If you are a casual golf fan or what to try out the sport for yourself, then be prepared to hear a lot of new words. There are an endless number of golf terms out there, with each one meaning a different type of shot, club, score, swing, and much more.
You have probably by now heard of the term “handicap” as this is used in almost every game. But did you know that there are different types of handicaps?
The term “golf handicap,” is the numerical measurement of a golfer’s potential. While it’s a common term, many people don’t know that golfers are ranked according to their handicaps. In this article, we are going to cover everything that you need to know about one of these types of handicaps that you’ll see in golf; the mid handicap.
What’s A Mid Handicap?
Golfers with scores that fall anywhere in the middle of the range are referred to as “mid-handicappers.” Mid-handicappers often have handicaps that fall somewhere around 11 to 20. Golfers that fall into this category often post scores ranging from 80 to 94 on their scorecards.
Seeing as mid-handicappers are classified in the average group means that they will probably have a few holes that are less than ideal.
Keep in mind though that low handicap is the level above mid handicap, which means that many golfers who fall into this group would still be able to hit decent scores. After all, a good many of them are putting in the effort to lower their handicaps.
Mid-Handicapper Categories
Just when you thought there weren’t enough different handicaps in golf, mid-handicaps are divided into 3 categories. These are:
Upper Mid Handicappers
This group is made up of players who have just advanced from the ranks of novice golfers and are starting to become more consistent with their games. Golfers that fall into this group often play off of a 16 to 18 and have the ability to shoot in the upper 80s to the middle 90s.
Middle Mid Handicappers
Golfers that fit within this group would often post scores in the upper 70s to low 80s consistently. If you usually play off a score between 13 and 16, you fall into the type of player known as a mid-handicapper.
Bottom Mid Handicappers
This category of players with a medium handicap ranges from 10 to 12. These golfers will, as is to be anticipated, post scores in the low 80s, however, there will be instances in which they can break into the 70s.
What Kind Of Equipment Does A Player With A Mid-Handicap Use?
As we get better at lowering our handicaps, we will feel more confident in our ability to strike. As our self-assurance grows, we become more interested in trying new shots and extending our distance and spin.
On the other hand, while having a medium handicap, we are not faultless and sometimes make the occasional mistake. As a result, players that fall into this handicap category have to choose equipment that both provides performance and forgiveness. Here are some of the best things to use if you have a mid-handicap.
Irons
You probably shouldn’t play with blades if your handicap is anywhere in the middle. You need to make sure that the equipment you use provides both forgiving and consistent distance.
Because of how they appear, how they feel, and how well they perform in all aspects, lower- to mid-handicappers can decide that they are ready to add players’ distance irons to their bags. If you want to do this, make sure you are fitted for irons and select the ones that offer the highest level of forgiveness possible.
If you have a mid-handicap you can continue with game improvement irons or cavity back irons. Even when the ball is struck off-center, a golf club with a larger sweet spot on the clubface will generate the same amount of distance.
Drivers
It all comes down to individual choices when it comes to drivers. It is highly recommended that you choose a driver that has a loft of 10.5 degrees or more or more if you are a mid-handicapper. It is difficult enough as it is to try to keep the ball on the fairway; there is no need for you to be concerned about the launch angle or the carry distance.
Putters
Putters are available in a wide array of designs, giving golfers a choice of options to pick from. You should stay away from blade putters though since they are intended for really skilled players who can make putts on any green.
Golfers with a handicap of three to five strokes may find the concept of peripherally weighted putters appealing. These were designed specifically for the better putter who still needs some forgiveness when operating on the green.
A mallet putter should always be carried by golfers with higher to mid-range handicaps. The design’s generous forgiveness will support your attempts to cut down on those dreadful three-putts.
Wedges
To the same extent as drivers, wedges are a matter of individual preference. A wedge with an optimal center of gravity can help you get beneath the ball on strokes from up to 50 yards away. However, higher mid-handicappers may find that they prefer a wedge with a lower center of gravity.
Balls
At this point in your golfing career, you should probably stick with balls that provide a lot of forgiveness. We recommend that you get golf balls with ionomer coverings if you are looking for forgiveness off the tee as well as something that will save you some money as these are pretty cheap.
Summary
A lot of golfers are ranked as having a mid-handicap. Golfers with handicap indices between 9 and 18 are competing at this level. Try out some of the equipment above to see if you can get better scores while still having a mid-handicap.
Hi, my name is Garratt Shmidt and I have been playing golf in my spare time for almost a decade.
Before I found a passion for golf, I didn’t see the appeal. I thought it was slow, repetitive, and quite frankly boring.
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