Keeping the Competitive Spirit Alive

Golf is a sport that brings people together. However, an unexpected injury has thrown a wrench into my usual game. I recently found myself having to learn how to play golf with only one arm! This ridiculous escapade has presented a unique challenge: How do I maintain a competitive spirit and track my progress while playing under such unusual circumstances?

All Inclusive

Is there any sport that has a handicapping system as good as golf? We all have a moan about it now and again, but unless it is being abused, I think it does a pretty good job of leveling the playing field. As an example, I've had the privilege of playing with my son and father at the same time, spanning three generations and 66 years in age. The fact that we can all compete, despite our physical differences, is a testament to the beauty of the game and its handicapping system. Just the fact that 3 generations can play a sport together at the same time is amazing, but the ability to have a competitive match between the three of us - 66 years apart in age - is pretty unique. PS. Dad loves it when he wins!

What my one-handed handicap would be is a question that has already come up many times. I’m exploring if I can get an official handicap whilst I am playing one-handed, but it is not as simple as it might seem! Clearly, my handicap index of 3 is of no relevance whatsoever whilst playing one-handed. The four cards I have recorded are 42 over par, 41 over and two 39s. Chislehurst is a compact par 66 so I'm tantalisingly close to breaking 100. We are definitely not in the single-figure zone. I’d call this intermediate-beginner standard.

My latest scorecard. I started on the 10th.

Let’s Do Battle

Most people would agree that golf is always more enjoyable if there is an element of competition so I'd like to be able to state what my ‘one armed’ handicap is when I show up for a game, whether it’s a friendly roll up or something more serious. In theory it should be fairly straightforward. A new member at a club registered with the English Golf Union would mark three or more cards, get them signed by an existing member and the system will work out a handicap for them. The more rounds they put in, the more accurate it will be.

I think the same should apply to me whilst I am injured. As a one-hander I'm a completely different golfer to what I was before. I can only hit 50% of the distance I had before, I've hit one green in regulation in 4 rounds, I'm using different equipment and I can't even think about hitting a driver…yet! See this post which explains what I can and can’t do.

Double Handicap?

I've asked the Handicaps and Competitions Committee at CGC if it would be possible for me to ‘freeze’ my 3 handicap until I can play properly and have a temporary handicap for my one-handed game. The Committee have been great and really supportive. I won't go into too many details at this stage but it's more complicated than it sounds and needs the involvement of the Kent Golf Union. I think the main concerns are whether I can gain an unfair competitive advantage, and what happens when I want to play two handed again.

Calculating a handicap is simple right?

Although my situation is surely not unique, it is unusual and there is always a risk that an inappropriate precedent could be set that causes problems in the future. I completely get this and it was therefore important for me to be clear with the Committee about what I am trying to achieve with this ridiculous escapade and what I am not.

All I want to do is to play golf with friends and fellow members and be able to join in competitively. It would also be great to track my progress.

El Bandito

What I am definitely not trying to do is gain a competitive advantage by getting a nice, roomy, high handicap and then win loads of competitions. That’s not to say that I wouldn’t play in competitions if I got the chance, but it would only be for the camaraderie and banter - not to try and win. In fact, I’d be happy to be ineligible to win - I just want to stay involved during my injury.

The Bandit. This specimen has 2 arms!

Maybe including the word ‘bandit’ in my blogsite title implies that I am trying to take advantage of the system but I assure you I am not. I just thought the pun of ‘one armed bandit' was too good to refuse.

Playing golf one-handed has been an incredibly humbling and eye-opening experience. It's forced me to confront my limitations, adapt my game, and appreciate the intricacies of the sport in a whole new way. While the challenge of getting an official one-handed handicap continues, I'm committed to making the most of this situation.

If anyone else has experienced a similar injury or has advice on how to track progress and stay competitive in unusual circumstances, please share your thoughts in the comments below! I'm eager to hear from you and learn from your experiences.