Par 3 course for handicap purposes

[Smarf]

I have a nice par 3 course with 27 holes near me, that I play every weekend. I used my four most recent scores to get my handicap but I'm beginning to wonder if it's accurate. It has a slope rating (100), so maybe it is. Although, I'm sure if I had to hit that cursed driver, I'd do even worse on a real course.

Should I just wait until I play on a "real" course before trying to figure out my handicap?

[Eeryck]

I am pretty sure that the USGA handicapping system has a minimum course length requirement. I think it is somewhere in the 4,000y range.

Regards,
-E

Source: USGA Handicap Manual

f. Unacceptable Scores
Scores made under the following conditions are not acceptable for handicap purposes and must not be entered in the player's scoring record:
(i) When fewer than seven holes are played;
(ii) When made on a golf course in an area in which an inactive season established by the authorized golf association is in effect;
(iii) When a majority of the holes are not played in accordance with the principles of the Rules of Golf (except for preferred lies);
(iv) When the length of the course is less than 3,000 yards for 18 holes (or less than 1,500 yards for 9 holes);
(v) When, as a condition of the competition, the maximum number of clubs allowed is less than 14, or types of clubs are limited as, for example, in a competition that allows only iron clubs;
(vi) When scores are made on a course with no USGA Course Rating or Slope Rating;
(vii) When a player uses non-conforming clubs, non-conforming balls, or tees;
(viii) With respect to Rule 14-3 (Rules of Golf), when an artificial device or piece of unusual equipment is used during the execution of a stroke or when equipment is used in an unusual manner during the execution of a stroke. (See Decision 5-1f/2 for an exception.)

[wrx_junki]

Should I just wait until I play on a "real" course before trying to figure out my handicap?

Yeah that would be most accurate. Just use the par 3 course to work on your game so that when you get out to a real course, you can score low!

[Smarf]

Ok thanks for the help. I added up the yardage from the back tees and it's only 2600 for 18 holes, so it's not usable. I'm nervous about going on a normal course, I lose enough balls in the water on the Par 3 course.

[Crey23]

Ok thanks for the help. I added up the yardage from the back tees and it's only 2600 for 18 holes, so it's not usable. I'm nervous about going on a normal course, I lose enough balls in the water on the Par 3 course.

LOL !

I have found that I learn more on the course, than at a driving range. As for the balls, get yourself a couple dozen through www.3balls.com or good quality balls at www.lostballs.com . When I first got started I bought a 3 dozen bag of balls at golf galaxy for $21. These were good for driving (distance) but not very good on the greens. I then "switched" to Srixon Tri-speed for abount $35 for 3 dozen (ebay) and stopped loosing balls. These gave me better control over my game, and while I am still loosing my balls, it is not nearly at the same rate of the cheap ones.

[Smarf]

LOL !

I'm heading out Friday to get more balls for the round on Saturday. Hopefully early because we're supposed to be push 100 for the first time this Summer. I made the mistake of buying a sleeve of four Noodle +'s for 6.00 when I first started playing, and it took me about 4 rounds to lose them all because the water is so shallow I can usually fish it back out with a club.

I should play a regular course because on the weekend the par 3 is 25.00 bucks for green fees + cart. I can go to a country club for the much. I play with a friend of my wife's and her husband, and she doesn't feel up to playing a real course yet.

[Williamevanl]

I don't think it would be a very good indicator at all. I can play to a four handicap on my local par three course but easily shoot in the 90's on the regular course next door.

[live4u120]

I have a small 12 hole par 3 as well, but for me and my friend to go, it costs around 30 dollars. I finally just decided to play a real course for my practice, which makes it much easier to practice. And as for balls.... Just if you're aiming over water, don't take the risk, and play it safe.

[lobsterzilla]

haha smarf we should get out and play knight's play sometime !!

[shades9323]

Ok thanks for the help. I added up the yardage from the back tees and it's only 2600 for 18 holes, so it's not usable. I'm nervous about going on a normal course, I lose enough balls in the water on the Par 3 course.

Just play a course with little to no water. There are a lot of them out there.