Thursday night’s presidential debate hosted by CNN unexpectedly delved into the topic of golf handicaps, with President Joe Biden claiming to have had a handicap of six or eight while serving as vice president. Former President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about this claim, leading to a heated argument during the debate. A golf handicap is a numerical figure used to gauge a player’s ability relative to the course’s par, with lower numbers indicating higher skill levels. Biden’s claimed handicap would suggest that he averages in the high 70s or low 80s per round, which is impressive compared to the average golfer.
In January 2024, data from the United States Golf Association (USGA) showed that the average handicap index for men was around 14, while for women it was 28. Only 20% of male golfers had a handicap index in the 0.5 to 9.9 range. Comparing Biden’s claimed handicap to professional golfers, it is important to note that PGA Tour pros do not keep handicaps due to the high difficulty of the courses they play on. However, some have calculated what their indexes would be if they did. In 2020, golf statistical guru Lou Stagner calculated the best indexes for a few pros, with Rickie Fowler leading at +8.4.
Kevin Na and Tiger Woods followed closely behind with a best index of +8.3, while the average index for a PGA Tour pro was around +5.4. Bryson DeChambeau, who had an average index of +5.8, offered to settle the golf handicap debate between Trump and Biden by hosting a golf match on his YouTube channel. This proposal sparked interest and raised expectations for a potential resolution to the argument. Despite the ongoing debate on golf handicaps, the involvement of professional golfers like DeChambeau in finding a resolution added a new dynamic to the discussion.
While Trump and Biden’s clash over their golf handicaps was unexpected during a presidential debate, it shed light on the different skill levels and expectations associated with the game of golf. Biden’s claimed handicap of six or eight signifies a high level of skill and consistency in his play, especially when compared to the average golfer. The proposed golf match by DeChambeau holds the promise of resolving the debate and providing a conclusive answer to the question of who truly has the superior golf skills. The debate highlighted the importance of understanding the complexities of golf handicaps and their significance in determining a player’s ability on the course.
Overall, the discussion surrounding Trump and Biden’s golf handicaps served as a unique moment in the presidential debate, showcasing the unexpected twists and turns that can arise during such events. By delving into the world of golf handicaps, viewers gained insight into the nuances of the sport and the varying skill levels among players. The involvement of professional golfers like DeChambeau added an intriguing dimension to the debate, sparking interest and curiosity among audiences. Ultimately, the proposed golf match has the potential to provide a definitive resolution to the argument and settle the question of who truly holds the superior golf handicap.
