Handicap Index

[clemsontiger]

I have seen a couple of different one's all over the place on this site.

I was looking for one where I can keep track of my handicap and some statistics. Does anyone have any ideas of good ones or suggestions?

I can make myself a spreadsheet to keep statistics, but that is pointless unless I can get a handicap index as well.

I want to clarify since there is a post. I do not mind paying for it, but I would like a good one. I will also do a free one if it is descent. I am not going to pay for something that is half a$$.

[$2 Nassau]

Are you looking for a free one? Yahoo isn't bad, pretty sure you can keep track of stats too.

I was on Yahoo! for a few years then decided to get a GHIN, figured it was time to get all "official" and stuff. I'm not a member of any club so the GHIN cost me $40.

[Harry Longshanks]

If you aren't using an official GHIN handicap index and you want some basic statistics from a free online index calculator, oobgolf is nice.

[sacm3bill]

I can make myself a spreadsheet to keep statistics, but that is pointless unless I can get a handicap index as well.

Why do you think you need to track your handicap in order to make stats useful? Stats are used to monitor which parts of your game you need to work on (fairways hit, greens hit, sand saves, up and downs, putting, etc.) You don't need a handicap for that.

Also, there's no reason why you can't keep your handicap yourself - the formulas are readily available and quite simple, and you can keep your handicap info in the same spreadsheet as your stats. Do a search, you'll find examples. That said, if you don't want to do the work of keeping your own spreadsheet I've used the trial version of Scorecard advertised on this site, and think it's a great option.

[clemsontiger]

Why do you think you need to track your handicap in order to make stats useful? Stats are used to monitor which parts of your game you need to work on (fairways hit, greens hit, sand saves, up and downs, putting, etc.) You don't need a handicap for that.

I can tell which area needs improvement because I do keep up with stats. I do not keep them in a spreadsheet, but I do the same things.

I want a handicap index because that is all that I do not have and I play in tournaments that want it. Thanks for letting me know that the handicap index is out there. I am going to have to take a look and find it so that I can add that to my spreadsheet. If I can do that, then I will probably not need to use a software.

[rudygu]

I heartily recommend Scorecard . It keeps track of a plethora of stats (including handicap index and individual course handicaps), is easy and intuitive to use, and is routinely updated/improved. Seriously, you should give the trial version a look. I've used it a few months now and can honestly say it has helped lower my scores more than any club in my bag.

[iacas]

I heartily recommend

Thanks for the recommendation. I believe we have a lot of happy customers.

Just a note to the OP, though: Scorecard's handicap index uses the same math and formulas (they're really quite simple) as the USGA/GHIN, and it automatically applies ESC, but you can't print out a handicap index from Scorecard and have it be "official." It'll be "correct," but it won't be "official" - so if you play any handicap events (especially USGA ones, like if you try to qualify for the Mid-Am or something), you'll still want a GHIN or other official handicap.

[Grogger31]

If you have a Facebook account, they have an application in there called Golf Game that uses LOOPR to calculate handicap and stats. Pretty nice!

[DaveLeeNC]

I can tell which area needs improvement because I do keep up with stats. I do not keep them in a spreadsheet, but I do the same things.

In most tournaments that "want it" you have to have an official USGA (in the US) index. To get one of those you have to join a club. I believe that there are some online "clubs" that will get you an official USGA handicap, but I have no experience with them.

dave

[Harry Longshanks]

Dave is correct. If you want to play in tournaments, you need an official USGA handicap, which is going to cost a little money.

You will need to join a local men's club at a course, or find a "club without real estate" (a category of club that simply means the club is not directly affiliated with a specific golf course).

Search for your options here:
http://www.usga.org/playing/handicap...rch.asp?auth=Y

[Biegoe]

Golfsmith will give you an official handicap. Go to their website and check it out. You can also put in a plethora of statistics.

[Socrates]

I agree - your best bet would be to just get an official handicap. You can join online at Golfsmith or Golf Galaxy and I'm sure there are others. It costs about $30 and you can keep hole by hole stats and scores. It only takes about 5 minutes to sign up and if you have some recent scorecards, like 5, you can get an official handicap in about 15-20 minutes total.

[Roody]

I use Intelligolf:

http://www.intelligolf.com/

I used to have a Palm Pilot a few years ago, but it died. I quickly learned that I don't need the Palm Pilot to use the desktop portion of the software.

[TheDre]

If you have a Facebook account, they have an application in there called Golf Game that uses LOOPR to calculate handicap and stats. Pretty nice!

You can still use the LOOPR application without Facebook by going to their website:

http://www.loopr.com Dre

[montru]

I highly recomend http://www.golfscorerecorder.com this program is the best, you can keep a GHIN or USGA handicap set up tounaments etc, you just input courses and then put your scores in, superb!!!
Can't remember how much I paid but had it for years and works great.

Mike

[Harry Longshanks]

I highly recomend

That's still not an official handicap index though. If he is going to participate in tournaments, he needs a GHIN handicap from a USGA sanctioned club.

[clemsontiger]

I appreciate everyone's help and I will take a look at it and see what I can do.

I only play in a couple and I am not that concerned with it. If I really do need it, I can go back and backtrack and add the scores to get a really good feel.

[wrx_junki]

I'm thinking of changing my score tracker place since I hear www.golflinks.com isn't accurate. I don't think yahoo.com keeps stats. Oob and Loopr, the stats for the course isn't there but have to be put in.