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Your the voice of reason and Bomber's also got it right, the low guys get penalised every week.

I do agree though that golf is for all ages and to a certain point ability. It's hardly a golfer that has a handicap of more than 18 but as long as they tidy up the mess that they make then fair enough.

A ridiculous thing to say, but you're entitled to that opinion. As it happens, I'm now off 21, shot 86 gross yesterday, but in your eyes, 'not a golfer'? Excellent.
 
Well done on your score :thup:

Best to ignore the bitter comments, not the first time it's happened
 
They should just have different categories for the prizes and it wouldn't matter who shot what - you just play within your category, and then we wouldn't need any forum arguments about a 20 h/capper shooting 45 pts. I've got no problem with someone playing their best ever round and winning their category..... wouldn't want to be playing against them though or have my game (h/cap) measured against theirs.

I have shot 46pts once in my life, that was 3yrs ago when I shot -4 playing off 6 (but it wasn't in a comp, never even made it to 40pts in a comp).

This is what out club does, it has 2 categories and 2 trophys/prizes.

Division 1 for scratch to 14 h/c then division 2 for 15 to 28 h/c
 
This is what out club does, it has 2 categories and 2 trophys/prizes.

Division 1 for scratch to 14 h/c then division 2 for 15 to 28 h/c[/QU

2 divisions must be tough! we have 4 at our club (9 and under, 10-13,14-18, and 19-28) but you still get some crazy scores coming in! but hats off they are being tougher on handicaps now which is really good in my eyes
 
Biased to high handicaps eh? Well let's have a look.

I got the results from our last club comp on HDID, and tested whether there was any statistical relationship between handicap and net score (i.e. testing whether high handicap players score lower net than low handicap players, which would imply the high handicappers are overly benefitting). Lo and behold, there is no significant relationship and what little gradient there was suggested high handicappers scored worse than low ones.

Net scores were practically independent of handicap - exactly the kind of result you'd want from a good handicap system (well - unless you're a low handicapper apparently). Evidence? It's a b***h.
 
I don't see what all the fuss is about to be honest. So a high handicapper has had the round of his life, well played mate!

How often do you see a guy who gets 2 shots on a hole win the club championship? There are scratch and handicap competitions, everyone has a chance in the handicap events and only the low guys in the scratch competitions.

Don't see what the problem is.
 
Was sitting in the clubhouse today with a few Golfers, a couple of guys then come in and start talking to each other about their round and one guy starts saying he made a good par on the 12 hole and his mate then said I thought you had a 6 on that hole and he said yes it was a 6 nett 4, well then the place burst into laughter, weekend warriors eh pure class
 
Was sitting in the clubhouse today with a few Golfers, a couple of guys then come in and start talking to each other about their round and one guy starts saying he made a good par on the 12 hole and his mate then said I thought you had a 6 on that hole and he said yes it was a 6 nett 4, well then the place burst into laughter, weekend warriors eh pure class

You actually have friends at you're club!?
 
Handicap system is an essential part of what MAKES golf such a great game.

Absolutely no problem with high handicappers coming in with good scores - nor them getting 2 shots on some holes.

I'm happy enough to give them their proper allowance in a match too. It would be 'cheating' on my part not to! They might even get 2 shots on 1 hole in my case!

Some questions for Craw... What do you think the effect of that (the OP's) score was on the CSS? And a guy off 16 shooting 42 points? And you sneaking just 1 under your SSS?

Plenty of ignorance (of facts) around in this thread, but 'loudest wins' seems to be the rule a bit too often imo.

Certainly agree that Stableford gives the erratic player a benefit - and handicap is a Stableford metric and high handicappers are erratic. Medal, on the other hand, favours the 'consistent' player - whatever the handicap level - so a mix of comps works well - as does Divisions (at least 3 imo).

I've found that in the vast majority of cases, golf - and folk's attitude to it - reflects their personality pretty well. So the whinging low-cappers are likely to be whingers elsewhere so not good company - except to take the mickey about - anyway. Oddly, the majority seem to be from North of Carlisle too, but that surely must be a coincidence!:D
 
Foxholer; said:
I've found that in the vast majority of cases, golf - and folk's attitude to it - reflects their personality pretty well. So the whinging low-cappers are likely to be whingers elsewhere so not good company - except to take the mickey about - anyway. Oddly, the majority seem to be from North of Carlisle too, but that surely must be a coincidence!:D

Not from north of Carlisle, not especially low. I just think any grown man claiming 2 shots a hole should find another hobby!! There are plenty of other pastimes where the pretence of ability can be maintained!!:D
 
Not from north of Carlisle, not especially low. I just think any grown man claiming 2 shots a hole should find another hobby!! There are plenty of other pastimes where the pretence of ability can be maintained!!:D

I disagree with the find another hobby (although you may have said that a little tongue in cheek) but I can see an argument for limiting handicaps in comps to 18, or having two divisions to split two shotters from the rest of the field. That way, a new golfer can get involved in the comps but not really be in contention to win and the 'fast improving' golfer who has practiced lots over the winter and is now playing off an inappropriate handicap doesn't get slated for his improvement.

It somehow doesn't feel right to me that I could win a comp whilst getting two shots on some holes (especially when they are ones I've birdied gross before now). I'd never suggest to someone who enjoyed it that they should play another sport - but if you're playing in the comps then its perhaps polite to wait until you are better before claiming a win.
 
You don't need to re-iterate how boring this point is, but if you were to hypothetically force those with high handicaps to give up the game / join other courses, most clubs wouldn't be able to survive financially.

I've just had a look on howdidido and we've got well over 100 men in Category 4 (21 or above). All of these paying close to £2k a year fees. There's not a chance we'd be able to survive without these members.

That compares with 31 Cat 1's, about 70 Cat 2's and another 70 ish Cat 3's.
 
Not from north of Carlisle, not especially low. I just think any grown man claiming 2 shots a hole should find another hobby!! There are plenty of other pastimes where the pretence of ability can be maintained!!:D

I agree with you on the 2 shots a hole bit, my advice would be for them to stop playing the course and hit the range/practice area and keep working on their game until they are able to hit the ball in the right direction. Once they feel they are able to do so then play a few comps with the ladies from the reds tees and see how it goes from there. I mean it can't feel nice claiming a 6 nett 4 or how about if they manage to make a par and then says that's a nett Eagle...........

Maybe by forcing them to play with the ladies or the juniors will force them to pull the finger out:rofl:
 
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I agree with you on the 2 shots a hole bit, my advice would be for them to stop playing the course and hit the range/practice area and keep working on there game until they are able to hit the ball in the right direction. Once they feel they are able to do so then play a few comps with the ladies from the reds tees and see how it goes from there. I mean it can't feel nice claiming a 6 nett 4 or how about if they manage to make a par and then says that's a nett Eagle...........

Maybe by forcing them to play with the ladies or the juniors will force them to pull the finger out:rofl:

You and TheRod will make a lovely couple.
 
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