Reverse Handicap-Another measurement of ability

larrybud · November 8, 2006

Since your handicap index measures your potential good round, your "reverse" handicap measures your bad rounds. I started measuring this this year after not seeing my index go down much from last year, but I could just tell I was playing better and more consistent.

So what the reverse handicap is, is your WORST 10 out of the last 20 differentials, rather than your BEST 10, which is what your handicap is.

I finished the year at a 4.0 index, with my reverse handicap at 8.2.

Last year I got down to a 3.9 index, but with my reverse handicap at 9.1. So this is clear that I'm more consistent, although my "best" rounds aren't much (any, really) better than last year.

Some other interesting numbers, in '04 I got down to a 6.5, but my reverse index was 12.2.

Anyone else ever do this?

Golfchicago · November 8, 2006

Interesting, I've always thought that all scores should be considered because that is what it is. Right now I am listed as a scratch. I don't feel I am a scratch. Yes I've had under par rounds including tournament play but I've had my share of off days where I play a lot higher than a zero. It seems that if they use all of my scores my handicap would be more realistic. In my situation it would help because of the range of my scores. However, the guys that always shoot within 3 to 5 shots, it wouldnt make that much difference. There is my rant for the day.

specialblend218 · November 8, 2006

Interesting method. I think bad rounds really measures a players potential. It shows the ability to get it done when not playing so well. This is why scoring average (all rounds averaged) is much more important to me. I remember a few years ago I had and index of 2 and scoring average of 78.5 the next year I had an index of 3 and a scoring average of 77.

If it was up to me I think I would throw out the best 1 or 2 rounds and then include the next 12 or so. Either way I feel the handicap system will never completely fair to all levels of golfers. But the closer the better.

SadTrombone · January 14, 2007

I don't like the 10/20 'best' differentials. I'm listed at just above scratch and....I can't figure out why! I can just as easily shoot a 65 as a 95, and I HAVE on consecutive days! I don't get it.

This year's goal...get back my consistency. Even if I give up the 65s and make 'em all 69s. Gary Player said to always end your day with a 69.

-mini

larrybud · January 25, 2007

I don't like the 10/20 'best' differentials. I'm listed at just above scratch and....I can't figure out why! I can just as easily shoot a 65 as a 95, and I HAVE on consecutive days! I don't get it.

This year's goal...get back my consistency. Even if I give up the 65s and make 'em all 69s. Gary Player said to always end your day with a 69.

Your handicap is your golfing potential. The fact that you can shoot a 65 means you have the potential to do so.