Hey there fellow golfers! I’m new to the game and I’m trying to figure out what a good handicap is. I’ve been playing for a few months now and I’m still struggling to get consistent with my shots. I feel like I’m making progress, but I’m not sure how I’m doing compared to other players. What would you consider a good handicap for someone who is still relatively new to the game? I’d love to get some advice on what to aim for and how to improve my game. Any tips or suggestions would be really helpful! I’m really enjoying the sport, but I want to make sure I’m setting realistic goals for myself. Thanks in advance for your help!
A good handicap in golf is typically between 10-20 for recreational players. This puts you in the range of being able to enjoy the game without being too advanced or too much of a beginner.
That’s a great point. A handicap in that range allows you to play competitively with friends without feeling too outmatched.
I’m just getting into golf and my handicap is around 25. Is that still considered a good starting point, or should I aim to get it down closer to 20?
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A handicap of 25 is definitely on the higher end for an experienced player, but it’s a perfectly reasonable starting point for a beginner. The key is to focus on improving your game and having fun - the handicap will come down over time.
I’d say a handicap of 20 or below is ideal for most recreational golfers. It allows you to be competitive but still leaves room for improvement. Anything higher than that and you may get a bit frustrated on the course.
As someone with a 12 handicap, I can say it’s a great sweet spot. I’m still challenged but can compete with my buddies without feeling completely outmatched. The key is to find a handicap that keeps golf fun and rewarding for your skill level.
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Isn’t a handicap of 18 considered the ‘average’ for recreational golfers? I’ve heard that’s the number to shoot for if you want to be able to play competitively but still have room for improvement.
For me, the perfect handicap is one that allows me to enjoy the game without getting too frustrated. I’m more focused on having fun and improving my skills than worrying about the number itself.
My handicap is a solid 24 and I’m perfectly happy with that. Sure, I’d love to get it down, but the most important thing is that I’m out there enjoying the sport with my friends. Handicaps are just a number, after all.
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I think a handicap of 15-20 is the sweet spot for most recreational golfers. It’s low enough to be competitive but high enough that you still have room to improve and challenge yourself. Of course, everyone’s different, so find what works best for you!
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I completely agree. That range allows you to keep the game fun and challenging. Anything too low and it can get frustrating, but too high and it’s not as rewarding. It’s all about finding your personal sweet spot.
Haha, my handicap is a solid 35. I guess that makes me the black sheep of the group! But you know what they say - the higher the handicap, the more fun you have. (Or maybe that’s just me…)
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For me, the perfect handicap is one that allows me to enjoy the game without getting too caught up in the numbers. I’m just out there to have a good time and improve my skills, not to compete at a high level. As long as I’m having fun, that’s all that matters.
I’m a 12 handicap and find that to be a good balance - challenging enough to keep me motivated to improve, but not so high that I can’t compete. What’s your current level and what are you hoping to achieve?
A good handicap is one that’s attainable for your skill level and allows you to enjoy the game. Don’t compare yourself to others - focus on steady improvement at your own pace.
Totally agree. As a newbie, my goal is to get down to a 25 handicap within the next year. Seems doable with regular practice.
I just started playing a few months ago and my handicap is currently around 32. Is that considered high for a beginner? I’m still trying to get the basics down but would love to work my way down to at least a 20 handicap eventually.
For a brand new golfer, a 32 handicap is totally normal and right where you should be. Don’t get discouraged, just keep practicing and enjoying the game.
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I’d say a good handicap for the average recreational golfer is probably in the 12-18 range. But a lot depends on how often you play, the courses you frequent, and your overall dedication to improving your game.
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