Congu changes 2016

[duncan mackie]

Is there any evidence that participation rates in golf are depressed due to the current handicap system?

Anyway, the problem with handicaps is variability. Even if a player has submitted honest cards and obtained a genuine handicap of 36, it is likely that their range of possible scores (in terms of +/- handicap) will still be much wider than for a single figure handicapper. The high man (or woman) on a good day might get round in 22 over, which is a nice 50 points. On other days they may take 130. The low player will never score 50 points unless they break the course record.

Since comps are determined by the lowest score, even if a fluke, then the higher players get an advantage and become more likely to win. So I think it starts to become even more important of segmenting comps by handicap.

Yes there is - and it's going to happen anyway within a few years (and with a system that makes this group the least of the handicap sombrero group!

The balance of your logic is fundamentally flawed because of the application of the stableford adjust when allocating handicaps - you are assumed to be a scratch golfer on cards submitted; and only the best counts! For new allocations the additional handicap is greater the greater the handicap allocated.

 

[duncan mackie]

Most H/C open comps set a max limit, and have ballots for higher h/cs.

The handicap categories under discussion are not valid for Opens.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

This measure is clearly aimed at brand new golfers,golfers at the upper age ranges and golfers who suffer a medical problem.

For the beginner, the sooner they can put some figures on their handicaps, the sooner they can see their improvement.

For older players, often their handicaps will drift out to 28+ they then are uncompetitive , these golfers are most at risk of leaving the game, so anything that keeps them in has to be welcomed (as long as they recognise that they might be slower and let faster groups through).

The injured golfer would also benefit from a higher handicap ceiling

So introduce a Cat 5 , have prizes for each category, maybe limit Board comps to cat 1 and 2. But the overriding thing is to let as many people enjoy this great game for as long as they can.

The majority of us will be unaffected by these changes, but there just might be a time when you are glad that things changed.

 

[Foxholer]

This measure is clearly aimed at brand new golfers,golfers at the upper age ranges and golfers who suffer a medical problem.

For the beginner, the sooner they can put some figures on their handicaps, the sooner they can see their improvement.

For older players, often their handicaps will drift out to 28+ they then are uncompetitive , these golfers are most at risk of leaving the game, so anything that keeps them in has to be welcomed (as long as they recognise that they might be slower and let faster groups through).

The injured golfer would also benefit from a higher handicap ceiling

So introduce a Cat 5 , have prizes for each category, maybe limit Board comps to cat 1 and 2. But the overriding thing is to let as many people enjoy this great game for as long as they can.

The majority of us will be unaffected by these changes, but there just might be a time when you are glad that things changed.

I think I detect a significant amount of self-interest in this post Phil!

 

[Ethan]

Yes there is - and it's going to happen anyway within a few years (and with a system that makes this group the least of the handicap sombrero group!

OK, and can you provide any of the evidence?