Hi Linda,
I have an unusual question I hope you can answer. I play
left-handed but I can play right-handed also, though not as consistent. If I
decided to play right-handed, how would this affect my Handicap? Would I have to
establish a new handicap for playing right-handed? Would I then have two
different handicaps? I am considering playing both sides to see how well I can
play right-handed in competition.
Lou
Dear Lou,
One of the basic premises underlying the USGA Handicap
System is that players try to make the best score at every hole in every round
[USGA Handicap System, Part I, Section 1-1]. If you do not play as well
right-handed, you should consider rounds that you play right-handed as practice
rounds and not post those scores. Posting scores from right-handed play that
are consistently higher than your left-handed scores would make your handicap
unnaturally high, and would not be in line with USGA posting guidelines. Your
handicap would not reflect your best play.
Unless or until you play as well right-handed as
left-handed, do not post your right-handed scores. You may not have separate
handicaps for right- and left-handed play. Each player is entitled to one golf
handicap, and that handicap must reflect his best play. You would not want to
get a reputation as a sandbagger or a handicap cheater!
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
