Tee boxes and handicaps

Question
If I have an "Index" of 10 and play from a tee box with a 69.0 rating and I am playing an individual with the same handicap (index of 10) who plays from a tee box with a rating of 72.0 do I need to give him 3 strokes?

Answer
Hey William.

I can't give you a definite answer on this one, I'm afraid. I've never really messed with handicaps or played in events that use them. I have one (+3.8), but only so I can try to qualify for professional events.

I can't see how you would ever be gving him strokes, however. If you each played the same tees you always play then you're both effectively equal. If he plays from your tees, he's getting the better deal...easier from up there. If you play his tees, he's just playing as normal, but now you are having to play a harder track...again, to his advantage.

Ask your local club pro. I've never been through one of the usga meetings on handicapping.

Thanks for the question.

John