Life — August 28, 1924 — page 29: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a golf-themed joke cartoon from *Life* magazine. Two golfers are shown on a golf course, one asking the other about his handicap—a standard golf term referring to a player's skill level adjustment. The humor relies on a double meaning: instead of answering with a golf handicap number, the man replies "My wife," implying that marriage itself is his handicap—a burden that impedes his ability to play golf well, likely due to domestic obligations or lack of free time. The joke reflects early-to-mid 20th century satirical attitudes toward marriage as restrictive, particularly for men's leisure activities. The cartoon assumes a male audience who would find the complaint relatable.