Can you explain the index to me?

Hi all, I dont know where to post this so sorry if its in the wrong spot.

I am new to golf.  By new I mean I am borrowing a set of irons to see if I even like golf on the range.  I have gone out once to hit golf balls and I really enjoyed it.  I played baseball for years and now am just burnt out on it, so to stay busy in the spring and summer and fall and winter I thought I would try golf.  Just some more background info on myself, I am a 16 year old becoming a junior in high school.  I am 6 foot 3 inches tall and weigh in right about 220.  I have played baseball since before I can remember.  Anyhow, this past Saturday I went out to the range to get some lessons from my pastor who has allowed me to borrow his clubs until I can get my own.  All we worked with was an 8 and a 9 iron.  With about a 10mph wind to our backs I was hitting between 130 to 160 yards with the 9 iron and about 170 with the 8.  To get to my point, What is the handicap index?  How is it calculated? How is it used?  Any help is appreciated as I am very new to this.  I have enjoyed myself so far. Thanks

Jason

Welcome Jayman, this is an Awesome site.

So how would I know the course rating on a course that isnt USGA affiliated?

You wouldn't, but it's [i]very rare[/i] to find a regulation course in the U.S. that doesn't have a CR. I can only think of one. There are occasionally pitch and putt courses without CRs, but that's fine.

And... if the course does not have a course rating you do not use it as part of you handicap calculation.