Alright, so I’ve been messing around with my golf game lately, trying to really nail down the difference between playing at a 6 handicap versus an 8. It’s not a huge gap, but man, those two strokes can feel like a world of difference on the course.
I started by just playing a bunch of rounds, keeping super close track of everything. I mean everything. Fairways hit, greens in regulation, putts per round, even how many times I ended up in the sand. I figured the more data I had, the better I could see where those two strokes were sneaking in.
First few rounds as a “6”, I was feeling pretty good. I was hitting the ball okay, but I noticed a pattern. I’d have a couple of really solid holes, maybe even a birdie or two, and then… boom. A double bogey would just jump out of nowhere and bite me. It was usually because of one really bad shot, like a drive OB or a chunked approach into the water.
The “8” Experiment
Then, I tried to deliberately play a few rounds as an “8”. This was kind of weird, because it wasn’t about trying to play badly, but more about trying to understand where those extra strokes naturally creep in for someone at that level. I wasn’t aiming for the trees or anything, but I focused more on just staying in play, even if it meant sacrificing some distance or playing it safe.
- I noticed I was taking fewer risks. Less “go for it” shots, more laying up.
- My short game became much more important. I was relying on my chipping and putting to save par a lot more often.
- I had fewer blow-up holes. No crazy doubles, but more bogeys.
Putting It Together
After a bunch of rounds at both “levels”, I started to see the real difference. It wasn’t necessarily about skill, but more about course management and consistency. As a “6”, I was capable of some really great shots, but also prone to those big mistakes. As an “8”, I was playing more conservatively, avoiding those disasters, but also missing out on some birdie opportunities.
The biggest takeaway? To really drop those two strokes, I needed to find a balance. I need to keep the aggressive parts of my game, but learn when to dial it back and play smarter. It’s about knowing when to go for the green and when to just put it in the middle of the fairway. Easier said than done, of course, but at least now I have a much clearer picture of what I need to work on.
It is still in processing, and there is no certain outcome. I will keep practicing and playing to find the point for consistency.
