WHAT ARE OUR REAL HANDICAPS

[@markcroft5670]

I played in my club comp today and I shot 3 over, par is 73 not sure what the sss is for today but the course was playing tough I play of 12, so I'm hoping I'm in my buffer!! I'm one of those players that will go steady up then ill chuck in a 77,78 and have a big cut! So I totally understand the way you all play and how people get confused by just watching your rounds as a single game and not as a hole, Do all you subscriber's really shot to the sss for the day I think not!! Keep up the good work brahhhhhh

[@markhallett9264]

Mark I’ve been a single handicap for over 40 years. I’ve seen Rory hit the ball in Georgia and he strikes it miles better than I ever have.

[@mitchmorris8973]

Coaches handicap is his driver

[@arrongraham]

The amount of people i play with that think you should hit handicap all the time is unreal. Its there to show what you can do when you play well. Great video Mark

[@timaggett3840]

Great piece Mark. 17 years in Golf admin tells me you're spot on. Most people have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA how handicaps work and what they represent. Life was easier in understanding pre current system as then your handicap was your best game. Now it's more your average game it gets difficult, especially if you're Rory-esq. Highs and lows either side of an average generally increase as the ability decreases. One tech point. SSS and stroke index aren't determined by average scores. SSS is a result of a specific course rating, effectively the scratch golfer part of a Slope Rating. SI allocations are the responsbility of each club and should be done on a match play basis, not by the difficulty of each hole in stroke play, i.e. Stroke 1 should not be the toughest scoring hole, though in truth it often is - 10 at Warren being a prime example. My scores this year in comps are 81, 76, 70, 76, 78, 77, 81 and 72, played on 5 different tracks. Started at 0.5 and now 0.7 but been 0.3. CSS scores against the above 70, 76, 71, 74, 76, 74, 73 & 71. Tough tracks and poor golf don't mix

[@tylermuela1298]

Would love to see you guys play a round off the back tees then play the same course off of more normal tees. Or at least maybe play 9 and 9 that way. Would be interesting to see. Also, everyone needs to just watch these vlogs and enjoy them cause they are great. I think you could add 12 strokes to my score once you point a camera at me lol. Great stuff Mark.

[@davidward4809]

Mark. This is why you lead and others follow on you tube. The journey videos are you tube gold also. Keep it up. It’s why I have followed you for years.

[@rickyfairbank8194]

I play to my handicap on a regular basis. I have been playing 3 years and constantly improving, through lessons and 3 nights a week practice. I’m down to 8.5 now but still haven’t reached my potential in my opinion. I agree with everything you said Mark. The handicap system is so straight forward, I always target buffer zone which is generally 2/3 over my hc. If I score below I’m buzzing. I shot 64 at the weekend and was chopped 1.6 for the round, my club then chopped me a extra 0.5 due to exceptional play. “Potential” Great video

[@robmarsh8415]

Having just been cut to 9 from 16 I now get what a handicap really means! Last year I played to hcp pretty much every round but couldn’t understand why people said my hcp was wrong - I now know what my potential is and playing to hcp is the challenge now! Great vid as always and it will certainly help the way I look at my scores in future

[@lisaholic123]

I had the same misconception of what handicap means. I don't have handicap, but thought that it would be around 20 based on, wrongfully, average scores. I used a hcp calculator using ten of my best rounds in the past year and learned that my hcp would be 9.6 USGA. Thanks for making my day :)

[@DrZAPP08]

It's incredible how refreshing this channel and Mark's content is. He really does make you think about golf and the vacuum within subjectively. Golf guru defined. Lightyears ahead of all these other channels such as the Taylormade twins thats churn out the same clickbait content with flashy filters. Keep her lit Mark! 👍🏻

[@jameslovering9158]

Well explained thanks ! When I last played one of the group remarked about my HC suggesting its not what I had said "based on my current play" I tried to explain the concept and we all have bad days but he just refused to listen.... so many misunderstand this and get all touchy about what they consider incorrect low HC's. :-) I was 14 so was being quite modest LOL and having a bad day shooting 95...

[@goaliehenrick]

This might be my favorite video you've made. So informative, with the humor. Love it

[@stephenblackie932]

I think like you mentioned before the tees, weather and even using the camera are all factors we will not take into consideration when watching these vlogs, but when you play courses that are familiar to the viewer we (or I) can really appreciate the difficulty of the course, for me it was watching you play burham berrow in harsh conditions and Dartmouth off the gold (long) tees.

[@steverust4400]

Very good points made about people perception of handicaps Mark. It can take an age for your handicap to go out. I'm a perfect example, got down to 4.6 then had a terrible 18 months and went right out to 6.3 but in the middle of that run I won a medal out of nowhere and got cut about .6. Got my game back and I got cut again to 4.8. I've gone out a couple of points since but basically in 2 years I'm the same handicap as I was, most of that playing crap!!! It only takes 1 or 2 good rounds to come down a lot. As you rightly say its about your potential not what your going to shoot every week.

[@ciaranconroy4426]

Best vlog ever. Hcap is a reflection of your best ability. You don’t play to it on every round.

[@ronanh13]

Agree completely about most golfers not shooting there handicap most times they play, good video Mark!

[@hindlem8]

That made so much sense to me... I’ve been getting really frustrated this winter not getting close to my handicap but I’ve only played 3 times and need to be realistic.

[@bobpovey4957]

You’d be amazed at the number of people that think if you see someone hit a ball over 250 yards off the tee, they should be a single figure handicap, but trying to convince them differently is like banging your head against a brick wall. As a Handicap secretary I have this problem nearly every competition that’s played, trying to explain the difference between the course Standard Scratch Score and Competition Scratch Score and don’t get me started on buffer zones and double bogey gross adjustments, All clubs handicaps are computerised now but some people still don’t get how it works and how a course can be easy one day and harder the same day like our course, it’s a proper links course with all that comes with it. Good video Mark.

[@ashleyclarke366]

Like many golfers I struggled to enjoy the game during the early years as I would only hit or better my handicap once/twice per year (though often by a lot when I did). My first handicap was 14 and I now hover between 11-12. The thing I have taken from the course logs is that very good players, such as yourselves (and yes Rory also), have the same experience in terms of above par days but are still enjoying it. It is our leisure time and on those days when you are not on the mark it is important to have fun, enjoy the odd belter of a shot and still get round.

[@razakhan999]

Mark great content and such an eye opener !!!!! i guess im also not as bad as i think i am, now that i understand the patterns in the handicap system.... no wonder people like me playing off 12 get so frustrated thinking we dont play to our handicaps as often as we would like .. thanks for this mark , will help me play and get less frustrated , and enjoy the game more ... REALLY APPRECIATE THIS VIDEO!!!

[@1970bryansmudger]

I do understand the handicap system and can relate to it myself. Have played 6 qualifiers this season starting at 17.2, 2 x buffer, 2 x increase and 2 reductions now off 16.2. If my worse score had been part of my 3 cards for handicap I'd be off 20, conversely my best score would give me a h/cap of 12. Its all on the day (form/conditions) etc and really the data set is too small to give a proper h/cap for you guys. Great video, keep up the good work.

[@kevemaher]

I play to my handicap about 75% of the time. I'm in the States. The Northern California Golf Organization (NCGA) has an online member handicap recording and posting service that is used extensively. It thoroughly explains how it calculates handicap. I have no confusion about what my handicap is. Method is the most popular in the US. It uses slope data for each tee box. With this system, it can calculate effective handicap for any tee at most courses in CA.

[@JeffJefferyUK]

GREAT video. Another subject that is massively complicated but that people over-simplify is slow play. SO many factors involved. Keep it up, Brah!

[@jonhall3853]

Superb vlog captain! I play to my handicap about 2 out of 10 times. I have one maybe two decent cuts per season, throw in the buffer zone scores and I tend to stay neutral to my handicap. It’s clear that when Rory is on he’s dangerous off 7. I would hate to play of the tees you guys play off. Rory does better than I would off those tees. Keep educating the masses Mark

[@ianjudson6270]

Great video! Here are my stats for the handicap doubters - club handicap is 7.6, from the whites tees in club competitions (on HowDidIDo), Game Golf handicap is 6.0, from club comps, social rounds from the yellow tees and some winter rounds, not all 18 hole rounds, 90+ rounds on GG, now my average round on GG is 82! #8

[@nufantbsnofx]

In the USGA Handicap System from the courses played this year where they have a Course Rating and Slope Rating - Mark would be a 0.3, Dan would be +0.2, Coach would be 1.9, and Rory would be 9.8. This only counts the Turkey Trip courses (no slope/course rating for B+B)

[@BeardyHammy]

I put in 3 cards of 17,18 &21 over and was given hcp of 12! Played to it once in 2.5 years. Handicap secretaries are Not transparent enough with their methodology for initial handicaps. Great video.

[@richardlee2356]

Just got around to watching this video and it’s a point I rattle on to people with no joy. There are loads of people who seem to think a handicap is what you should shoot every time you play and get disappointed if they’re only score 34 points on a Sunday stableford because someone has gone and shot 40+ points and they believe that’s what they should be doing most weeks. Will be very interesting to see what happens when the system changes next year. Great video as I believe a lot of clubs have a problem with people playing off too high a handicaps for what their ability is. (And yes I’m one of them off 20 that could be less if I had time to play in comps more).

[@banorful]

I do not know much about handicaps as I don't have one myself so I found this very interesting. Thanks Mark!!

[@adski01]

Pause comment - Got a sneaking suspicion Rory would be down the most, Coach up the most. Later comment - Damn, Rory was up 0.3 and Coach 0.5. Love this vid. Makes me feel that I might be better than what I think I am :). Keep the back tees going, but it would be cool to see a comparison one day of you playing off the yellows and show all of the score differences to a previous course vlog. I use hole19 app to track my scores and it is brutally honest, but it's helped me understand my golf so much.

[@leswolstenholme617]

I found myself on your neck of the woods some time ago and thought to book a lesson with you. Having watched you and your pals giggle your way round some courses, I'm so glad I didn't waste my money.

[@chrisruf9078]

Decided to get an official handicap last season for the first time. Started out at 13.5-14 which seemed low. Looking back at the initial scores I turned in several low 80 rounds kept it that low. It travels well between courses so seems to be appropriate. I've taken Dan's stance, if my game is on I can give most single digits a run for their money. As for Rory, I dare any of the 10 to 18's,or any others for that matter, to play from the back tees for multiple rounds on the courses you vlog, play three days in a row so everything aches and see what that does to your scores. Rory pulling a rabbit out of his hat, at the most inopportune time is what makes watching him enjoyable. And the Lovely Boy scenes of course;-)

[@alanhopkins4441]

Just came back from La Manga - played off back chocks so nearly 7200 but no heather or long grass just length and water - so relatively easier than Surrey courses I play which may be 500 yards shorter! So interesting to hear comments in the video - slope system is going to be an eye opener in the UK.

[@damienreid1516]

Best video ever... I always get the opposite to Rory. People say how do you play off 15 when you hit the ball so well. I have always struggled to string a score together over 18 holes. If you score well, you will get cut, and it is much harder to go back up again!

[@spcyman7209]

Just watched this vid for the first time. Really informative and has made me think more about my own handicap in relation to the courses I play.

[@carllong9764]

Great stuff again Mark. Interesting to hear you say that the likes of game golf etc (other brands are available) are to honest. Some people need to understand that golf is hard and if they manufacture scores and trick themselves into thinking one or 2 rounds at 3 or 4 over makes them pro!?! Think again people we are all at the mercy of the glorious game we both love and hate and golf will never be mastered and is always the winner. Can't wait to see more course vlogs. #7 #lockyarmy #parfield #getupdan

[@DropDeadINK]

mark 1, coach 2, dan 2, ray 4.5 love you guys thanks for the videos, keep them coming!!!!

[@jackmayall3907]

I’ve been watching these videos for a couple of years now, all of a consistently good quality (keep up the work, bruh - Lockey army til I die) - but this one is far and away the best daily vlog you’ve done. There’s so much misunderstanding around handicaps (I’m more guilty than most), nice to see some clarity for once.

[@joelcrow]

Is it weird that I miss Mark's old kitchen? #quaintmykitchen

[@pschilleru]

Boy what a touchy subject to address - kudos to you for doing it. My comments are based on the USGA/GHIN handicap system and the upcoming world handicap system. To answer your first question, I would say that I hit or best my handicap 15% of the time. The current USGA handicap formula, as you mention is based on your POTENTIAL to hit the number. Potential in the GHIN system has a value of 4%. So after taking in to account course and slope ratings to "equalize" the scores across different tracks the USGA says that you can do 4% better than the score you just posted! Now for the lower handicappers say a 5, that 4% equates to 0.2 of a stroke better. Not much. But go up to a higher handicapper that has a 25, that 4% now equals a full stroke. Now add in Equitable Stroke Control, the max score for 5 capper is double bogey and for the 20 capper is 8 on any hole no matter the par for that hole. In my opinion this keeps the lower handicappers low and the higher handicappers high. Now the Vanity handicap players. You touch on this briefly. I am one that firmly believes in playing the ball down, putting them all out and by all the rules. I play with those that have lower handicaps that rake away the 3 and 4 foot putts, roll the ball on every shot (would you like to tee it up?), and drop a lost ball equal to where it should be and take a 1 shot penalty. Then when you beat them in a handicapped tournament where they have to play by all the rules, they are the first to loudly mouth off the standard complaints - "What a sandbagger" or "Can't beat strokes" or "I hate playing with higher handicappers" Regarding the new world handicap system. From what I have seen and read about I believe it will raise the lower handicap players and lower the high handicaps. Is that good? Only time will tell. Keep up the good work Mark!

[@ewan111222333]

People don't realise how well someone is expected to play to be cut. There is a reason there is a 'buffer' as it is hard to play to a handicap in competition!! Brilliant video!

[@swalker9513]

I try to keep a handicap. I think it helps me to kinda keep track of my progress. But I didn't understand that it measures "potential". I get frustrated when I post a big score because I thought handicap was tracking what I "should" be scoring instead of what I "could" score. It was also good to see some of the scores you guys are shooting. I consider all of you to be good players (obviously, 3 of you are scratch golfers...or almost). To see you shoot some scores that are closer to the scores I'm shooting, encourages me. Of course I'm not playing from the back tees, but I shouldn't be. Encouraging video. Thanks.

[@rossjohnstone5805]

ive always viewed my handicap as what i should play to when im playing at my best and see hitting my handicap as more if a challenge than a expectation

[@shauntaylor7244]

Great content , let's face it you talk each other into shot for the vlogs , It's great entertainment , and shows how us normal weekend warriors play , We need this type of vlog to show young people how much fun golf can be .🏌

[@paulgreen4692]

When I play with 6/10 hcp golfers I find that their ball striking is generally good and their short game keeps the score down. Plus they tend not to make two bad swing in a row. I think this is why people get confused with Ray's handicap. Plus most people don't understand the hcp system. Keep up the course vloggs. Great fun brah.

[@thomasjones3045]

Personally I couldn't give a stuff about any of your handicaps, I just like watching you all have fun. However, I play off 7 myself, but I would liken my game more to Dan, in as much as I can often hit it all over the place but scramble a good score together, I tend to be happy if I'm anywhere within 3 shots of my handicap....subject to conditions. I love how Ray goes from the sublime to the ridiculous....I'm pretty sure every one of us would see some high scores if we were lucky enough to play from the tips on the caliber of course you guys do... Keep on keeping on guys! Much love!

[@Splasher56]

It really does not matter what the handicaps are, you play whilst filming brilliant content on a variety of devices, playing Hollywood shots, off tees that the tour professionals would struggle with, your not really concentrating 100% on golf and you don't have a caddy, but still you are all getting on on par fives in two, we are only talking half or one shot difference form scratch or 7, brilliant!! love to see the pros doing that well and making it worth watching!!

[@GrahamS67]

Such a good vlog. I don't play in competitions but play lots of different courses so use the Swing x Swing app to calculate a virtual handicap but still have people who clearly don't understand the system claiming I should be higher.

[@JT-xs4br]

You are most steady and closest to steady scratch. Coach and Dan is truly who the handicap system confuses watchers who can’t believe he is scratch because he definitely post to his potential. He gets hot he will shoot a low score which lowers his handicap then will shoot 80 and only hurt it a little.

[@jhoefer99]

I wish more people understood this. It’s maddening talking to people about handicaps that have no idea what they’re talking about. 👏

[@SuperVandemon]

i ran a stat app for 2 years . and put all my cards in good or bad . and at the moment my stat handicap is 5.5 . but my real one is 9.2 . so handicap wise im were im at . i now i can play lower and all so have high scores . the 4 off you go out and have a blast for us to see you have fun , if you were in a game mode you all would play different to haw you play in the vogs .there grate to watch. so keep doing it .

[@andrewgort8067]

Love the vid brah ! Understanding the handicap system is central to how we measure our improvements and satisfaction with the game. The handicap system is designed to enable every golfer to have the same chance at winning a competition. So it must reflect the potential of every player, so that every one has a chance to win when they are “on”. So it stands to reason that Dan could actually have a lower handicap than Mark as he often seems to have an ability to go low, where as Mark is much steadier. Dan’s handicap will be adjusted by the % of times he goes low. Personally I play about 50 rounds a year and play to handicap or better about 10 times a year, and win a competition in my grade about once a year. Given that there are about 50 - 60 players in my grade then my handicap is probably a true reflection of allowing every player a chance to win.

[@paulbrunt5251]

I looked through my last 6mths of rounds, which worked out to be 38 rounds. My handicap went from 8 to 5 over that period and 11 rounds were playing too my handicap or better off the stick. The rest of my rounds for that 6mth period varied from 1 over my handicap to 10 over my handicap and that was on my home course, which I’m very familiar with. So I do understand the msg you’re trying to get across to the handicap police👍👍

[@dominichead1586]

Do golfers benefit more from getting their handicaps done when they first take the game up? Does that give them more to work with? Love this discussion. This even gets me talking! Keep up the good work Mark.

[@acezero911]

Thanks for the video Mark, I had no idea the handicap system was so complicated.

[@eelcosnijders1694]

Thanks very much for the insight, feel much better about my game.... I've been going up .1 for the past 15 comps during the winter. Only recently coming on form and expecting to drop down again in two or three better scores!

[@akibobrob]

One point is that the European courses you play use the slope system. Had a look at the Gloria course and reckon Rory should have got 12 shots off the back tees. That’s a big difference between the UK and EGA systems and looks like they’ll be using slopes instead of standard scratch in the new 2020 system.

[@buzzlightyear4270]

Yep, actually one of the fun things with slope is that you can play off forward tees and get hardly any shots or play off the backs and get lots more! We do this quite a lot and always score better net scores off the backs (i.e getting more shots helps us despite distance)

[@michaelflynnmusic]

USA golfer here...USA course rating where I usually play: 74.3/137. My handicap is at a +0.3. What people don't understand that this speaks to my potential around the course. 5 rounds in the 60s last year, but average in the low 70s. The rating is so hard that it drops my handicap down just by shooting 2 over! I like the standard scratch system a lot more - I think it speaks more towards the actual scoring of a player rather than the immovable USA system. I think that the handicap system works against the scratch players the majority of the time over here!

[@darrenmallett7055]

Only play single event competitions, and in 2017 I played to my handicap or better 16 out of 42 games. Handicap moved from 10.4 to 9.4 over the course of the year.

[@tonywestwell]

I play to my handicap once per month, under my handicap about once a year. Playing in Europe where slope is used, still easier to get cut, but they do give you shots back quicker with this system than in the UK. Plus most of my competition rounds are on bigger courses than the one I'm a member of. Example next week the Diamond GC at Atzenbrugg home of the Austrian Open.

[@craigshelton119]

Totally agree Mark, l have had 4 competitive rounds so far this year and shot 81, 68, 65 and 75 nett. Our par is 68 had 2 +0.1 rounds and 2 -0.6 rounds. Gone from 14 to 12.9 I can accept the big scores now as I know there is a low round coming. 👍

[@Toji_fushigoro17]

I like the way you explained hdcp as "potential". Some who are less familiar with the system may see hdcp as what they should, or are expected to play.

[@emmbers]

One of the best vids you’ve done Mark..... just goes to show, we - know - NOTHING!!!! Off to see my club pro for an official handicap lesson! Always knew Ray was off 7 😬.... ish. Big up LockeyArmy. Keep up the great work bruh’s.

[@taylorharty885]

Really enjoyed this video. I think the concept of the handicap for the recreational/non competeting golfer is odd. While my group likes to keep a "handicap" we know our local courses aren't regularly rated/sloped, we are often not playing from the tips, and know that my handicap on a mobile app isn't going to hold up on tournament courses from the tips. Handicap has is important for competing golfers, but for the weekend guy trying to break 90 its just a tool to see how you are trending and to let us compete with friends. Thanks for sharing Rory's as well. I think its important for people to understand that "potential" if someone is off 8, they aren't shooting in the 70s regularly. They have the ability to shoot in the 70s and do so on occasion.

[@jakubsvitak3109]

Some viewers are like too ambitious parents - never reflect good results, just bad all the time. Love your content, keep going guys 👍

[@PaulGSimGolfandRacing]

Since moving to my new course just over a year ago (css 74+), I've played to or under my handicap less than 10 times. Where as my old course (css 70-) was alot more. I've maintained my handicap of 9 at my new course so to me that means I have improved.

[@cjlogan8422]

Love this.. So many guys dropping scores because they do not understand what it does to their HC.. Using over Par as a number they do not understand.. Many guys i play around off single figures have a Not so great round and of a sudden guys think well he shot 7 over he cant be a 4HC hes now a 7.. Nope that is not how it work.. Great Vid..

[@thebigg]

Great video Mark! It’s almost like people expect anyone who is off scratch to be the same level as pga tour pros who are the best in the world. And then they brush Rory with the same brush and it all gets out of proportion. Keep having fun bruh! Love the course vlogs!!

[@fridaybass]

Last three rounds all cuts, between 1.3 and 0.3. Have not played for about 4 weeks because my clubs got stolen. Hopping to change that this week with some new sticks on the way and hopefully getting here by Friday.

[@Shirvtastic]

Excellent video Mark. Makes me feel better about the scores I am getting off my 'handicap'.

[@devinwright131]

This year at my home championship course I very often play to my handicap or better but that’s because I’ve been trending down (playing better). As for playing other courses I’m usually a few strokes over (AKA: it pays to really know approaches and greens and where to miss). I know that this will level out soon and I will return to playing a few strokes over my handicap on the regular.

[@matthewcroad7218]

Brilliant blog Bruh. Easy to get despondent with the game if you don't understand. Glad you are here to give us minions the knowledge

[@01neilp]

I play of 9 and played in an open at royal Dornoch on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was blowing a gale and css was 76 (6 over par) and was reduction only and scored 98 gross (28 over par), Sunday was a bit calmer (css 75) and scored 79 gross (9 over par). Started the weekend 9.0 and finished it 8.0. Get cut 1 whole shot having shot a 28 over par round on 1 day.

[@craiglongshaw9868]

Easy to overlook unless you’re playing competitive golf regularly! The struggle is real!!! Great vid 👍

[@mjarvis8610]

Absolutely epic video Mark!! Shared this with all my society guys. Just brilliant.

[@peterrichardson6046]

Hi Mark, using shot scope. Last 7 rounds 4 went up .1, 2 in buffer, 1 came down .4 stay the same 8.6 . Loving the vlogs

[@PicklePilot]

Just looked back at my stats. Of the last 20 rounds recorded, 16 were above my handicap based on course rating (differential?), and I’m completely fine with that because I live for the moments where I shoot at or under handicap. Makes it fun and interesting, because if I did it everytime, then what’s the point. I like the challenge and golf has plenty of that 👍🏻

[@lungy7]

👏👏👏the data journalist. Amazing commitment. I could never have done that as most if the time too busy laughing at the course vlogs! 👏👏👏

[@johnhood964]

Another brilliant and interesting blog from you Mark. I play five months of the year in the USA and the rest of the year in the UK. Having two handicaps that don’t really relate to each other and change at different rates is confusing . I can’t wait for the World handicap system to be introduced so that it doesn’t matter where you play you can be certain the competition is fair.

[@Cooper1234Daniel]

I was off 5 in the UK, moved to the US and my handicap started at +1 after posting 15 rounds. I played well over that stretch but only shot under par twice

[@pete0726]

When I became a scratch player handicap was no longer important. I now play more "fun" golf than serious golf, unless I am called out to compete. I tought my son how to swing. He started practicing daily until he felt he wanted to call me out and beat me. After 9 I was one under and he was 10 over. After that 9 he wanted to go back to fun golf. He learned a lesson that day of how to manage a course, how my concentration level changed and the difference between competitive golf vs fun golf. My tournament days are over and handicap means nothing to me after achieving scratch. I like the banter and fun your group has, your scores mean nothing to me. Keep having fun mates.

[@ronanhayes4726]

You didn’t put the link to the stats in the description

[@langers1972pl]

Hi Mark loving the vlogs especially the journey....me and Aiden....same faults ....high handle...learning alot...played 7 comps this year..gone up 0.5....

[@causeceleb]

Good work Mark. And to the viewer with the spreadsheet. Your content of late is excellent. This and The Journey series to be noted.

[@TB1Z_]

Great video! Seeing these stats has given me motivation to continue to plug my way through my bad spell.

[@jackshaffer6642]

Fascinating video. From the states it's very interesting to hear the differences in handicapping.

[@craigforrester9359]

I play off 12 and my first medal of the year i shot 94, last week i shot 82! Tends to be a bit of a pattern lots of .1 increase followed by a .4 decrease. Keeps me going back!

[@mvannatter73]

Another rock solid video. Though I know the US handicap system well, I still find myself fretting over my GHIN, how others don’t understand it, and then end up forgetting in the moment what the handicap is really all about. Great reminder and I’ll be sure to share this vid with my friends and family. It’ll certainly help us with properly organizing a fair scoring system in our yearly family tournaments which is always a year long debate..... well maybe not 🤪

[@Oldlard]

For everyone moaning about "not starting off the first three cards", what do you think Rory's handicap is going to start off at given one of his first three cards is shooting 79 around a course with a SSS of 73? It's lower than 7, I can tell you that much.

[@MarkCrossfield]

It’s funny isn’t it

[@michaelangell9148]

Well just do it guys and prove all the people wrong. Very simple really and make great viewing.

[@markwalker9963]

Great video. I had this argument on a social day with players without an official handicap wanting to play off 28 then walking in with 40 points and losing 9 balls. I tried explaining that I play off 15 but average 28 points but I was wasting my breath

[@joeperez3520]

In the USA it's a bit more obvious that a handicap is meant to show your *potential* talent, since only the best 10 of your most recent 20 rounds factor into the handicap calculation. Is Coach having a problem paying the heating bill at home? He always seems to that the hoodie on, and over his head, when Mark rings him up.

[@dougiemontana4815]

Joe Perez ...think this system is going global.

[@joeperez3520]

From what I've read about coming changes to the system in the UK, I believe you are correct. The equation to use for each round to determine the Differential for the round just played is... Handicap Differential = (Adjusted Gross Score - USGA Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating. 😵

[@dougiemontana4815]

Joe Perez ...it’s never simple is it😂

[@jongeephotography]

Joe Perez bad hair day, bruh.....

[@joeperez3520]

Probably more like "late night out!" 😁

[@wedge1er306]

Golf is hard Bruhhhh!!!! I think the main thing is ur going out there and getting it !!!! Most everyone is up and down or else we would all be playing on tour!!!! I think u guys are doing a great job and playing great game that the game always wins!!!! Lol ... absoloutly comendable!!!!! Keep after it gentalmen!!!!

[@locobenno9435]

Another sensible h'cap vid, I'll leave it to others to comment on why folks don't/won't/can't get it....to the question of how often do I play to my handicap (or lower) per calendar year in competition: maybe 10 times in 70 rounds, and that's probably being generous

[@choiboix]

Loco Benno Sensible video that bases his argument on illegitimate score data? Match play games that don’t finish holes or is given 10 ft putts? Doesn’t sound sensible to me with that data to make his argument that Roy’s a 7.

[@jpxst180s6]

I worked my stats out 2019 played 23 rounds Handicap 5.3 Average 75 strokes I beat my handicap 8 times in the year Started the year off 5.3 finished on 5.3 Our standard scratch is 68 we are a par 70 , I actually rate myself as a 3 handicap really as when I go away I compete with guys as low as scratch, Next year in Ireland in November a new handicap system comes in so will be interesting to see!

[@GodandBrooksFallsbears]

I know very little about handicaps, have no clue what mine would be. Not sure I care past curiosity since I don’t play enough. I just Golf for fun with family. Golf is a humble game, just when you think your doing good the next shot wonder what your doing. Golf is a hard game that can’t be mastered. Pros make golf easy at times after countless hours or practice, but still bad days come and go like the wind. Take Sergio Garcia at the masters last year he won from the hole that made him look silly this year. I love the game of golf because it feeds the competitive part in me to keep trying my best while having fun.

[@brettsheldon4639]

Interesting video. Just looked at my last 9 rounds as we have now transitioned into qualifying competitions in the last 2 rounds. My handicap is 13.2 which I'm hoping will drop this year. Over these rounds I would have been cut to 11.4 if all were qualifiers. However the variance over these rounds is 8 over scratch to 19 over scratch. It'll be interesting to see how the season pans out as I'm working hard in my practice rounds to get my consistency better - fingers crossed we can get to single figures and play to it.

[@jimbellski]

Lovely to get a mention in there from the old twitter, thanks bruh!! Good video bruh explaining complexities of handicap system. If everyone spent 20 mins understanding the system the game would be enjoyed by more.

[@malcolmevans2663]

Yeah this is helpful to see your stats. I gained my first hcp of 18 last September, then over winter not scored anywhere near that. Our course really struggled this winter with the weather and I don't play often so it's been discouraging but maybe not surprising. Had a helpful lesson with our pro and I've been steadily improving since April. Finally shot 4 under on Bank holiday Monday. Seems there are many factors that influence our scores and we shouldn't be too quick to beat ourselves up ;)

[@christheodorou31]

THIS WAS AWESOME! Please do another one explaining how we getting wrong also! And difference between them....🙏🙏🙏