Handicap Index Based on Dominant Hand

A player must establish a Handicap Index playing from the player’s preferential side of play, known as the dominant hand. For example, if the Handicap Index is established playing left-handed, the player must continue to play left-handed and post all acceptable scores.

A player may not have a Handicap Index while playing both left-handed and right-handed concurrently. A basic premise of the Rules of Handicapping is that a player is trying to make their best score and to post every acceptable score. This includes selecting the best play for each stroke, so unless a ball is positioned requiring a deviation from the dominant side of play, the player must attempt to make the best shot for each stroke using the dominant side of play.

If a player is forced to discontinue play from the dominant hand in which the Handicap Index was established due to an injury or switches the dominant hand when learning the game, and begins play from the opposite side, the original Handicap Index must be archived, and a new scoring record must be established. The Handicap Committee should work with the AGA to remove the original Handicap Index and scoring record from further access.