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.: EWGA - WILMINGTON, DE CHAPTER

P.O. Box 7171
Wilmington, DE 19803

.: FAQs

Handicap QAs
Golf Life Management System Guide

.: HANDICAPS

Why Do I Need A Handicap?
by Deborah Welch, Treasurer

When I first joined EWGA, I heard people talk about their handicaps, but didn't really know what a handicap was. I thought my swing was my biggest handicap, and I wasn't looking for a number to codify how badly I was playing. I've since learned that having a handicap is a good thing, helping me see my progress over the years, and allowing me to play tougher courses and hold my own with more experienced players.

But before we get to the joys of a handicap, first a definition. A handicap is a rating of a player's potential as measured against an outstanding, amateur golfer. It is expressed as an index that is adapted for each individual course you might play. The Course Rating, found on the scorecard, plus your course handicap, gives you a target score for that course. Bettering the target score means you had a good day. Scoring higher means you still have some work to do. But then, challenging yourself, while having fun, is what golf is all about.

Actually calculating a handicap index is complex, involving your individual scores and the slope and course ratings of each golf course you play. But the good news is, EWGA's Golf Life Management System ("GLMS") does the math for you. You just record the date, the course, the tees and your score and "voila," you have a handicap. It takes five 18-hole rounds to get an index started (or 10 9-hole rounds or some combination thereof) and eventually the index reflects your best 10 of 20 18-hole rounds. For additional information check our FAQ on the Golf Life Management System Guide.

Now back to why you need a handicap. A handicap is required to compete in the Chapter Championship each year. And it makes pairings at outings more equitable, and therefore more fun. It can even help you understand which is a better score - 52 on the back nine at Porky Oliver or 48 on the front nine at Delcastle (both of which, by the way, I'd be pretty happy with).

But none of these reasons was really compelling for me. What I've gained from my handicap is the pure satisfaction of seeing myself improve. On days when I shoot 108, and I'm disappointed, it is very helpful to review my scoring record that supports the handicap calculation and see that at this time last year, I was at 119. Or to realize that one step back for each two forward is normal and that I'm still making progress.

And because it is all about progress, don't be concerned if your handicap is maxed at 40.4. It will just be more fun to watch it go down as you play more and more golf.

If you want a handicap, you can keep it through another certified system. But the GLMS comes with your dues and is available for your use. The important thing to remember is that you need to record all your scores - open play, outings and tournaments. This approach gives you the best estimate of your potential and is in keeping with the honor system underlying the game of golf.