Handicap Help

[nleary9201]

I need help with my handicap index.  2 years ago I was about an 11 I think.  Then I had some health problems (broken arm, now with metal plate inside) and couldn't play till now.  I can swing ok with the arm but am wondering what happens to my handicap. I know I will be 30 -40 yds. shorter than before.  I am joining a league in May and they will want  a handicap. What do I do? Want to be fair to everyone.

[MiniBlueDragon]

Can't you get an official USGA handicap through companies like Golfsmith?

http://www.golfsmith.com/ps/display_page.php?page_num=golfsmith_golfclub_info&PHPSESSID;=304fd84b4c5a2a2f4335592447142f9c

EDIT: By that I mean play some rounds of golf over the next couple of months and then get a correct and current handicap through them...

[nleary9201]

Thanks

[AzGolfGeek]

Most leagues will have some sort of a local rule to deal with NEW members. Your old handicap should not be used for 2 reasons, one being, your ability changed due to medical reasons. Second, if its 2 years old, it would not reflect an accurate rating. A handicap is established with 5 rounds, the league probably has a local rule to deal with those first 5 rounds.