WHY DO I NEED A HANDICAP INDEX?

There are many misconceptions among recreational golfers about the purposes of a Handicap Index. You often hear that a golfer doesn’t need a Handicap Index because they don’t play in tournaments, they aren’t good enough, don’t play enough, can’t afford one, and so on. The information below will dispel the myths and misconceptions
concerning a Handicap Index.

First and foremost, a USGA Handicap Index is calculated in a way to reflect a golfer’s potential ability, not actual
performance. It is not the average of all your scores! A Handicap Index is the number of artificial strokes a player
receives to adjust his/her scoring ability to the level of a scratch or zero-handicap golfer.


Why do I need a Handicap?
A Handicap Index is perhaps the most important tool for any golfer. Basically, a Handicap Index allows golfers of all skill levels to compete on a level-playing field. It is not simply a requirement for tournament play, nor is it reserved exclusively for “serious” golfers. By receiving your Handicap Index, you have a truly accurate way to track your progress throughout any golf season. It is a “must have” for all golfers!! 

~Not Good Enough? Let’s say your buddies and you are playing a par 4 and the entire group bogeys the hole. Since your high Handicap gives you two strokes on the hole, your net score becomes a birdie and you may consider yourself victorious over your friends! Don’t play enough golf to have a Handicap Index? You only need five scores to have an official USGA Handicap Index calculated. Concerned about the cost of a Handicap Index? The USGA Handicap System is very affordable. In fact, an annual membership may cost you less than one round of golf! Now that’s a great bargain!


Why do I need a USGA Handicap Index if I can average my own scores?
Remember: A Handicap Index is a tool that measures your potential golfing ability. If you average 90 on a shorter, less difficult course, and your friend averages 90 on a longer, more difficult course, are you both equal in playing ability? Of course not! Your friend would likely average an 85 on your course, and you would likely
average a 95 on their course. A Handicap Index is accurate because it is based on your scores and the difficulty level of the courses you achieve them on. And don't forget that your Handicap Index is portable. Take it with you
everywhere you play because it adjusts each course to your potential ability, rather than you trying to adjust your ability to each course!


How do I get a Handicap?
Begin by recording your golf scores at your golf club (where you golf most often) using the Golf Handicap Information Network (commonly referred to as “GHIN”), which is provided by the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association and USGA. Note that scores from away courses can be brought back to your golf club to be recorded. Course and slope ratings from courses played are required to post scores with the USGA. The ratings can be generally found on the scorecards for each course. Handicaps are revised in two-week intervals during the active golf season.


How do I use my Handicap?
Every golfer wants to enjoy a fair match on any golf course. The USGA Handicap System is the best method to allow all golfers to compete equally on the golf course. When you arrive at a golf course be sure to locate the Course Handicap Table to convert your Handicap Index to a Course Handicap!

Visit your local golf professional how you can establish a USGA GHIN Handicap Index or visit our Member Clubs portion of the website and look for the logo for those clubs who offer this service.  Contact Curt Rohe at curt@metga.org or 314/576-3700 for further information.