Now first, lets start with the handicap itself and why we have one. A golf handicap is a numerical value of a golfer’s ability or potential ability, which enables players of different abilities to compete with one another. Your handicap is initially calculated by submitting qualifying scores, whether this be either 3 x 18-hole rounds or 6 x 9 hole rounds. Your handicap is calculated from your lowest qualifying score against the tee difficulty rating. Once you have obtained a handicap it becomes your responsibility to keep it fair and accurate. This is done by submitting scores on a regular basis. Each time you submit a score your handicap will potentially fluctuate.

 

Frequently asked questions.

‘I have posted a score in a competition, to find the result you have published is different’.

The reason the score posted is different to the score put down on the scorecard, usually relates to the playing handicap on the scorecard being incorrect.

 

‘What is my course handicap?’

Your course handicap refers to the handicap you will use depending on the tee you are playing from. This is easily found. If you know your handicap index, simply look it up on the chart outside the shop. General rule of thumb for men means you lose 5 shots off the yellow tees and 3 shots off the white tees. Ladies tend to lose 2 shots.

 

‘What is my playing handicap?’

Your playing handicap is the number of shots given after the 95% rule has been applied. To find out what yours is, please refer to the chart outside the shop (on the table). Be mindful this is only a guide, but it will give you a rough idea of how many shots you have to play with.

 

‘I have posted a score, why hasn’t my handicap changed’

Your handicap is based on an average of your best 8 scores from your last 20. If you were to check on your ‘MyEG app’ you will see which of your 8 scores qualify towards your handicap (highlighted in green). If you have had a qualifying score fall outside of your top 20, that score will be replaced by the next available best score differential. Your handicap will only change if you have either, replaced one of your qualifying scores with a lower score (handicap will go down).. or if a qualifying score has fallen outside of your last 20 rounds, and has been replaced with a higher score (handicap will go up)

 

‘According to the slope rating chart my handicap is X, which seems too low’

As scary as it seems, the difficult rating for our yellow tees is 66.5, which I appreciate, seems low. However, when the course was assessed, this is the rating that was deemed right for the course, based on hazards in play for the scratch and bogey golfer. What it means for the golfer, is on average you will lose 5 shots (roughly) from your handicap index (off the yellow tees). This doesn’t mean you are expected to be 5 shots better than under the previous system, it just means your score is now comparative to the course par, rather than the difficulty rating.

 

‘My handicap isn’t reflective of my game’

This one is a simple as, the more scores you submit, the more accurate your handicap will be. You could potentially have scores on your record that qualify for your handicap index from 3 or 4 years ago. Whilst back then you may well of been X handicap, that may not be so accurate now.

 

What can you do to keep your handicap relevant?

We all have a part to play in keeping our handicaps fair and accurate. We are in a fortunate position that we have various avenues to post qualifying scores for our handicap. These scores DO NOT have to be submitted solely from competition play. Scores can be submitted from general play rounds as well. We have an EGH tablet outside the shop, which scores can be entered on (providing you have preregistered before your round). Alternatively, there is an app called ‘MyEG’. On this app, general play scores can also be submitted. Not forgetting entering club competitions, of which we have most weeks throughout the year. Worst case scenario, we will accept scores from handwritten scorecards. If you have any questions regarding the input of scores, or setting the ‘MyEG app’, please ask in the shop.

We are all encouraged by the English Golf Union to submit scores regularly and we should all look to submit a minimum of TEN scores, per year. All general play scores entered on the platforms are to be attested by a golfer from your group. Any general play scores will be monitored by the handicap committee. General play scores, using apps and the tablet are to be registered prior to play, not after the round has been completed.

This is especially important for golfers looking to play in club competitions. Having an accurate handicap makes it fair for all and gives everybody an equal chance of winning. As for casual golfers the number of rounds submitted is entirely up to yourselves, but it is always worth submitting a card to challenge yourself against your handicap.