General play cuts, how can they do this?

[chrisd]

Chris, couldn't see the bit in the CONGU regs about only knocking off 2 shots. They do however contain a lot of stuff about the need to monitor newly allocated handicaps and the need to ensure these are fair.

Thats true Mashie, it was the max reduction that was allowed in addition to the computer cut, when I was on the golf committee, that it was felt we could do in one go without risking someone complaining to the EGU. I think that our secretary asked them as a guide.

 

[MadAdey]

The handicap secretary is not the type to abuse his position. I have known him for years away from golf as he use to be my boss when he was still in the RAF. Several people have commented on how good my mate is. The group I usually play with when I do not have a knackered shoulder, has been making him play off 16. I think it is good that handicap secretary who has only taken over the role this year is going to go after the bandits and try to get everyone off the correct handicap.

 

[chrisd]

The handicap secretary is not the type to abuse his position.

Sorry Adey, I am sure that the guy is a top man, but, a 7 shot cut on observation is, absolutely, an abuse of power! ring the EGU and ask them.

The secretary wouldn't have done it if a member wandered in and said that the guy was a bandit

 

[MadAdey]

Regarding the course setup during winter the winter tees are not really any closer than the normal tees, especially when you take in to not getting much role on the fairway. So to be honest the course may play 1 or 2 shots easier but htat is it. He is definately more than capable of playing off 18 from the white tees as he does hit a good ball from the tee. I have absolutely no problem in cutting peoples handicaps I just think that 7 shots is a bit strong.

 

[rosecott]

Let's imagine that the player under discussion was just in the process of submitting cards for handicap and let's say his 3 cards were of the same nature as those he actually submitted some time ago - perfectly possible. If the Handicap Secretary was aware - by whatever means - that he was performing well below the standard suggested by the 3 cards, there would be a perfectly justifiable reason for awarding an initial handicap lower than the 25 suggested by the 3 cards.

If that argument holds good, then a 7 shot reduction could be justified. It would be interesting if both sides of the argument were to be put before EGU/CONGU. It's the same argument where 3 cards are being submitted by a player who held a previous handicap with a gap of more than 6 months when his previous playing standard has to be taken into account.

 

[Fyldewhite]

It is the responsibility of the handicap ommittee to ensure as far as possible that players handicaps reflect their ability and I have no problem at all with such a cut IF it can be justified. If they know he can play better than 25 and should be off less then allowing him to start playing comps this year off that would be wrong.

That said, from the evidence put forward it would be hard to justify a cut that large. Assuming that the winter tees do make the course easier (as does soft ground) I would have been tempted to make a smaller cut and monitor the situation as the season starts and qualifying comps kick in. The danger in doing what they have done is that once he gets back on a full course he finds he can't get near his handicap and it's then equally wrong but difficult to rectify.

 

[rosecott]

Two FAQs from the CONGU website:

Q.1 My Home Club allotted me an initial handicap lower than that calculated from the adjusted best score. Did the Club have the authority to do this?
A.1 Yes. The Handicap Committee may allot a player an initial whole number Exact Handicap less than the best score it has reason to consider that a lower handicap is more appropriate to the players ability. Factors to be considered would include:
- Time of year and prevailing weather conditions when cards submitted.
- Previous playing history and any handicap previously held at Home Club or elsewhere.
- Information from peers.
Q.2 The club has cut a player on general play and the player thinks it unfair; can the player appeal to the Union?
A.2 The club is in the best position to judge whether or not a player should have a general play adjustment The Union would not have the relevant information; thus an appeal is not considered appropriate.
However, the club Handicap Committee should take care to justify the reduction and should follow the guidelines laid down by their National Union/Assocation.The player could re-address the matter with the committee. In such circumstances the dub is advised to refer the matter to Area Authority/National Organisationas appropriate.