in the World Amateur Event next year and if I went there with a 12.7. I'd get blown away by the others. I already know that event uses the USGA handicap, and this is not that but I still want to know what is the correct method to post my scores and be fair for all.

Thanks for everyone's feedback

I know this isn't a USGA handicap but if I was to play in a tournament that wanted a handicap I'd give them the 12.7, right? This doesn't seem fair since I'm not playing that good all the time.

So, do you pick and choose what scores to post just to keep my handicap at a certain level? I've posted all my scores. Is this not the correct way the system is used? So, if I have a good round, do I just keep it to myself? Since what your saying; the handicap is calculated from my better rounds.

The reason I am asking all these questions is I'd like to compete in the World Amateur Event next year and if I went there with a 12.7. I'd get blown away by the others. I already know that event uses the USGA handicap, and this is not that but I still want to know what is the correct method to post my scores and be fair for all.

Thanks for everyone's feedback

All of the above answers are correct. Don't worry so much about your handicap (unless you are playing in a handicap tourny). If you review your handicap page - you will see "Average Over Par" this would be your target to beat when you are playing a friendly round.

All of the above answers are correct. Don't worry so much about your handicap (unless you are playing in a handicap tourny). If you review your handicap page - you will see "Average Over Par" this would be your target to beat when you are playing a friendly round.

dday39 is correct. The big misconception is a handicap is basically your average scores. If that was the case, there would be no need for all these calculations. Your handicap is your playing potential. It only includes your best rounds and ignores all your bad rounds.

Regards,
Brando

dday39 is correct. The big misconception is a handicap is basically your average scores. If that was the case, there would be no need for all these calculations. Your handicap is your playing potential. It only includes your best rounds and ignores all your bad rounds.

Regards,
Brando

I'd have to agree with kirker. One thing people should realize about handicaps is that its not your average score, but your best potential. Your handicap shouldn't affect your play with others unless you're competing. If your not giving/getting strokes, it shouldn't matter.

I'd have to agree with kirker. One thing people should realize about handicaps is that its not your average score, but your best potential. Your handicap shouldn't affect your play with others unless you're competing. If your not giving/getting strokes, it shouldn't matter.