What is a Mid Handicapper? (Find Out What You’re Considered)

The largest group of golfers is the mid handicappers. However, this range can feel wide so you might be wondering if you are a middle handicapper.

Low handicappers are able to identify themselves as high handicappers. Let’s find out if a mid handicapper describes your game or if you identify as high or low.

 

What is a Mid Handicap golfer?

A mid handicap golfer refers to anyone with a handicap of between 10 and 20. Mid handicappers don’t have a single-digit handicap. They often shoot in the 80s or 90s.

The mid handicapper score is usually between 85 and 93.

A mid handicapper who breaks 90 regularly is usually quite satisfied with the way they play. While most mid handicappers will only make a few pars or bogeys, they often have one to two holes where they can pick up extra strokes.

This could be a result of a bad shot on the golf course or a difficulty getting up and down from difficult spots around the green. These extra shots are what keeps mid handicap golfers away from being low handicappers.

 

Understanding the Different Levels of Handicap

Although we would like to be polite and say that your handicap doesn’t define you as a golfer, it most certainly does. Scratch golfers work hard to get to that point and aren’t afraid to announce that they are scratch golfers.

High handicappers know that they are difficult to break 100 and until they do so consistently, they seem almost out of reach for the mid-handicap range.

The handicap levels for men and women are the same. Mid handicap golfers are women who shoot in the mid- to high 80s. Although there are less women golfers who are low and mid handicap than there are men in the same range, it is still considered the same.

Remember that everyone’s idea of what defines a “good” golfer can be very different. A scratch golfer may think that a friend who shoots 82 is not a good player. The friend with a higher handicapper will likely view them as professionals!

	Low Handicap Golfer	Mid Handicap Golfer	High Handicap Golfer
Handicap Range	0-9	10-20	21+
Score	Par-79	80-94	95+
Consistency	High	Average	Poor

 

Tips on How to Change from a Mid Handicapper into a Low Handicapper

Different goals are different for every golfer. For some, just getting out on the course and enjoying it can be enough. Others must strive to break 80. You will quickly move from the low handicap to the middle handicap group if you keep breaking 80. Here are some tips to help you do this faster.

Accuracy over Distance

It’s fun to hit the ball far. It doesn’t matter what handicap you have, hitting the ball with great speed and heading down the fairway center feels great. Distance isn’t the only thing that matters.

When you’re ready to score well, accuracy is more important than distance. To break 80, golfers need to be very precise.

Even hitting a shot in trouble can result in a bogey. And scratch golfers will tell that there is a huge difference between hitting a shot from the fairway and a shot from the rough. To shoot the lowest score possible, accuracy is crucial.

Practice Putting from 10-15 Feet

Golfers who want to be low handicappers must be able drain birdie putsts. Unfortunately, pars don’t suffice.

You will still make mistakes even if you are low on the course. Sometimes you make a mistake or lie and end up with a bogey shot. It’s going to happen.

It is much easier to stay below 80 if you make a few birdies along your way. You must be able drain those 10 to15 foot putts to make birdies.

A good approach shot is one that places you between 10 and 15 feet from the pin. You must be able capitalize on this opportunity to shoot lower scores.

You can practice putting drills to improve your ability to consistently get the ball into the hole from the 10-15 foot range.

Moving up and down

Mid handicap golfers have more confidence with their wedges than lower handicap golfers. It’s not enough to put your wedge on the green. You must get it close to the pin.

Golfers with lower handicaps must also pay attention to where the ball is landing on the green.

Don’t leave yourself with a 5 foot putt straight downhill to the pin if you are trying to make a par. You will be much more likely to make it if you putt four feet higher up the hill.

If you want to become a lower handicapper, be smart about which club you choose, how you land the ball, and how much putt you are leaving behind.

Fairway Wood Approaches

If you have trouble with the driver, you can use the fairway wooden off the tee. The fairway wood can also be used for longer approach shots on par 5.

It can make all the difference in the world if you can get your ball within a fair distance of the hole on a par 5.

You should have confidence in your fairway wood’s accuracy. It is important to hit the ball straight down the fairway. Even if you don’t have the distance to make it to the green, you can get close and then get the ball up and down for an easy birdie.

Mental Strategies

Start thinking like a handicapper if you want to be a lower handicapper.

Do not try to hit shots to avoid trouble. Instead, aim straight for the target. You can make a birdie if that is what you desire.

If you have a good round going, don’t start thinking about how it will go bad. If you are smart about how you are playing, it doesn’t have to go bad.

I recommend Bob Rotella’s books, Dave Pelz and Bob Rotella. They will help you control your thoughts and make you a better golfer.

Practice Time: More

If you’re moving from the mid- to low handicapper range, it is important to increase your practice time.

Even if you only play on weekends, it is worth adding an extra half-hour to your practice time on Wednesday afternoons. Consider getting a chipping or putting mat at home so you can still play a short game on the weekends or during a busy day.

Tracking stats and data

The last but not least, lower handicap golfers begin to track their stats to ensure that their handicap is trending in an upward direction. You can also track your stats and data to see which clubs you need to improve on.

You will be able to lower your scores by having some direction and making sure you are doing the right thing.

There are many devices that can track most of this information without you having to do anything.