Handicap manipulation - how to address

[D-S]

If it’s such a great solution why did England Golf, Wales Golf and Golf Scotland elect to go for the scale up calculation for 4BB scores (only used in Australia I believe) and not for MLS?

MLS would have been the easiest change, the scale up method required automation.
MLS is used in more jurisdictions. MLS is used on many other formats.

If, in due course, you might want to include other formats, singles matchplay to start for example, the introducing and getting people use to MLS would be the obvious move. The level of reservation/distrust authorities had meant that they opted for a more complicated format that couldn’t be used for other formats and means that any roll out to other formats is more problematic. I assume they had done their research to its use in practice.

 

[clubchamp98]

Sorry then, however, for any "interpretation" of MLS, the player is expected use reasonable judgement. (in any case, cheaters will cheat. Fortunately, they are in the vast minority but still require attention, often disproportionately.)

Yes but I have to say “ this makes it easier for them to cheat”

I will take one putt from 5 foot everyday.

 

[clubchamp98]

and if you're in the group behind when the player takes 18 shots to reach the green?

Take him to one side and suggest he takes up Bowls.

 

[doublebogey7]

But the rules of MLS are subjective, as they require an estimation from the player as to their ability to get down in 1,2 or 3 from whatever position they may be in when they picked up.

If the ball lies on the putting green, and is no more than 5 feet (1.5 metres) from the hole:	Add one additional stroke.
If the ball lies between 5 feet (1.5 metres) and 20 yards (20 metres) from the hole:	Add 2 or 3 additional strokes, depending on the position of the ball, the difficulty of the green and the ability of the player.
If the ball lies more than 20 yards (20 metres) from the hole:	Add 3 or 4 additional strokes, depending on the position of the ball, the difficulty of the green and the ability of the player.

I'd frankly argue with the last one....if I'm 25 yards from the hole I'd like to think I might get up and down in 2 strokes sometimes...depending on the shot facing me.

So yeah....there are rules around MLS...but they are pretty fluffy.

As would I, but even as a single figure player I also know that I'd also take four on occasion, my average score though would be closer to 3 than anything else and that is the only figure that should be used. As I continue to belief such decisions will only be required once or twice a round so has little bearing on your overall handicapping Not counting the vast majority of rounds most people play in has a far bigger impact.

 

[wjemather]

If it’s such a great solution why did England Golf, Wales Golf and Golf Scotland elect to go for the scale up calculation for 4BB scores (only used in Australia I believe) and not for MLS?

MLS would have been the easiest change, the scale up method required automation.
MLS is used in more jurisdictions. MLS is used on many other formats.

If, in due course, you might want to include other formats, singles matchplay to start for example, the introducing and getting people use to MLS would be the obvious move. The level of reservation/distrust authorities had meant that they opted for a more complicated format that couldn’t be used for other formats and means that any roll out to other formats is more problematic. I assume they had done their research to its use in practice.

Understanding and acceptance were (and still are) the only real obstacles, and that includes the decision makers in Golf GB&I, the national unions, the county unions, club officials, and the golfing public.

 

[Swango1980]

and if you're in the group behind when the player takes 18 shots to reach the green?

Applaud that the people in front will at least have an accurate handicap

 

[rosecott]

and if you're in the group behind when the player takes 18 shots to reach the green?

Ask your committee to consider using the Regular Strokeplay Maximum Score option.