Handicap Cut by 5 Shots After One Competition Round

Beginner Questions
1

Hey guyzz

I wanted to share my experience and get your thoughts. I’m a former 8 handicap golfer who took an 8-year break due to a serious neck injury. I’ve been back playing for about 5 weeks and have completed 3 scorecards with consistent scores. I was given a 22.1 handicap (19 course handicap) under the new system.

So, I played my first competition on Saturday and shot -4 off the 19, which got me cut to 17.1 (15 course handicap)! The comp results aren’t even confirmed yet, haha. While I played better than my previous rounds, a 5-shot cut feels a bit harsh, right?

Since I’m returning to golf, I have to use a trolley and can’t practice at the driving range every week. I can only play once a week and have to see how my body feels each time, so there might be weeks when I don’t play, and my game could get inconsistent. I think a 22 handicap was a bit too high for me, but it would’ve been nice to have some cushion when my game isn’t on point. What happened to the old rule of getting cut 0.2 for every shot under par?

Anyway, I’m just glad to be back on the course and enjoying golf again but what are ur thoughts on this situation? TIA

2

You only have three rounds entered that’s why. It’ll fluctuate less the more rounds you put in

3

Just Google the World Handicap System; it’ll explain everything. It works great once you have your 8 best scores out of 20.

4

The ups and downs of the new handicap system can be wild! It’ll level out once you play more rounds. I’m also coming back to golf after years, and it’s been pretty entertaining seeing those fluctuating handicaps! Getting cut by three shots to an 11 was a blast—back in the day, that would’ve needed an under-par round instead of just a 78, haha

5

If you’ve played to an 8, you’ve definitely got enough creativity to make up for any mobility issues. I bet you hit some shots that were way better than most 19 handicaps!

6

Yeah, I totally get that! I think I’ll end up averaging lower as I play more. I’m not hitting it badly; I was just a bit shocked by the new handicap system.