RichardC
Tour Rookie
I found out that him and few others were going to Turkey when I was over there, and that they wanted to join our group. I told them in no uncertain terms to "PEE OFF"
Cheats
- Thread starter bobmac
- Start date
I found out that him and few others were going to Turkey when I was over there, and that they wanted to join our group. I told them in no uncertain terms to "PEE OFF"
AMcC
Journeyman Pro
Find it amazing someone could do that, let alone tell someone they are playing with what they are doing.
I think bandit is generally used in light hearted banter at someone who has an exceptional round , or two !!
My opinion is that I play golf to shoot the lowest score possible on each given day and if I win something then that's a bonus. I want to have my handicap at the lowest it can possibly be and try to keep it there.
ArnoldArmChewer
Tour Winner
Unfortunately we all can pin point certain people whose handicap seems to remain too high, IMO the whole point is a challange versus yourself, ie to play as well as you are able and to have a handicap which accurately reflects that.
If I win a comp on that basis all well and good, my sole focus is to try and improve my own game/handicap.
If I win a comp on that basis all well and good, my sole focus is to try and improve my own game/handicap.
Any golfer who deliberately keeps their handicap high for gain is a CHEAT and should be banished from the gentlemans game,infact members should be able to report them to the club commitee and they should be interviewed and held to account and in some cases dismissed from the club.Theres no place for cheats in the game of golf!
Tiger
Money List Winner
Did he wake up in the morning to find a horse's head on his pillow?
Like your style RCThe problem I have with the term is that I'm branded a bandit BEFORE I play. There are a few people at the club who in jest rib me before a round!!! They never seem to be around when I fat it ten yards, thin it through a bunker or slice it OOB. Only when I hit the good shots.
FairwayDodger
Money List Winner
What about the other side of the coin?
Those who historically have a low handicap, can't play to it any more but are protecting it by playing the bare minimum of qualifiers. With the benefit of selection for various events by virtue of low handicap rather than actual (current) ability or form.
Those who historically have a low handicap, can't play to it any more but are protecting it by playing the bare minimum of qualifiers. With the benefit of selection for various events by virtue of low handicap rather than actual (current) ability or form.
JustOne
Ryder Cup Winner
Join a new club, play in your 1st comp paired with 3 people you've never seen before in your life.. on the 6th hole you notice one of them put his ball down on the green an inch closer than his marker... what do you do?
I hate cheats... it rubbishes the game. If you cheat I hope it erks you inside so much that you can't live with yourself!
I hate cheats... it rubbishes the game. If you cheat I hope it erks you inside so much that you can't live with yourself!
Foxholer
Blackballed
Falsely maintaining your handicap at a higher level than it should be is cheating just as much as kicking it out of the rough in my book.
Practicing sufficiently and well so that you improve enough to be in contention in comps is to be applauded, not derided, seriously, as banditry.
Most true bandits do/can not see that they are cheats. I once nearly choked on my beer when I overheard someone seriously discussing another player say 'He's an absolute bandit - He nearly beat me!'.
Golf does have a tendency to bring out the true personality, including the shady cheats!
Practicing sufficiently and well so that you improve enough to be in contention in comps is to be applauded, not derided, seriously, as banditry.
Most true bandits do/can not see that they are cheats. I once nearly choked on my beer when I overheard someone seriously discussing another player say 'He's an absolute bandit - He nearly beat me!'.
Golf does have a tendency to bring out the true personality, including the shady cheats!
Much as club golf would fall apart without handicaps, this is, in essence, the truest thing said on any of the bandit/handicap threads, though I would have put the word 'cheating' in inverted commas.
Handicaps only exist to allow those who aren't as good as others to compete with them.
Never seen anyone knowingly miss a putt (or at least never heard them declare they were going to do so) and to be honest I don't think I'd be strong enough to react as Richard did. I guess I am naive in the extreme but I'd like to think the majority of members at my place play in comps regularly and that their handicap reflects their ability.
However I do think the bandit is out there and to be honest it has always been the biggest reason I've not entered as many Open comps as I could. I begrudge forking out my entry for some guy off a similar handicap to me roll up and hit 40+ points clean up and go off into the sunset when you know he's hit it like a 5 handicapper and in everything but name that is what he is
However I do think the bandit is out there and to be honest it has always been the biggest reason I've not entered as many Open comps as I could. I begrudge forking out my entry for some guy off a similar handicap to me roll up and hit 40+ points clean up and go off into the sunset when you know he's hit it like a 5 handicapper and in everything but name that is what he is
JustOne
Ryder Cup Winner
Smiffy has told me loads of times that he's about to 3-putt....
..and did so!
It normally goes like this....
"Feck it, I'm going to 3-putt this"........ [putt,putt,putt].............. "told you so!"
..and did so!
It normally goes like this....
"Feck it, I'm going to 3-putt this"........ [putt,putt,putt].............. "told you so!"
Region3
Ryder Cup Winner
I'll join your minority group Chris.
I've had it said to me numerous times. I hope it's in jest and only banter, but to my mind a bandit is as described by the quotes in Bob's original post.
If someone thinks I'm better than my handicap suggests I'll happily take that as a compliment.
If someone thinks I'm trying to keep my handicap from going down then they think I'm a cheat and I'm not happy.
For what it's worth I think I should be lower, but it's not for the want of trying.
HickoryShaft
Tour Rookie
For me the words bandits and cheats can be used in the same way but because the word bandit is also used as a joking way of ribbing someone who has done well over one or two rounds maybe they should not be.
If over a period of time someone continually hits below their handicap but does not put cards in to enable them to take the money each week in the roll up or try and win a big comp etc then yes this is cheating. If they played in my group I would say something or suggest they play off a lower handicap more reflective of their ability
But...and it is a big but...everyone can have a golden day once in a while and shoot low or be improving and their handicap by dropping 0.4 / 0.3 / 0.2 per stroke under handicap has not caught them up. Mix this up with the odd blow up and you get someone who can shoot one good then one bad round back to back - surely this is not being a cheat just an improver that is getting nearer to their current potential. I reckon that most of the people on here are in it to improve (I am ) - we aren't all cheats surely??
If over a period of time someone continually hits below their handicap but does not put cards in to enable them to take the money each week in the roll up or try and win a big comp etc then yes this is cheating. If they played in my group I would say something or suggest they play off a lower handicap more reflective of their ability
But...and it is a big but...everyone can have a golden day once in a while and shoot low or be improving and their handicap by dropping 0.4 / 0.3 / 0.2 per stroke under handicap has not caught them up. Mix this up with the odd blow up and you get someone who can shoot one good then one bad round back to back - surely this is not being a cheat just an improver that is getting nearer to their current potential. I reckon that most of the people on here are in it to improve (I am ) - we aren't all cheats surely??
MashieNiblick
Tour Winner
I think the true bandit is a rare beast. That's to the credit of the game given the h/c system provides such a great oppurtunity for bandits. Can't say for sure that I've ever played with one or known one by reputaton (although I've had my suspicions a couple of times) but enough stories on here and among golfing buddies, to guess that they are out there.
Is it cheating? Well it can take can take many forms. If someone deliberately blows a round to protect their h/cap then I'd say yes.
If they deliberately avoid playing qualifiers or handing in cards, it's more like playing the system. If they have the ability but don't bother trying unless it matters or they've got a score going it's a bit more grey.
Thing is you can also do all those things for perfectly understandable reasons, e.g. blow a round due to nerves or just not have time for qualifiers or on any particular day not be very bothered about scoring well. That's all quite normal and not banditry. So it is hard to spot.
Of course like other such terms it can also be used jokingly and even as a compliment. Generally you know when that is the case.
When I posted the quote which Bobmac refers to it was as much by way of reassurance to the OP that the fact you occasionally shoot 5 or 6 below h/c because you having one of those days doesn't necessarily make you a bandit - not a real one anyway.
Is it cheating? Well it can take can take many forms. If someone deliberately blows a round to protect their h/cap then I'd say yes.
If they deliberately avoid playing qualifiers or handing in cards, it's more like playing the system. If they have the ability but don't bother trying unless it matters or they've got a score going it's a bit more grey.
Thing is you can also do all those things for perfectly understandable reasons, e.g. blow a round due to nerves or just not have time for qualifiers or on any particular day not be very bothered about scoring well. That's all quite normal and not banditry. So it is hard to spot.
Of course like other such terms it can also be used jokingly and even as a compliment. Generally you know when that is the case.
When I posted the quote which Bobmac refers to it was as much by way of reassurance to the OP that the fact you occasionally shoot 5 or 6 below h/c because you having one of those days doesn't necessarily make you a bandit - not a real one anyway.
chrisd
Major Champion
I was called a bandit by another member of my club last evening at the golf range!
It was said more jokingly as he knew that I had shot a nett 68 at the weekend (but was beaten by a 65, 66, 67 and 3 of us on 68) in easy conditions, from yellow tees and a reletively easy set up course.
I think that there are times in all our golfing lives when you step on to a different level of play, something clicks in the lessons or whatever and its clear that you're due a good score and a cut - thats where I am at - I am not a bandit and am getting pissed off after what I have gone through in the last 6 months to improve!
It was said more jokingly as he knew that I had shot a nett 68 at the weekend (but was beaten by a 65, 66, 67 and 3 of us on 68) in easy conditions, from yellow tees and a reletively easy set up course.
I think that there are times in all our golfing lives when you step on to a different level of play, something clicks in the lessons or whatever and its clear that you're due a good score and a cut - thats where I am at - I am not a bandit and am getting pissed off after what I have gone through in the last 6 months to improve!
Smiffy
Grand Slam Winner
I've only ever played against two true "Bandits". One was in a matchplay competition against a bloke from Gillingham who played "regularly" to 8 but had a handicap of 14. The other was a guy who playing in a competition at the Forest of Arden. Professional footballer who played off 11 but was more like a 2 handicapper. Total cheat.
I've also played a lot with people who hit the ball like a pro but have high handicaps due to the fact that their game "goes to pieces when they have a card in their hand"....doesn't stop you feeling bitter when they wallop their drives 80 yards past yours and you're giving them a shot.
I've also played a lot with people who hit the ball like a pro but have high handicaps due to the fact that their game "goes to pieces when they have a card in their hand"....doesn't stop you feeling bitter when they wallop their drives 80 yards past yours and you're giving them a shot.
MashieNiblick
Tour Winner
Just a little story about guys with high handicaps scoring well.
I played in a friendly match a little while ago with a guy off about 20 who shot 80 (Par 70).
He is a totally genuine guy and this was the first time he'd even come close to doing this.
If it had been a medal comp people would have looked at the score and rolled their eyes and muttered.
But he shot 80 like a 20 h/capper having one of those days. Low slicy drives that somehow ended up ok, thinned approaches that just made the green or pulled up short, followed by an ok chip or putt from the fringe and of course he holed a few putts. Was lucky to avoid bunkers and nasty stuff. On any other day with that game you could see how he would struggle to break 90. The chances of him doing it again are remote. Bandit? Not the slightest chance.
Of course being a friendly game he was relaxed and enjoyed his good fortune as did the rest of us. If it had been a medal he could quite easily have blown up.
The best part though was that he was my partner and we won 7 and 6.
I only contributed 2 holes 
but one was the winning birdie.
I played in a friendly match a little while ago with a guy off about 20 who shot 80 (Par 70).
He is a totally genuine guy and this was the first time he'd even come close to doing this.
If it had been a medal comp people would have looked at the score and rolled their eyes and muttered.
But he shot 80 like a 20 h/capper having one of those days. Low slicy drives that somehow ended up ok, thinned approaches that just made the green or pulled up short, followed by an ok chip or putt from the fringe and of course he holed a few putts. Was lucky to avoid bunkers and nasty stuff. On any other day with that game you could see how he would struggle to break 90. The chances of him doing it again are remote. Bandit? Not the slightest chance.
Of course being a friendly game he was relaxed and enjoyed his good fortune as did the rest of us. If it had been a medal he could quite easily have blown up.
The best part though was that he was my partner and we won 7 and 6.
I only contributed 2 holes but one was the winning birdie. 
Anotherpointone
Newbie
I am that Bandit! - Playing for 2 years, handicap 24 but, on my day, I can par any hole bar 1 on my home course hence the inevitable ribbing. Was 'pleased' to lose in a match play semi-final only because I think players with more ability than me should win the big comps. Yes, I enjoy competing but can be a little 'embarrased' on the too rare occassion I play well!
TheJezster
Tour Rookie
There are a few different reactions on this thread.
I see some claim to have witnessed people deliberatlely missing putts etc to not lower their H/C but this is not something i've seen yet. I want to play as well as I can everytime I go out, sometimes that will work out ok, sometimes not.
As a newbie to the game, my h/c possibly isnt dropping as quickly as im improving. I dont think that makes me a bandit though.
I won the Feb Monthly medal with 45 points and shot easily the best round ever that day, in difficuly conditions. I got cut 3 shots for it too, and am now still shooting slightly under h/c so will likely come down again. Saturday for example I shot 39 points and got cut from 21.3 to 20.9. Still playing off 21 though so will need a couple more of those to go down again. or a 40+
People mention that some try to keep their h/c high to win comps, but if they did that they would go down as soon as theyve won, so could only win one comp anyway! I'd hardly say thats worth all the hassle is it?
Coming up to the end of my first full year and aside from the Feb medal I have also won two other comps and received nice trophies for, but then so have plenty of other people too, some off higher h/c's than me.
Do people REALLY honestly try to miss on purpose? I find that really hard to believe, it just doesnt seem to make sense to me. That would be cheating though, yes, but It surely cant be a regular thing can it?
What I mean by that, is that surely there arent enough people doing it to cause a problem? As I said, if they win something they'll get cut anyway!
I see some claim to have witnessed people deliberatlely missing putts etc to not lower their H/C but this is not something i've seen yet. I want to play as well as I can everytime I go out, sometimes that will work out ok, sometimes not.
As a newbie to the game, my h/c possibly isnt dropping as quickly as im improving. I dont think that makes me a bandit though.
I won the Feb Monthly medal with 45 points and shot easily the best round ever that day, in difficuly conditions. I got cut 3 shots for it too, and am now still shooting slightly under h/c so will likely come down again. Saturday for example I shot 39 points and got cut from 21.3 to 20.9. Still playing off 21 though so will need a couple more of those to go down again. or a 40+
People mention that some try to keep their h/c high to win comps, but if they did that they would go down as soon as theyve won, so could only win one comp anyway! I'd hardly say thats worth all the hassle is it?
Coming up to the end of my first full year and aside from the Feb medal I have also won two other comps and received nice trophies for, but then so have plenty of other people too, some off higher h/c's than me.
Do people REALLY honestly try to miss on purpose? I find that really hard to believe, it just doesnt seem to make sense to me. That would be cheating though, yes, but It surely cant be a regular thing can it?
What I mean by that, is that surely there arent enough people doing it to cause a problem? As I said, if they win something they'll get cut anyway!
RichardC
Tour Rookie
If you play well and win a comp with say a nett -6, you will not get cut 6 shot's you will only get cut 1.8 (as a cat 3 golfer). This still leaves said person the ability to go out and still perform way below H'cap before it catches up.
