Golf Handicap Discrepancy: Impact on Match Play?

Question
I am a member of a reasonably large Golf Society and  recently played in a Match Play competition.  I was informed by my opponent he played off a handicap of 19 giving him 3 shots on me.  I eventually lost the match on the 18th.  The following day I looked at the Society website and noticed he actually had a handicap of 17.8.  I am not sure if him having one less stroke would have made a difference in the result but this could have made either player tactically play different.  Is there anything in the rules that would assist me with this and do you think I should challenge this with the society board?
Many Thanks
Stuart

Answer
Stuart,

Let me address the 17.8 number first off. This appears to be a handicap index. The handicap index allows the player to go to any golf course and with the use of a conversion table, get his/her handicap for the set of tees played that day on that particular course. The first thing I would do is see if this is the case. If it is the case and his handicap was 19 for your match then keep quiet.

If not I would certainly bring it up before your society board.

Thanks for the question,

Michael Hoffman
PGA Professional