“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?
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Establishing A Handicap Index
I am a strong believer that every golfer should establish a handicap index. It is the benchmark that players can use as a starting point to improve their game. I definitely use it as such, but it is more than that. I helps manage expectations, level the playing field, and establish how many strokes I want to negotiate with players for a side game. I see no downside to having an accurate handicap index and recommend every golfer take the time to establish one.
Continue readingDo You Have A Travelling Handicap Index?
During a recent conversation on Twitter with my friends Serge and Andre, we stumbled on a great topic. Actually, Andre is the person who first brought up his desire to lower his traveling handicap and that sparked a thought. I have spent years touting the benefits of creating a handicap index through Golf Canada and supporting your local golf course. I still adamantly support this view, but I wonder how solid my handicap index really is if I record 98% of my rounds on my home course!
Continue readingRoutinely Shooting A Consistent Score
Have you ever wondered what score you shoot on a routine basis? You know, that one score that is always in the running and depending on the day you will shoot higher or lower than that benchmark. For every golfer, that score is different and usually varies in direct relationship to a players skill. As a low handicapper, it is expected that my score should be consistently lower than a mid or high handicapper. This is not euphony for sure, but I was wondering what my score (s) are that I consistently shoot.
Continue readingPlaying To My Handicap Put Into The Finals Of The Stroke Match Play Tournament
I made it to the finals of the Osprey Links Stroke Match Play Club Championship. It is the first for me to make it this far. In the past I usually lost in the semi or quarter finals. But not this year; this year I made it to the final match by playing my handicap or at least very close too it. I have said for years that to compete in any tournament, just shoot your handicap or a bit better. Most players do not respond well during competition and generally shoot higher than expected. My approach is a great recipe for success.
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The Grateful Golfer 