Have you ever met the guy who has no friggin’ idea what his handicap is? You’re having a conversation and golf comes up. You say “So you play, huh? What’s your handicap?” And you get this…”No idea. I usually shoot in the upper-90’s or low 100’s.” And you give him that look like you’re thinking “How the hell does this guy not know what his handicap is?” Don’t you just hate that guy? Well guess what…that guy is me.
The only reason I have some sort of general idea about my handicap is due to Stinky Golfer Greg. He figures it out for me. Otherwise, and for the most part anyway, I’m the guy who makes the above statement.
What I can’t figure out for the life of me is, why people look at me like I have three heads when I tell them I don’t know what my handicap is? Really now…what’s the big deal? If golf is supposed to be this game you play against yourself, then why is everyone so concerned with everyone elses handicap? Do you just want to know if you’re better than me? Here, I’ll make it simple for you…I stink….you’re better….my name is Stinky Golfer Chris for cryin’ out loud! There, do you feel better about your own game now? Glad I could help.
I don’t understand why all these golfers who are not pro players (and I’m sorry to inform them, never will be) have some fascination with this number. I also fail to understand why the simple concept of playing golf just for the fun of it, goes right over the heads of most. I’ll go back to an old analogy I made – I play beer league softball. I know or run into many others who play softball also. However, I have yet to hear one of those players ask me what my batting average is. Truthfully, why would they care? It’s just softball for fun. Don’t get me wrong…we all try to win. But if we don’t…so what? I look at golf in the same light. Why is that so hard for other golfers to understand?
I guess I just don’t understand the concept of spending obscene amounts of money on golf lessons only to take my new and improved game out to my local tracks. Let’s go back to softball for a second. I try to do well when I play…but I’m not about to go take private batting lessons with Walt Hriniak or field grounders with Ozzie Smith. I play for fun! Just like I do with golf! Why is that so hard to understand?
For some reason though, golfers just don’t get that. Most golfers can’t understand that I step onto the course with every intention of having a good time. If I play well, great! If not, great! As long as I played.
See, I think like this: Once I begin to really work at golf (lots of practice, taking lessons, etc…) the game is no longer a game. It’s now work. I don’t ever want a sport that I enjoy to become work. Especially if I’m not going to get paid for it!
Am I the only one who feels this way? Does anyone else not know, or care, what their handicap is? Does anyone else play this sport simply for the fun of it? I can’t be the only one of my kind….can I?
Swing ’til you’re happy! It’s the reason I play!
I keep my handicap, but I hear what you’re saying. It’s like some people rank your worth to society based on your handicap.
I’ve arrived at the 1st tee with complete strangers and they ask me what my handicap is and I get this look like I’m a second class citizen. Like I’m about to waist everybody’s time.
I probably take the game a bit more seriously than some, but it’s all about having fun. The reason why I practice is so much is just personal. I want to challenge myself, but if I don’t play well, that doesn’t mean you won’t find me at the 19th hole after the round.
Whenever you decide to start your “league”, let me know. Sounds like fun to me:-)
I’m an honest 16, but play the game for fun. Keep the h-cap for the occasional tourney full of sandbaggers. Can’t win em’. Play if I like the charity.
Anyway, to your original point. Nothing’s more satisfying than lambasting the smug guy that snidely claims he’s an 8, 6, whatever. Take that in the $200 Footjoys!
I play the game for fun and only have a rough idea what my handicap is (10ish). One of my biggest pet peeves is sandbaggers! These guys should be tied to the clubhouse flagpole and be publicly stoned.
Your handicap is supposed to be an equalizer to allow players of different levels to compete with each other. It’s nice to know someone’s handicap when you have a friendly wager on the game.
It doesn’t matter to me what my playing partners handicaps are, if they respect me, themselves, and most importantly the game, I’m happy to play along.
“I’ve never broken 110″… That’s my handicap.
The only reason people are asking your handicap is they are considering playing golf with you. If players handicaps are to different it will only frustrate everybody.
Anonymous: You make an interesting point; “if players handicaps are too different, it will only frustrate everybody.”
Why can’t we all play together? Well, because the low handicapper will claim playing with a poor player will drag his game down too. Meanwhile, a high handicapper will feel intimidated by the low handicapper (see: http://golfstinks.blogspot.com/2010/12/golfs-version-of-male-penis-envy.html)
This is just childish. Go out and have fun and only reveal your handicap when you have to – like at a tournament.