I‘m not a great golfer, but I still make money playing golf.
It’s a small miracle.
I don’t fully understand the GHIN handicap system, but I do know that it is designed to “level” the playing field between golfers of different abilities. It seems to me to work in favor of golfers with higher handicaps. How else can I explain the fact that I keep making money playing golf?
The other day I played a round on a semi-difficult course with a small group of golfers. There were seven of us: three in the first group, four in the second. We decided to play a game called Individual Quota and each tossed in $5 into a kitty. (The game is sometimes referred to as Chicago, though the goal is slightly different. In Chicago you start with negative points. In Quota you start with positive points.) Click here for an explanation of the game.
In a game of Quota each golfer starts off with points that match his or her handicap and the goal is to get from that starting point and reach 36 points by adding points for bogeys, pars, birdies and eagles (lucky dog, you!)
Here’s an example: Let’s say you have a handicap of 28 and your partner has a handicap of 12. Your goal is to get from 28 to 36 which means you have to get 8 points to make your quota. Your partner has to get from his or her handicap of 12 to a 36 which means he or she has to get 24 points. The winner is the golfer who EXCEEDS the target by the greatest amount.
You get points for playing well— bogey=1 point, par=2 points, birdie=4 points, and eagle=8 points… Hole in One? The game is yours – take everyone to the 19th hole immediately and enjoy your bragging rights.
I’m in the enviable position of playing well these days but still have a high handicap. I’ve got distance but no direction!!! that means I only need to get 5 or 6 points before I can start counting towards the grand total of 36! Makes for a fun time for me, but a bit frustrating for my golf partners. They have to play “lights out golf” to beat me. So it is a challenge.
It’s been a profitable season so far for me! Though I do admit to feeling a little guilty when I win. 🙂
Do you ever play Quota Golf? What do you think? Is if fair for low handicappers? Add your comments in the spot below.
