Hypothetical Question

[Crow]

The modern equipment distance thread has got me thinking along a related track, humour me please.

Let’s say that I decided to use old gear for a while, persimmon woods, vintage blades and a hickory shafted putter, and played solely with this equipment in both friendlies and qualifiers for a few years because I more enjoyed the challenge it offered. My handicap during this time was adjusted upwards accordingly.

But then I wanted to enter a big competition, the Club Championships for instance, and switched to modern gear for a few weeks to give me the best possible chance.

Would I be cheating?
I think I would be, but not according to the rules of golf and I think it would be hard for a committee to argue that I were.

(I’m not thinking of doing this by the way. )

Thoughts again please?

 

[Siren]

You have genuinely blown my mind there......

 

[Backsticks]

Interesting one allright.
I would be very interested in someone doing it to see the effect.
But at a guess, not sure that the handicap would really change that much - if at all.
Its even possible you would improve ! Shorter shots dont go as far off target and less likely to put you in trouble or OB.
Its tempting !

 

[Leftie]

Perfectly legitimate in my book.

It would be like a squash/tennis player training using one of the old small headed rackets where the sweet spot was the size of a sixpence.

 

[Hobbit]

Not cheating at all. As you haven't done it to aid managing your handicap up, no problem. But like any sport, it's results based. Why would anyone attempt something that would lead to poorer results?

 

[Crow]

Not cheating at all. As you haven't done it to aid managing your handicap up, no problem. But like any sport, it's results based. Why would anyone attempt something that would lead to poorer results?

As I said in the Ridiculous Distances thread, played a game with old gear recently and really enjoyed it and would like to play more.

I don't think regularly switching between old and new sets would really work so it would require a full commitment.

But who knows, after a couple of months I'd probably have had enough of it and be desperate to get back to my modern kit.

 

[Hobbit]

As I said in the Ridiculous Distances thread, played a game with old gear recently and really enjoyed it and would like to play more.

I don't think regularly switching between old and new sets would really work so it would require a full commitment.

But who knows, after a couple of months I'd probably have had enough of it and be desperate to get back to my modern kit.

how did you score Nick?

 

[mikejohnchapman]

I guess the only issue would be whether the irons are still conforming due to rule changes regarding grooves. Other than that knock yourself out!

 

[MashieNiblick]

I guess the question is whether using older gear which might result in an handicap increase, would be considered tantamount to deliberately manipulating a higher handicap. But you can't know for sure that is going to happen, nor are you doing it for that purpose. No different from someone using GI clubs switching to blades to see how they get on, realising they can't play as well with them, then going back to their GI irons. I don't think anyone would regard that as cheating. Go for it!

 

[SammmeBee]

From your signature it looks like you're already on the case.......

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Do whatever gives you enjoyment when playing the game

 

[freddielong]

Imo you would be manipulating your handicap, unfortunately it's not considered cheating.

I thought about starting the game left handed a couple of years ago but the club wouldn't allow me to run 2 handicaps.

 

[Crow]

how did you score Nick?

I think it was 26 points Stableford, so not a million miles from what I'm scoring now with my current gear.

I'm sure I could improve on that with a little practice, especially with the putter, so would expect to be around 2 to 4 shots worse off.
Our course isn't particularly long though, on a longer track the difference would be increased.

 

[Crow]

From your signature it looks like you're already on the case.......

Ooooh!