Handicap advice required

[AuburnWarrior]

Good morning all.

I need your advice to settle an office agruement..

Tomorrow (21/11) we are having an office outing to my golf club - a nice, friendly three ball..

My handicap is sorted as is the second player. The third player's handicap is becoming an issue of conjecture..

He used to play off 9 but hasn't played for three years. He reckons he's been to the driving range once in that time. What do you reckon he should play off tomorrow?? I reckon no higher than 15 (and that's being generous) - he won't take anything less than 18. He's even mentioned the low 20s..

My track is a par 72 and the weblink is: http://www.golfandsport.co.uk/redlibbets/

We'll be off the yellow tees.

Your advice and recommendations to settle this squabble are very much required.

 

[Mike_j_golf]

if he really hasn't played in the last 3 years give him 16

 

[Fyldewhite]

You don't make it clear if your handicaps being "sorted" are just agreed because you play often or are official handicaps. If the former, then bear in mind that if the other guys 9 handicap was a club handicap, he would have played to this on a good day and isn't an average which would have been more like 11 or 12 over par.

Generally though, if he were re-joining a club he would be lucky to get more than 12/13 even if his 3 cards said 20. However, for a one-off game I think 16 may be a bit more fair. At the end of the day you can't judge these things in theory only. Once he's played you will have a much better idea for next time.

 

[RGDave]

He used to play off 9 but hasn't played for three years. He reckons he's been to the driving range once in that time. What do you reckon he should play off tomorrow?? I reckon no higher than 15 (and that's being generous) - he won't take anything less than 18. He's even mentioned the low 20s..

I stopped for many years (at least 6 or 7) and came back to the game when the opportunity arose to join a local club. I was playing off 9 when I stopped. I practised 3 or 4 times and then stepped back onto the course. I went round in 88 (+18), then 87 then played for 3 cards scoring an 84 and two 86s.

Unless something special happens, I'd expect him to play to mid-80s at best, more likely nearer 90. 14 would be quite a challenge, 16 would be fair, 18 generous and 20 too much i.m.o.

 

[Region3]

If it's a friendly game I'd let him have what he likes.

I think it depends on the type of golfer he used to be. If he practised a lot to maintain a 9 h'cap then maybe expect high 80's to low 90's.
If he was a natural that just used to play once a week or less then I reckon mid 80's.

My first game back after 20 years out (admittedly I'd been to the range a few times) was 89, and I stopped playing on a 10 h'cap.
Also bear in mind he will very likely be much better on the back 9. Mine was 47/42.

 

[harryhook]

I had a similar sort of thing a few weeks ago. I was playing with 3 friends at one of their clubs. One of the other guys used to play of 11, but hadn't played for 3 years (kids - who needs them) so was unsure what to play off.

If the match is just a friendly and it's your club, is there really a problem of letting him play off 18? he is bound to be rusty and won't know the course, where as you sound like someone who plays regularly...unless you are scared he will beat you?!

 

[AuburnWarrior]

I had a similar sort of thing a few weeks ago. I was playing with 3 friends at one of their clubs. One of the other guys used to play of 11, but hadn't played for 3 years (kids - who needs them) so was unsure what to play off.

If the match is just a friendly and it's your club, is there really a problem of letting him play off 18? he is bound to be rusty and won't know the course, where as you sound like someone who plays regularly...unless you are scared he will beat you?!

He's my boss so I think we all know what the outcome will be..

1 up standing on the last - oh dear - I seem to have driven wildly into the trees..

 

[harryhook]

well in that case you better get the cakes in when you get to the clubhouse.

 

[AuburnWarrior]

well in that case you better get the cakes in when you get to the clubhouse.

Tool!!

Do some work - your boss is watching..

 

[Pants]

When you get down to the 1st tee, let him see that you can't make up your mind about the driver or a 6 iron, mumble "Umm. Mustn't go in the sloping cr@p on the right", then suggest as he's the boss, he should tee off 1st.

That will be 1 up to start with

 

[AuburnWarrior]

I allowed him a handicap of 16 - he went out in 17 points - came back with 22!!!

He's off 10 next time!!!

 

[Pants]

Sensible move that - letting your boss win

 

[AuburnWarrior]

Appraisal tomorrow as well.....

Up there for thinking.....