What is a Bad Handicap in Golf? [A Complete Guide to Follow]
We often hear about the term ‘handicap’ when we’re around a golf course or just talking about the game. But the thing becomes more sophisticated when someone asks about our handicap number or wondering whether it’s a good or bad handicap. Today we’re here to explore everything about: what is a bad handicap in golf?
The number up to 18 is typically a bad handicap number in the game of golf. It becomes worse as the number increases. But remembering your golf handicap and what to do if it is the worst, is crucial when you’re joining a tournament.
So, keep reading to learn about a bad handicap and its signs as well as how you can improve it on your way. Let’s get started.
What is a Bad Handicap in Golf?
A bad handicap number in golf is generally a higher handicap number than usual. It indicates that the golfer has to play a larger number of strokes than a scratch player to finish the course. So, the higher the handicap, the more strokes a player is given while playing with golfers with lower handicaps.
However, the golfers with high handicaps are usually beginners or less skilled and consistently struggle to perform better on the course. But a bad handicap number doesn’t mean a bad golf player. It naturally indicates their skill levels according to the course’s par score and rating.
Here’s a comparison table highlighting the difference among high, mid and low handicap numbers to understand the bad handicap better.
| High handicap | 18+ |
| Mid handicap | 11-17 |
| Low handicap | 0-10 |
What are the Signs of a Bad Handicap in Golf?
You can simply know whether your handicap is bad or not by calculating the handicap number. Still, there are some potential symptoms that indicate a bad handicap number in golf.
- Struggling with accuracy or making perfect contact.
- Inconsistent speed and break.
- Struggling to control the distance and trajectory.
- Difficulty in decision-making on the course.
- No skill in recovering from trouble shots on the course.
- Poor course management.
Factors That Lead to a Bad Handicap in Golf
There are different reasons leading to a bad handicap in golf. In this part of this discussion on what is a bad handicap in golf, let’s figure out some factors causing bad handicaps
- Poor Skill Level
This might be the key reason that causes a bad handicap in golf. Consistent swing, contact, and trajectory helps establish golf handicap numbers.
But less experience or insufficient practice will cause inconsistencies in shots, trajectory and overall performance. As a result, less experience or skill level can simply cause a bad handicap in golf.
- Defective Equipment
Improper or faulty golf equipment can also result in higher handicaps in the course. Most importantly, an ill-fitted golf club that doesn’t match the golfer’s body type and swing speed, can causes various issues as follows:
- Decreased and inappropriate distance
- Lack of accuracy
- Inconsistent shots
- Poor ball flight
- Loss of spin rate
Similarly, a dirty or inappropriate golf ball can cause poor ball flight and distance. So, as we can see, inappropriate golf equipment is responsible for worse performance and leads to a bad handicap.
- Poor Physical Fitness
Proper physical fitness is crucial for any kind of game. In golf, it is also an important thing to consider to achieve a good handicap score.
Because improper physical fitness can hamper a golfer’s ability to maintain balance, generate power, and deliver accurate shots. So, poor physical condition is another significant cause of bad handicaps in golf.
- Lack of Proper Guidance
Understanding golf rules and course management is very important to enrich your golf score. Proper guidelines and instructions from a coach or instructor can help make things better.
At the same time, golfers may struggle to improve their game and develop basic skills due to the lack of required guidance. Thus, poor playability will also cause higher handicaps in golf.
- Inefficient Practice
There goes a proverb, “practice makes a man perfect.” So, we can also say that practice makes the game perfect. Yes, enriched and regular practice habits will help you to get a good handicap score in golf.
On the contrary, ineffective practice routines won’t help you improve your gaming sense and skill. As a result, you can continuously encounter a bad handicap number.
FAQs
What makes a golf handicap bad?
Higher handicap scores indicate a golf handicap as bad. Lack of proper accuracy and distance is another reason for a bad handicap.
What’s the worst handicap in golf?
According to the USGA, 54 is currently the worst handicap score in golf. In other words, 54 is the maximum handicap for all players.
Should I give up when I have a high handicap?
No, you shouldn’t. At first, it may seem difficult dealing with a bad handicap, but time and practice will make the thing smoother.
Improve Your Golf Handicap Today
Understanding what is a bad handicap in golf is pretty straightforward, but trying to improve your game can be tricky when you encounter a bad handicap. Maintaining the rules and accuracy is the first thing to ensure that the handicap showcases your real playability.
Besides, you can join a golf club that offers a golf handicap program to establish the handicap score. You’ll also get opportunities to meet scratch players and get suggestions to improve your game. To sum up, don’t forget to practice your game regularly and choose the method best suited for you.