After playing for about 15 yrs I finally decided to check my handicap. I never really bothered as I know what I average and after all, it is what it is. I have never really considered myself that good although I truly lust after the game. Most of my practice is confined to chip and pitch shots around the yard and maybe twice a week a range session. I hit a bucket of balls then go practice short game for about an hour.
I hit about 12 fairways per round but I am by no means a big hitter, just accurate. I am what I would consider an average iron player but as my regular partners describe, I can get up and down from a garbage can{not my words,theirs}. So here is my question. After entering the course rating and slope of 132 for the last 7 rounds the software says my handicap is 9.7. What gives?
I would have never suspected the number would be that low, I'm passionate, but not that good?

What is the course rating? With a high rating and high slope your handicap would be lower than what mine would be if we both average 80's, my course is 68.2/117.

No handicapping system is ever perfect but it does come pretty close most of the time when people are honest anyways.

9.7 is your potential, as that is what the handicap formula produces. at a 9.7 I'd say you probably average 12-13 over par

if you only have 7 scores it is only using your lowest 1 or maybe 2 scores. Also the slope and rating have a significant effect. If you take your score - the rating * 113 (Average USGA Slope)/slope on your course, that will tell you your adjusted handicap for that course. Your index is then reflected by 96% of the lowest 10 scores once you have 20 in the database. Until you have 20 only a few of your lowest will count.

Anyone have the link to this site?

Longballis, you are spot on ,about 12 over.

The h/c system is only as honest as the guys filling out the cards.

Also it is not an indicator of ability more of potential. I think you are "supposed" to play to your 'cap about once every 4 rounds.