How does the handicap work?

[casonso]

Here's the question. I'm a 29 handicap I'm playing a 0 capper on a par 72 course. He shoots a 73 and I shoot 100. I win? I ask because  my brother and I were talking about handicaps and he just doesn't think that it seems fair to be able to win when you shoot so much higher than somebody else. What do you guys think about this? By the way this is my first post and I'm loving this forum.

[meenman]

Originally Posted by casonso

Here's the question. I'm a 29 handicap I'm playing a 0 capper on a par 72 course. He shoots a 73 and I shoot 100. I win? I ask because  my brother and I were talking about handicaps and he just doesn't think that it seems fair to be able to win when you shoot so much higher than somebody else. What do you guys think about this? By the way this is my first post and I'm loving this forum.

Why is this question / statement always posted by a guy with one post?

If you understand handicaps, you know the answer.

And if you dont, search the forum - this has been debated well more than it ever should have.

[Hacker James]

You would be better served if you used the search forum box above the category to learn about how handicaps work, how calculated e.t.c. this will give you a much better understanding of any replies you receive and at the same time eliminate any misunderstanding or having to ask follow up questions.  Simply type in handicap in the box and you should receive a number of posts on the subject and probably have all your questions answered. Good luck.

[SCfanatic35]

Welcome to the site.

That is the reason why we have handicaps, so that golfers of all abilities can play against each other and have a chance to compete.  It's not a perfect system but it works to level the playing field.  You need to look at it like this.  You might have shot a bad round, but that bad round was 1 shot better than what your handicap is.  The 0 capper or scratch golfer, actually shot 1 worse than his handicap.  So based on ability you played better than you normally do and he played worse so you won that time.

[casonso]

Thanks for the reply's. I do understand the handicap but can't get my brother to see it the way that it is. He still feels like he won or lost because of the lower or higher score. I'll have to have him do a search and look through some of the posts.

[Meltdwhiskey]

Your brother is right in that he is the better golfer.  There is no changing that.  Put his mind at ease.  But the handicap system would be akin to a big brother giving little brother a head start in a footrace - or spotting points in a basketball game.  Golf is a little unique in that there is a whole system built around it.  If you are a 20 strokes better golfer, then give me 20 strokes and we'll see who plays best in relation to their own ability.

It is just a chance to make it competitive.  Golf is fun when it is a competition.  But no one would ever play a competition if they got beat by 20 strokes every time.