2. What is a Handicap Index and Why Do I Need It?

Tori sits down with her sister Alix, the Arizona Golf Association’s Executive Director Joe Foley, and USGA’s Assistant Director of Handicapping Education and Outreach Lee Rainwater. Our guests discuss all things Handicap Index—what it is, how it’s calculated, why all golfers need one, and how to establish your own. Key Takeaways (18:53) A handicap index is a number that represents your potential or demonstrated ability. It’s tremendously beneficial for golfers at any level to have one, whether for competition purposes or simply to ensure fairness on the course when playing with family or peers. Your index measures what you’re capable of shooting, and not necessarily what you end up shooting. It’s a “portable” number which you can take with you course to course, tee to tee.  (26:39) Establishing your handicap index is a simple process. Simply walk into a pro shop and ask for a handicap index to get entered into their system. Download your Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) ID along with the GHIN app, input your number, and you can start posting scores right away.  (36:43) You can get a handicap index after as few as three 18-hole scores. Ultimately though, a golfer should achieve 20 18-hole scores and, from there, look at the eight best performances. Your handicap index is based on the average of those eight best performances.  (38:02) If you don’t want to get your handicap from a pro shop, there is another easy option available. If you prefer not to be affiliated with a specific facility, you can go to a state golf association’s website or to the USGA and get a handicap directly online. You will have access to a handicap while not necessarily being affiliated with a particular club. (45:36) Getting your handicap index through the USGA can make your journey to improving your golf game so much more efficient, not to mention more fun. The USGA index is the gold standard that most golfers subscribe to. With the Arizona Golf Association specifically, the cost to maintain your index ranges from $45-$55 a year—and this small investment includes all of the association’s other membership benefits. Get a USGA Handicap Visit the Arizona Golf Association For more details on the Short Game 100 Program, visit ShortGame100.com. To register for the BFore Golf FREE mini-course, visit BForeGolf.com. Connect with Our Guests: Alix Chesno: Instagram | Alixandra Collections Joe Foley: LinkedIn | Arizona Golf Association Lee Rainwater: LinkedIn | USGA Subscribe ...