try understanding the handicap system!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to verify a handicap for a former player from the State College HS golf team.

As his former coach I was happy to do so, but it did remind me how much the handicap system confuses people. I hope the following can clear up some general questions regarding the handicap system. To get answers straight from the source, visit http://usga.org/ . My goal here is just to clear up some common questions and misunderstandings:

• Your handicap does not reflect your ability on an "average" basis. Once you've posted 20 scores, the calculation actually disregards the 10 worst scores. Beyond that, the equation seems to pull it down a bit more. Statistically speaking, we only play to our handicap a handful of times each season. In this regard, the handicap system seems to overstate our ability, but also rewards the more consistent player. The next point will explain what I mean:
• Let's say Bob and Jim each play 20 rounds on the same day on the same course from the same tees. Let's say Bob shoots 80 every time. Let's say Jim shoots 80 ten times and 90 ten times. Both players will have the same handicap, although Bob is clearly a better player Jim. Over the course of time, Bob will win more matches, and will likely be more competitive in a "net" event.
• If you play with a 4 handicap and he shoots 80, 81, or 82, don't pin him for overstating his ability. Statistically speaking, that sounds about right. When it comes to handicaps, most of our rounds a little "off" the number.
  
  
• Equitable Stroke Control is unfamiliar to many. Put succinctly, it exists to keep one very high score on one hole from inflating our handicap.
• http://www.usga.org/playing/handicaps/manual/manual.html shows a chart that limits the score different handicap ranges should POST - not what they can SCORE. For example, if you are a 22 handicap and you make a 10 on a hole of your Club Championship, you made 10. Sorry. When you post your score, however, you should post a score as if you had made an 8.
  
  
• Post Everything! It takes some extraordinary circumstances for the USGA to say, "don't post your score." I'll keep this point short. Post everything you shoot; Even if it isn't a complete round, there's a procedure to follow. Just post, post, post.
  
  
• If you are interested in more information, post a comment and I'll see what I can do to get you and answer.
• Also, don't be hesitant to print information from the USGA website and give it to your golf professional. He or she would probably be happy to put it by the handicap computer - if it isn't already there. I know how busy they are, and the handicap system can sometimes be easy to overlook. The USGA themselves say the golf professional should NOT be in charge of handicaps on their own. They say it should be a team (committee) effort. Give 'em a hand!