I started getting into golf more seriously a few years ago after playing occasionally throughout my life. I needed to track my handicap for a move overseas, so I began monitoring it in 2022. I feel like I’ve made significant improvements over the last two years, especially in the past month when I had that “AHA!” moment. Here’s my progress:
2022 - 25.6
2023 - 21.8
Current - 16.2
I have a few more rounds planned for this year, and I’m hoping to improve even further before the year ends.
Oakes said:
I’ve been around a 10-12 handicap for the past 15 years, so at least I’m consistently inconsistent.
I feel this. I think low 80s is a tough ceiling for serious casual golfers unless you dedicate more time. An 82 is just a few different swings away from breaking into the mid-70s.
@Gale
So true. When I’m playing well, I usually score between 81-84. It seems like I’m always kept out of the 70s by one poor decision or a few shots that don’t go as planned.
Leslie said: @Gale
So true. When I’m playing well, I usually score between 81-84. It seems like I’m always kept out of the 70s by one poor decision or a few shots that don’t go as planned.
This summer, I nearly broke 80 more often than not, with a few rounds in the 75 range. What’s crazy is that when you get down to 75/76, you realize how many shots you leave out there. It’s the same difference from 82 to 76; just a few shots could turn a round into par. As the game gets tougher, making birdies becomes essential, and it’s challenging not to penalize yourself with mistakes. I shouldn’t be over 80 while playing often, but I’ve accepted it, and I’ve had more fun shooting 85 this summer than when I thought I could go lower. Letting go of expectations has really freed me up to break 80 more, if that makes sense. One shot at a time, and nothing else matters but enjoying the moment—it truly translates to better scores.
I was unemployed in 2021 due to COVID and received that sweet government money. I played about 6 rounds a week during that time. My routine was wake up, play golf, have lunch, then either disc golf or pickleball, then home. It was a great year.
In 2024, I joined a new club, and although my golf is at its best, this course has a different style that I’m still learning—more placement shots, brutal greens, and the need to stay below the pins.
@Conley
I’d like to get back to scratch or under. I just play aggressively because most of our games are best ball or count 2 of 3, so when teammates play it safe, I go for birdies or bogeys.
Also planning to have a kid in the next year, so that may complicate that goal, haha.
@Toni
I completely understand. I moved to Switzerland earlier this year, and it took me several rounds to get comfortable with the course layout. There’s a lot of elevation, and the holes are usually shorter and narrower, requiring precision and great wedge play.
I’m a 15 and I consider it quite an accomplishment given that I work 50 hours a week and have two young kids. I went from not being able to get off the tee or hit the driver to scoring between 82-91 in my last 10 rounds. It’s a wild difference from 3-4 years ago.
@Zen
People often say, “I wish I started golf when I was younger; I’d be so good now.” That’s false. It’s working full-time with kids that will impact your handicap. Can confirm.
@Zen
I relate to that. I have three young kids and am around the same handicap. I used to lose 5 or 6 strokes a round because I couldn’t get off the tee. It’s amazing how much more enjoyable golf becomes when you can drive well.
@Orin
I get that, but it’s the only way to gauge how good you are. I believe it’s pretty accurate. I’m a 10.6 right now, and believe it or not, 90% of my scores are 82/83.
@Zen
Great point. I lift often but have been focusing on flexibility and mobility, which I think helps my swing. Working a desk job has made me quite stiff.