WHS (World Handicap System) Review these updates! (April 2024)
Review these key documents! (Feb. 2024) 10 Things to Know about Handicap for 2024 ____________________________________________________________ Etiquette for Experienced Golfers Info: 10 Golf Rules Myths (click here) Etiquette for New Golfers: 5 Rules for Golf Etiquette from Tee to Green (click here) _____________________________________________________________ |
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Why Should You Get a USGA Handicap - 7 Reasons why a Handicap will help you
1. High Scores Are Forgotten
Do you ever have a day on the course where you forget how to swing a golf club? What’s great is that the USGA handicap formula only counts your 10 best scores from your last 20 rounds.
For some, the idea of a handicap may not seem right because of inconsistent scoring. Luckily, there is no need to worry with only those 10 best scores of the last 20 scores being used to calculate your handicap.
2. You Will Finally Have an Answer to the Question Every Golfer Gets
Every time you meet someone new on the golf course, there is one question that almost always gets asked: What is your handicap?
Having a handicap is the easiest and most honest way to compare your golf game to other players. Whether just for judgement or for competitive purposes, it’s a good tool to have.
3. All the Easier to Set Goals
Setting goals is something everyone does in life. Setting goals is the easiest way to try and improve your game. And without goals, it is hard to make meaningful steps forward.
When you have a handicap, setting goals is even easier. Let’s say you are a 24 handicap, your goal for this season could be to get below a 20. Or, if you are a 12 handicap, perhaps your goal should be to get to a single-digit handicap. No matter what your handicap is, the motivation to get it lower will prove to be a difference maker.
4. Handicaps Keep the Game Fair for Everyone
Have you ever played someone in golf that you could never beat because he is a much better golfer? The best way to make those matches more fair, is to handicap those matches. It allows the good golfer and bad golfer to play on an equal playing level.
Or, if you’re a halfway decent golfer and you play someone who guesses their handicap and asks for 5 strokes a side while shooting 38-39 – then a handicap is right for you and your opponent.
5. A Handicap Is Typically Required to Play in Most Tournaments
It is required to have a USGA handicap to be able to participate in certain tournaments, events, leagues and other golf competitions. This way, every player / team has a fair chance to compete with the other participants.
6. It Is Easy to Record and Keep Track of Your Scores
The easiest way to plug in and keep track of your scores when you have a handicap is to get the free GHIN Mobile app on your phone. On this app, you can post a score and also see your stats. As an LPGA Amateur member, you can also use the GolfNet app. Any scores posted there will also transfer to GHIN so your handicap can be used for non-LPGA AM events.
7. It’s Affordable!
You are probably asking these questions:
How much does it cost? Is it expensive? Is it worth it? Yes, it is worth it for the reasons described above. Most courses/clubs offer the ability to get a handicap for a nominal cost (~$20-$40 per year). As a current LPGA Amateur Fort Worth Chapter member, the cost is included in your membership.
REFERENCES
Want to establish a handicap index?
https://www.usga.org/articles/2015/03/want-to-establish-a-handicap-index--join-the-club.html
Handicapping Reference Guide
https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/handicapping/world-handicap-system/handicapping-reference-guide.html
Understanding Golf’s Handicap System: A Beginner’s Guide
https://www.golfspan.com/golf-handicap-beginners-guide
New World Handicap System: All you need to know
https://www.golfspan.com/world-handicap-system
