The Great Equalizer: Why Handicaps Make Golf Better Together

Play Happy! Perspectives is a Blog about MORE than Golf…It’s a way to Play, Think and Live.

The Great Equalizer: Why Handicaps Make Golf Better Together

One of the wonderful things about golf is that players of different ages, experience levels and abilities can step onto the same course and enjoy the game together. And we have the handicap system to thank for much of that.

A handicap is golf’s great equalizer. It allows a beginner to play alongside an experienced golfer, friends with very different games to compete with one another, and everyone to feel like they have a chance.

I was struck by that at our most recent Nancy Lopez Golf Adventure. Even Nancy Lopez was posting her scores for her handicap!

Here’s the important part, though: at Nancy Lopez Golf Adventures, keeping score is always an option—not a requirement.

Some of our participants love playing their own ball, counting every stroke and posting their scores. Others might play a casual scramble with friends. Some create their own fun match-play competition within their group. And others simply enjoy the beautiful golf course, the company and the experience without worrying much about the number on the scorecard.

There’s room for all of it.

That’s one of the reasons handicaps are such a great part of golf. Your handicap isn’t about comparing your game to Nancy Lopez—or anyone else. It gives you a way to measure your game and, when you want a little friendly competition, allows golfers of different abilities to compete on a more level playing field.

But a scorecard should never determine whether you had a great day.

At Nancy Lopez Golf Adventures, we believe golf is about so much more than your final number. It’s about the people you meet, the places you experience, the shots you’ll remember, the laughs you share and maybe even that one birdie that keeps you coming back.

Keep score. Don’t keep score. Play your own ball. Scramble with your friends. Have a little friendly competition.

There’s more than one way to enjoy this wonderful game.

Whatever way you choose, our goal remains the same:

Play together. Have fun. Play Happy!