What Are the Good Good Golfers' Handicaps?

Ever watch a Good Good video and wonder just how good these guys really are? You see Garrett Clark launch a 350-yard drive and Stephen Castaneda pure an iron to a few feet, and it's natural to ask, what are the Good Good golfers' handicaps? This article will break down the estimated handicaps of the core members of the Good Good crew, from Garrett to Bubbie, and give you a coach’s perspective on what you can learn from each of their unique games.

First, What Is a Golf Handicap? A Quick Refresher

Before we look at the guys' games, let's quickly clarify what a handicap represents. A handicap index is a number that measures a golfer's potential ability on a course of average difficulty. It allows players of different skill levels to compete against each other fairly. A "scratch" golfer has a handicap of 0.0, meaning they are expected to shoot Par on an average course. A "plus" handicap (e.g., +4.0) means that golfer is expected to shoot under par, while a higher handicap (e.g., 18) means that player typically shoots about 18 strokes over par.

The Good Good golfers don't often publicize their official USGA Handicap Indexes (GHIN), as their scores are primarily recorded during filmed challenges which may not always conform to the official Rules of Golf for posting scores (think gimmies, mulligans in specific challenges, etc.). However, based on their scoring in competitive formats, their on-screen performances, and their backgrounds, we can make very educated estimates. As a coach, this is similar to how I'd assess a new player's skill level before we even look at a formal handicap number.

Analyzing the Good Good Golfers' Handicaps

Each member of the Good Good crew brings a different style and skill level to the group, which is a big part of their appeal. Let's break down each player's game from a coaching perspective to estimate their handicap.

Garrett Clark (GM Golf): The Elite Plus-Handicap

As the founder of Good Good, Garrett Clark sets the standard for elite play within the group. He's been a high-level golfer for years, and his skills are immediately obvious.

• Estimated Handicap: +3 to +5
• Playing Style: Garrett is the complete package. He possesses incredible, elite-level power off the tee, comfortably carrying his driver over 300 yards. This isn't just brute force, it's a huge strategic advantage, allowing him to take aggressive lines and leave himself with wedges into par 5s. Beyond the power, his iron play is crisp, his short game is creative, and his putting is tour-level solid, especially under pressure. He regularly posts scores well under par, even on challenging golf courses.
• A Coach's Takeaway: What we can learn from Garrett isn't to just swing out of our shoes. Instead, watch how he uses his power strategically. He doesn't go 110% on every swing. He dials it back when placement is more important than distance. For the average golfer, the lesson is about developing a "stock" shot - a reliable C-swing that finds the fairway - and then having a full-power "A-swing" in reserve for when the hole allows for it. Controlling your power is a an advanced skill.

Stephen Castaneda: The Consistent Ball-Striker

Stephen is often described as the most consistent and fundamentally sound player in the group. His swing is a thing of beauty that every golfer could learn from.

• Estimated Handicap: +2 to +4
• Playing Style: Stephen's game is built on precision and control. He is a phenomenal ball-striker, especially with his irons. His tempo is flawless, and he rarely hits a truly poor shot. While he might not have Garrett's raw a-level power, he more than makes up for it with fairway-finding drives and dialed-in approaches. His consistency is what makes him a tough opponent in any match format. He puts himself in position to score on nearly every hole.
• A Coach's Takeaway: If you want a swing to model yours after, watch Stephen. The key takeaway is tempo and balance. His swing is never rushed. He's a perfect example that a smooth, controlled swing is more effective and repeatable than a fast, violent one. Focus on your own rhythm. A good practice drill is to think "one-and-two" on your swing: a slow takeaway ("one"), a transition at the top ("and"), and a smooth acceleration through the ball ("two"). This helps eliminate the jerky movements that cost amateur golfers so many strokes.

Matt Scharff: The Clutch Scratch Golfer

Matt is the quintessential "gamer." His game has flair, and he has a knack for pulling off incredible shots when the pressure is on.

• Estimated Handicap: 0 to 2 (Scratch to low single-digit)
• Playing Style: Matt is a very talented golfer who can go shot-for-shot with Garrett and Stephen on any given day. He has plenty of power and can get very hot with his putter. His game can sometimes be more volatile than the plus-handicaps - he might have a few more loose shots in a round - but he balances that with incredible moments of brilliance. He embodies the scratch golfer who can shoot under par one day and a few over the next, but the underlying skill is always evident.
• A Coach's Takeaway: Matt's game highlights the importance of the short game in scoring. While his long game is solid, his ability to scramble and make clutch putts is what keeps his scores low. For the average golfer, this is a huge lesson. You don't always have to hit the ball perfectly to score well. Spending 30 minutes practicing chipping and putting for every hour you spend on the range hitting drivers will slash your handicap faster than almost anything else. Learning to get up and down from just off the green turns bogeys into pars.

Bubbie Golf (Tanner): The Inspiring Improver

Bubbie represents the journey that so many golfers are on. He has shown incredible improvement since the early days of Good Good, a testament to hard work and passion.

• Estimated Handicap: 5 to 8
• Playing Style: Bubbie is all heart and power. He has a powerful, self-taught swing that he has refined immensely over the years. His miss used to be a big slice (a "Bubbie-slice"), but he has worked hard to control that and now hits the ball much straighter. He is known for his great attitude and his ability to contribute key shots for his team. He's a solid single-digit handicap who can put up some very impressive scores, showcasing how far dedication can take you.
• A Coach's Takeaway: Bubbie is proof that you can dramatically improve your golf game without starting from scratch. He didn't abandon his natural swing, he refined it. He identified his biggest weakness (the slice) and worked tirelessly on drills and swing thoughts to fix it. Whatever your biggest struggle is - slicing, topping the ball, chunking chips - the lesson from Bubbie is to face it head-on. Don't just accept it as part of your game. One small, lasting improvement can completely transform your scoring.

Luke Kwon: The Touring Professional

Though not always in every video, when PGA Tour Canada player Luke Kwon joins the group, the skill ceiling is raised even higher.

• Estimated Handicap: +5 to +7
• Playing Style: As a touring professional, Luke's game is on another level. Every aspect of his game is refined, from his powerful, efficient swing to his surgically precise short game and bulletproof putting. What separates players at his level is not just the quality of their good shots, but the incredibly high quality of their misses. His bad shots are still playable, keeping him out of major trouble and allowing him to consistently shoot scores deep into the red.
• A Coach's Takeaway: We can't all be tour pros, but we can learn from their course management. Watch how Luke plays a hole. He's not just aiming for the pin, he's playing the percentages. He aims for the middle of greens, avoids short-siding himself, and respects trouble. He thinks his way around the course. This is the biggest leap most amateurs can make: stop just hitting the ball and start playing golf. Think about where the smart miss is, and you'll avoid the double bogeys that ruin a scorecard.

Final Thoughts

The success of Good Good comes from this mix of personalities and playing abilities. From elite pro-level talent like Luke and Garrett to the dedicated journey of a player like Bubbie, it showcases the entire spectrum of why we love golf. Their estimated handicaps reflect their individual skills and provide great examples for us to learn from no matter our own level.

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