s someone who’s just developed an interest in golfing, you’ll probably hear so many words you’re used to being used in different contexts, and that can be pretty confusing.
One such word is golf handicap, which is the numerical measure of a golfer’s potential. While handicap is a popular golfing term, not many people know that golfers are ranked based on their handicap. One popular category of golfers by their handicap is mid-handicap golfers, and this article will focus on explaining what you should know about mid handicappers.
So, what is a mid handicapper in golf? A mid handicapper is a golfer with average handicap scores. Mid handicappers typically have handicaps ranging between 11 and 20. Golfers in this category would normally shoot anywhere from 80 to 94.
Being ranked in the average category means that mid handicappers will likely have a few bad holes, but of course, a significant part of their games will be relatively uneventful.
Bear in mind that mid handicap is the stage below low handicap, so many golfers in this category would still hit good scores. After all, many of them are working to become low handicappers.
Are Mid Handicapper Grouped Into Categories?
Yes, mid handicappers are still grouped into lower mid-handicappers, mid-handicappers, and higher-mid-handicappers.
Here, let’s briefly review what each category stands for and what qualifies you to be in them.
Lower mid handicappers
This category of mid handicappers plays off a 10 to 12. As expected, these golfers will shoot low 80s, although there’ll be times when they can break into the 70s.
Mid mid handicappers
Golfers in this category would find themselves regularly scoring in the mid to high 80s. If you typically play off a 13 to 16, you belong to this category of mid handicappers.
Higher mid handicappers
The last subcategory of mid handicappers typically consists of golfers that have just graduated from the beginner ranks and are beginning to gain more consistency. Golfers in this category would usually play off a 16 to 18 and can shoot high 80s to mid-90s.
What is The Best Golf Club For Mid Handicappers?
If you’re not in a hurry, check out our complete hot lists of the best golf clubs for mid-handicappers:
- Best golf drivers for mid handicappers
- Best irons for mid handicappers
- Best golf wedges for mid handicappers
Now that you’re sure about being a mid-handicapper, the next step is learning how to improve your shots.
Truly, golfers in this category would always alternate between good shots and bad ones. However, getting good equipment can help you increase your likelihood of hitting better shots.
Fortunately, golf manufacturers often prefer to target this market category because of the number of people it consists of. So, you’ll find different club shapes and club faces in the market designed to improve your game. Most golf equipment marketers prefer to call these clubs game-improvement or super game-improvement clubs.
As a mid handicapper, one of the best ways to improve your game is by playing with a club designed to have a larger central hitting zone. This design would make your off-center hits travel far down the fairway. This way, you can still get the ball as close to the green as possible, even when you’re slightly off trajectory. Additionally, it takes a very forgiving clubface to achieve solid responsiveness and excellent energy transfer from the club to the ball.
There are so many clubs in the market with these specifications, but our editors have picked the TaylorMade M4 Combo Set as their top choice. Here’s a bit about it.
TaylorMade M4 Combo (Hybrid/Iron) Set
As one of the most forgiving clubs in the market, it has several features to allow mid handicappers to drive the ball very hard down the fairway with accuracy and precision.
Additionally, its design with patented technology from one of the most reputable golf brands out there shows that you’re getting top-notch quality. The RIBCOR bars that this set is famous for make for a more flexible face, which translates into enhanced energy transfer to the ball and straighter shots.
How to Move From Mid to Low Handicap (4 Tips)
It feels good to see the results from your hard work and constant practice showing up in your score. Playing better, scoring lower, and watching your handicap drop are all signs that you’re improving your game. Unfortunately, you won’t experience these signs unless you put in the effort to grow better in your game.
Here are our 4 Honest Golfer tips to climb from a low handicapper to a mid handicapper:
1. Practice consistent drives with reasonable distance
One of the first tips every top golfer will offer for improving your handicap is to hit solid drives at good distances consistently. Good drives would typically set the stage for the rest of the hole, making short game shorts and approaches easier. Therefore, you’ll be in better positions to attack par 5s. As you continue to practice hitting solid drives, your posture and setup routines will improve.
2. Minimize three putts
One major factor that differentiates handicap groups is the number of three puts. To become a low handicap golfer, you must learn to minimize the number of three puts you’ll hit. Over time, you can develop the ability to improve the distance and speed of your ball rolls so that your first putt can settle closer to the pin. This would naturally take so much stress off your second putt.
3. Practice curving your ball on command
You’ve probably heard how important it is to have one basic swing and one basic ball flight in your quest to become better. But, to move to the next step, you’ll need the ability to slice or hook the ball on demand. This way, you can maneuver doglegs and trouble shots that you may encounter around trees and other disruptions. The whole idea of curving the ball can seem intimidating at first, but it’s something you can learn with constant practice. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by adjusting your grip by turning both hands in the same direction so that your thumb would be in the same direction of the shaft.
4. Fewer penalty shots
To become better at golf, you must master keeping your ball in play. This doesn’t mean you won’t hit bad shots, but you should know when there’s a problem and adjust accordingly.
Conclusion: What is a Mid-Handicapper in Golf?
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand more about mid-handicappers. Mid handicappers make up a significant percentage of golfers. It’s the stage between high handicaps and low handicaps and consists of golfers with handicap indexes between 9 and 18. We’ve also provided tips to help you move from being a mid-handicapper to hitting a high handicap in golf.