Re: What is a single digit handicap?
It's an interesting question.
And its true meaning depends upon the part of the world you play in.
From what I gather,in the United States, it represents your potential. This is why I see people who have "handicaps" of 1.6, for example, who post their last 78 scores and have very rarely broken 75 and frequently shoot in the 80s.
In Australia, for instance, this player would be a solid 8 or 9 handicapper.
In Australia, a player off 2 would expect to play even par a lot of the time and break par several times a year.
I have seen posts on this site from players who say they play off 11 but their scores indicate that they rarely break 90.
All of these handicaps are probably legitimate, but let me just say that a 2 marker is who is pleased to break 80 would not be playing off 2 downunder. More likely 10 or 12.
My point really, that it's important to know how this handicap is administered. If it's a DIY one, I am always skeptical - and you can pretty much judge the voracity of the handicap by the things that people say or ask. For example "How do I fix my slice?" Handicap 13, been playing for 6 months.
For those who are interested, this is a link to an Australian player's handicap record. All of his scores are posted in competition. He is an excellent player. You can be pretty sure that any scores in the 80s are played on extremely difficult courses in difficult conditions. His scores in the 60s are on good courses, but probably in good conditions. He has maintained a low handicap of between 1 and 3 for a couple of years. And....let me tell you, the difference between him and a legitimate 6 marker is HUGE.
http://www.golflink.com.au/HandicapH..._no=2180901557
