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 Missouri 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.
OR
You can sign up with the MGA eClub to obtain your handicap index. eClub link. Once you register the MGA will be notified and then you will be sent an email stateing that the payment is due. Once you have paid the fee you will be assigned a GHIN number and you may begin entering scores. (The golf season for the MGA is March thru November. Scores can not posted in the off season)
Contact Karen Raithel at kraithel@mogolf.orgor 573-636-8994 for further information.
