handicap, what handicap?

Hi
I am new to golf and new to the GTO forums.

I was invited to a golf outing in about 6 weeks and used this to give me a reason to learn golf. However, the event organizers want to know my handicap. Aside from all the jokes (my handicap? oh, it is the way I hit the ball...), how can an absolute beginner answer this question? I did enough research to know that I can't establish a handicap until I play a few (10?) rounds.

I signed up to have three, one-hour lessons over the next weeks, and I have gone to the driving range a few times. I am learning the swing myself from the "magic moves" book from www.newgolfswing.com, but I probably will not have played more than a couple of rounds before the event.

Also, is there any etiquette I should follow to inform the event organizers and fellow golfers at the event that I am an absolute beginner? Someone recommended to me that I tell them at the event that I don't want to really play, just walk the course and do some chipping and putting. Is this right?

Ken

hi
i would tell them that your learning as the may put you in with other high handicapers and start you near the end, that way not holding up others. you might find it better to play with high handicapers at this stage.
best of luck whaterver you do and remember to enjoy it.
bill

Tell 'em the truth. You're just learning, you don't have a handicap.

I was in a similar position a few years ago - not an absolute beginner but with maximum 3 rounds a year for the previous 30 not far off.

The organisers did their best but I was easily the duffer in our 3 ball team - playing "best two scores count stapleford".

Thing is that not only did I somehow contribute a few (very few - don't ask me how) points to the team effort but, more importantly for the day, the single figure handicap team leader was patient, tolerant and encouraging.

I'd say the majority of golfers are the same - actually the others aren't golfers, they just play golf, - if you tell them where you are in golf they will help you.

One thing perhaps - especially if it is Stapleford - if you get to the stage where you can't score and you are more than a putt or two away then pick up to keep the game moving on.

Enjoy it though.

__________________
I firmly believe that we should try to experience all that life affords, except, perhaps, bestiality and of course Morris Dancing.

thanks to bill reed, lowpost42 and bdbl for your responses.

Ken

hi kglade
let us know how you got on and remember to enjoy it, its ment to be fun lol.
bill