How to Get And Keep a Golf Handicap

When we meet a new golfer for the first time, one of the first questions we always ask is: "What’s your handicap?" 

The reason for doing so is pretty obvious. It immediately gives you a very good idea of the standard to which that individual plays. But why is a golf handicap so important? 

Why is a Golf Handicap Important?

There are thousands of people who play this sport without ever acquiring a handicap. They simply enjoy being out in the fresh air and hitting a golf ball.

But if you have any designs on being competitive, on gauging yourself against other players and courses, then it stands to reason that a handicap is going to help you. Golf is pretty unique in that it allows golfers of all standards to play against each other on something approaching level terms purely and simply because of the handicap system.

A high-handicap golfer can go head to head against a scratch golfer and, on his or her day, will know that they are going to be able to give that player a proper game. You only have to sit in a clubhouse and listen to low handicappers complain about having to give bucketloads of shots to know that these individuals do not get things their own way.

Earlier this year I played in our seniors section singles knockout and was informed by my opponent on the first tee that I had to give him 19 shots. NINETEEN shots! But here’s the thing - yes, he beat me, but our match finished on the 18th green. Proof that, applied properly, the handicap system actually works.

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

How Do You Get a Golf Handicap?

So how do you get a handicap? 

In the old days the only way to do so was by joining a club and submitting cards. Things have changed, but let’s start with the traditional route.

If you want an official WHS (World Handicap System) handicap the best way to do so is by joining a club and submitting three scorecards, signed by a member. This will give you a starting handicap. You then enter competitions and submit cards each time you play and your handicap will be adjusted accordingly. For golfers in England, you can also submit a card every time you play via the England Golf app. Similar platforms are available in other nations. Sadly, this is open to abuse. In an ideal world, we would indeed submit cards after every round but there are those who choose not to do so in order to "protect" their handicaps.

Not everybody wants to join a club but never fear, you can still get yourself a handicap. Here at Golfshake we have a Score Tracker that allows you to submit your scores and it will calculate your handicap for free, which is perfect for non-club members, non-competitive golfers and those who are part of societies.

England Golf also caters for casual players via its free iPlay app. Whether you're at your local club, adventure golf course, or pitch and putt session with friends, iPlay can record your score. You simply have to visit the England Golf site, register for iPlay and then download the MyEG app and you are ready to go.

iPlay is designed for all golfers outside of club membership or iGolf. 

Taking a closer look at iGolf, it offers an authorised for non-club members in England, but costs £46 a year.

England Golf says: "Whether you’re new to the game, a growing enthusiast or an infrequent player, iPlay welcomes you into the golfing community with open arms. iPlay doesn't limit you to just traditional golf courses it’s your versatile companion for every golfing moment. While you can log scores from renowned fairways, this app caters to all kinds of golfers.

"From pitch and putts to 18-hole courses and even quirky mini golf courses in England, iPlay embraces a range of golfing facilities. Turn each golfing opportunity into a chance to collect your scores and celebrate your achievements.

"With iPlay, the path from beginner to confident golfer becomes a reality, one game at a time.”

The World Handicap System Has Improved Golf

If you have a decent GPS watch, you may well be able to store your scores and it will work out a handicap for you. I have a friend who is a golf club member but freaks out at the very thought of submitting competition cards. Instead he records all his scores on his watch. It has given him a handicap of 21.3 and I can tell you that it is pretty accurate reflection of his standard. 

In the years that I have been playing golf, the handicap system has been revamped many times. I have to say that the current WHS system is probably the best in my lifetime. Yes, it can be abused, but when applied properly it is as accurate as anything the powers-that-be have ever come up with.

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