This is one handicap you'd like to carry

Most of us play golf for fun. When you learn to play the game well, the game becomes rewarding and exhilarating. We've looked into many aspects of golf in the last few months and since my last column, I've made it a priority to define my goal for the next golf season. I will obtain an Official Handicap!! That's right - No more excuses!

If you are anything like me - a casual golfer who loves the game, the socializing, the great outdoors, but have not bothered getting an official handicap through the Emirates Golf Federation - you're not alone. Lots of players just want to enjoy the game but there are times, even for the casual player, when it's handy to have a sense of how you stack up against other players.

Reasons for not having a golf handicap vary. Some players feel they're not good enough to have one. Others feel that having one is pretentious or find that going through the effort is just too much trouble. Despite how each individual feels, the benefits of having a handicap far outweigh the reasons not to have one.

Valid reason

Nothing in golf, however, says you must have one to play. Golfers who don't have one violate no rule of the game. But one of the biggest reasons for having a handicap and the reason I'm encouraged to get my handicap is that it can help improve my game.

Whenever you meet another golfer and before they've introduced themselves properly, the conversation quite quickly comes around to the inevitable question - what's your handicap? And I suppose depending on what your handicap is in comparison with the other person, a golfer's perception of his/her own ability is intrinsically tied up with their own handicap and what it represents to them.

So my question; Is your golf handicap holding back your game?

I suppose that's what the handicap system is for, to create an equilibrium that reflects a player's ability. It not only helps you improve your game by providing a goal to shoot for, but also provides direction for planning practice programmes and basis for boosting your confidence every time you lower it. In addition, a golf handicap will provide some credibility to your playing ability and make it easer to take part in competitions and tournaments.

What does it take to get a handicap?

Not so difficult

You would need to play three 18-hole rounds of golf with a partner who has marked three scorecards. These could be from different courses and should be ‘friendly matches'. It's important that you should complete every hole.

You need to ensure that your scorecards are duly completed in full, and these cards should have your name, gross scores, standard scratch score for the course and have to be signed by you and your marking partner.

Then you need to submit your scorecards to the Emirates Golf Federation directly or through your golf club if you are a member. Getting an EGF handicap requires membership through the Emirates Golf Federation or golf club membership.

You will receive an official handicap card. This card will have the calculations of your handicap, and you will have an online profile where the handicap would be mentioned.

To obtain more information on the EGF handicap system and how to apply, visit the website www.emiratesgolffederation.com or call: 04 295 2277 or email info@ugagolf.com.

Now the fun part lies in getting that handicap down and start winning competitions!