Handicap is ‘a formula that is determined by--the player's score, the course rating and course slope.’ Confused?
"Handicap is used to allow players of different abilities to compete on a fair basis." Another way of putting it is--a golf handicap is used to even the playing field among golfers of different skill levels.
If you play a regular 18-hole golf course, the total number of strokes you are expected to make is 72 which is called ‘even par’. A player with a handicap of 12 usually scores an average of 12 strokes over 72--which is 84. So a player with a handicap of 36 usually scores an average of 108. When you subtract your handicap from your gross score, the net score is 72. Let us say your handicap is 10. You played a round of golf and your gross score is 80. 80 minus 10 equals 70. Your net score is 70.
Tiger Woods has a zero handicap. If Tiger scores a 71 and you score a 79 less your handicap of 10. Your net score is 69 beating Tiger by 2 stokes. See how it evens out?
The lower the handicap, the better the player is at golf. A beginner usually starts with a handicap of 36. A Class `A' player has a handicap of 9 or below. A scratch golfer is a player whose handicap is zero. The professional golfers that you see on TV like Tiger and Frankie Minoza--they are all scratch golfers.
What do I mean when I say crocodiles on the fairways? I don't mean Sonny Dizon's crocodiles in a securely enclosed pond on hole number 2 of Rancho Palos Verdes. I am not talking about corrupt policemen either. (hehe) I am talking about golf crocs or sandbaggers.
So what is a "crocodile" or a "sandbagger" in golf? It is a person who intentionally destroys his game in order to get a high handicap. He wants everyone to think he plays worse than he actually plays. After intentionally playing poorly, he submits all the bad scores and is given a handicap of let's say--21, when in fact, he actually plays like a 16 handicapper. Why do this?--so that he gets a better chance at winning tournaments.
When sandbaggers win in a tournament, people boo at them during the awards ceremony. There are of course those who get really lucky and get a net score of 65 or lower. Great job! Getting lucky once or twice is acceptable. Doing it more than that raises eyebrows and, according to some players, those crocs deserve to be "booed" at. "A sandbagger is considered by many to be the lowest form of life on a golf course."
So what's your real and official handicap? Whatever your handicap may be, whether it is high or low, it has to be honest and true. You may be a pro or you may be a beginner, you may be good at golf or you may be lousy at golf. Play your game. Don't be such a croc! Remember, golf is a gentleman's game. Play seriously, or you can play for fun. The important thing is--you enjoy the game!
Upcoming tournaments:
Apo Golf & Country Club Monthly Medal--March 24 & 25, 2007
Lanang Golf & Country Club Monthly Medal--March 31 & April 1, 2007
Araw ng Kagitingan Invitational (Davao City Golf Club)--April 9, 2007
Taliban Open Golf Tournament (Lanang Golf)--April 13-15, 2007
Pomelo Tee of Rancho Palos Verdes--April 27-29, 2007
