Getting a Handicap

Handicaps are important however, you can play a game without one but it will restrict your enjoyment of the game and you will not be able to compete in any competitions. I would strongly recommend that after about 12 month's or so dependant on the level of your game, you join a club, this will enable you to obtain an official handicap and by this time your experience gained will help you compete in competitions.

A handicap is a guide to the standard of your game, the lower your handicap the better the player you are. For instance, if your handicap is 10, you would be expected to complete a round of golf 10 over par. a scratch golfer is one who is expected to complete a round of golf on par. Better than scratch, i.e. under par would put you in the realm of Golf Professional. At the other end of the spectrum, 28 is the maximum handicap for men and 45 for women.

A handicap allows you to play in competitions not only at your club, but at others too, and playing against someone who is either better or worse than you will make no deference to the game as your handicaps will come into force.

Unlike most other sports, you can obtain a handicap certificate from your club saying you are of a satisfactory standard which is useful when playing on other courses both at home and abroad.

To obtain a handicap you need to be accompanied by a fellow member who will sign the validity of your score card during your game of golf. You will need three separate score cards, these in turn will be handed to the club secretary who will calculate your average score and handicap. Your handicap will be updated progressively with each competition round you play.