Dots

How many dots do you see in this image?

If you counted six, you're not alone. The right answer is seven because the question mark includes a dot.

Members who play skins and compete in tournaments: move along; nothing to see here.

How do dots relate to handicapping? Typically, players mark one dot on their scorecard for a hole where GHIN grants them one handicap stroke, and two dots for holes where they get two strokes. They then subtract these handicap strokes from their gross score. In contrast, Scottie Scheffler's handicap is +8.4, meaning he adds strokes to his gross score.

Your handicap index is a baseline number, and you must use the course handicap depending on which tee box you are hitting from. You can find the course handicap in the GHIN app.

Some members enjoy playing "gross only" golf when they are playing solo or with casual friends, and that's totally acceptable. Handicapping lets you compare your skill level to a more experienced player or the course's par, set by a scratch golfer. If your main goal is simply to hit the ball, eventually hole it, and maybe share a drink with friends, you can ignore the dots.