“The purpose of the World Handicap System (WHS) is to make the game of golf more enjoyable for golfers by providing a consistent means of measuring one’s performance and progress and to enable golfers of differing abilities to compete, or play a casual round, with anyone else on a fair and equal basis.” This system of equalization has evolved over the years and in Canada the current system is the sole purview of Golf Canada. If you are not a member you cannot establish an ‘official handicap’. If this is the case, then what is the purpose of having the golf handicap system?

To be fair, I am a member of Golf Canada and have been for many years. I established my handicap and have watched it rise and fall during each season. Recently, I move to a golf course that does not subscribe of Golf Canada, so their course is not in the handicap index data base. Therefore, a majority of my rounds are never counted. Hence, I carry an unofficial handicap and unfortunately in both cases it does not matter because it is used for my personal interest only. I have on played in two competitions (that I organized) in 20 years where I needed an official handicap. In my neck of the woods, a golf handicap index is not required to play. So, I reiterated, what is the purpose of having an official handicap index.

I realized that there are just as many pros as cons for establishing an index. Personally, I keep on for comparison only. I enjoy seeing where I fall in the overall scheme of things. Indexing stats are interesting if you have a mind to how to evaluate your golf game. Take a look at some from the USGA:

Establishing a handicap index is on the rise. It helps demonstrate what you should shoot at different courses with varying difficulty. At one course, given my current handicap, I might have to shoot in the low 70s, while in others the mid to high 70s would be realistic. The difficulty of each course is taken into account to help all golfers understand what the expected score should be at any given time. If you are wondering, this is how a handicap index is determined:

“The Handicap Index is calculated using the lowest 8 of the player’s most recent 20 Score Differentials and updated with each new round played. The Handicap Index travels worldwide with the golfer from course to course (and tee to tee) and is used to calculate a “Course Handicap”. The Course Handicap is the number of strokes a golfer receives from the specific set of tees at the course. The more difficult the golf course, the more strokes the golfer receives and vice versa.” (Golf Canada)

Establishing a golf handicap index is a personal choice. I have had several discussions about cost, $60 cdn, for the year through Golf Canada. The membership comes with other benefits and you should check them out if you are interested. I know I will be joining again this year because I see the benefits for my game.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!