Handicap First or Join Club First?

I just took my PC test at MBGC Star Golf Academy the past Saturday. Should be pass unless the tester lie to me
Need to start collecting 5x18 holes cards and work towards my handicap.

Just wondering if I should get my handicap first or to join a club like MGK or SSG first? I know that as PC holder can play MBGC or OCC on weekdays. Does joining a club allow me to play other courses as a PC holder?

Y don u try playing in Jb or batam first. Atmosphere there more relaxing for beginners

Played Poresia once back in April. Yup, JB courses more relaxed and they don't even check for PC or Handicap.

Want to play SG courses as not so time consuming. Go JB play is like a whole day affair. SG can take 1/2 day leave and play in afternoons.

Pay and Play first.. like bros said play in jb n batam bintan... after that then decide if club membership is for u or better stick to P&P mode

You can also join estateless club such as golfbuddy network which provides reduced rates to courses in SG and maintain your handicap as well. I believe they have rates for Raffles, Warren, Keppel and Orchid.

Hey Falconlgh,

Since u already have your PC, there are no extra playing privileges from joining either SSG or MGK.

If you are planning to prepare for your courtesy round by clocking the 5 x 18h rounds at MBGC or overseas in JB, then there is no real need to join a club just yet.

If however you prefer to gain the experience at OCC, then you should join MGK to enjoy the discounted rates.

Aside from location convenience, u might want to consider which course you will be taking your courtesy round on. Getting familiar with it is definitely a good idea.

For joining clubs, I would say make sure you have kakis to play with at the club you join.

falconlgh wrote:

Want to play SG courses as not so time consuming. Go JB play is like a whole day affair. SG can take 1/2 day leave and play in afternoons.

I feel the same way too... I pay double the price to play half the time...

Thanks for all the advice guys. Most prob will take handicap first. Hopefully good enough for the handicap test by end of this year. Must train hard on my short game. Half the time when i practice chipping, end up hitting the ball over the green and further away.

That's normal... i still do that sometimes... hahah

falconlgh wrote:

Thanks for all the advice guys. Most prob will take handicap first. Hopefully good enough for the handicap test by end of this year. Must train hard on my short game. Half the time when i practice chipping, end up hitting the ball over the green and further away.

Btw, what club do you normally chip with?

Derek wrote:

falconlgh wrote:

Thanks for all the advice guys. Most prob will take handicap first. Hopefully good enough for the handicap test by end of this year. Must train hard on my short game. Half the time when i practice chipping, end up hitting the ball over the green and further away.

Btw, what club do you normally chip with?

I am using TaylorMade xFT/ZTP 58* 9 bounce to chip in from near the green. Think problem lies in my setup and swing. Self learning so no proper coach to teach me. haha.

have you tried chipping with a less lofted club? For example, a PW, 9 iron or 8 iron?

In general, the more lofted the club, the more precise your contact needs to be. Also, the bigger the difference in distance between a well struck shot and a duff or a topped or thinned shot.

Using a PW or 9 Iron, you make a smaller swing (as compared to a 58) and the ball flies lower and rolls more. Even if you top it or thin it, you will shoot past your target less than if you swung your 58 to reach the same distance.

You can even try choking down on a 5 iron or a hybrid or a fairway wood with a putting-like stroke to see what happens. Who knows, you might like it.

Trying out different clubs around the green will give you a sense of what you are comfortable with and what can work well for you on the course.

There is no fixed way to play short game, and in general it is always good to use a technique that allows for a larger margin of error that still gives acceptable results even when not executed properly.

Have fun!

Oh, always thought that chipping needs the shortest and most lofted wedge coz its so near plus need to get the ball to go up and down.

Learnt something new. Thanks! Will try chipping with my other irons the next time I go practice. Maybe i'll try using my fairway wood like a belly putter and see what happens.

good tip.. learnt something too

join a club first. the club will organize handicap workshop and courtesy round for you

falconlgh wrote:

Oh, always thought that chipping needs the shortest and most lofted wedge coz its so near plus need to get the ball to go up and down.

Learnt something new. Thanks! Will try chipping with my other irons the next time I go practice. Maybe i'll try using my fairway wood like a belly putter and see what happens.

Realize we stay same kampong, maybe we can catch up range at warren

Join the club here of coz.....if not mistaken, almost all the best-er players belong to clubs