Initial handicap

[sawtooth]

If a player submits 3 cards and is awarded a handicap of 8, what would you then do if he told you he used to play off 3 , 4 years ago at a tougher track?

Give him 8 and keep a close eye on the situation?

Or perhaps knock it down to 6?

Or something else?

 

[rosecott]

I would definitely go for 6. A Cat 1 player wouldn't lose it after 4 years.

Why didn't he disclose his history earlier?

 

[sawtooth]

Good question, actually I was notified word of mouth so not even sure the player was ever going to mention it.

He hasn’t played in all that time so perhaps a bit rusty, but I’m sure he’ll improve very quickly.

I’m inclined to agree and go with 6, particularly as any lower requires approval as you will know.

 

[2blue]

I would definitely go for 6. A Cat 1 player wouldn't lose it after 4 years.

Why didn't he disclose his history earlier?

^^^^…. This..... I guess he may have provided a CDH or previous Club so the H/cap Sec could then have looked at his past playing record. After all, most Cat 1 players want to get back there as soon as possible.

 

[rulefan]

He should have provided his CDH ID and in any case the h'cap sec should have checked if he knew he had played before.

 

[Tashyboy]

Just outta interest, obviously he has put 3 cards in and given an hcap of 8, but when he was allocated an hcap. Would it not, or could it not be questioned if he had played before and what his hcap was. Is there no scope or leeway for that to be considered.
I say that because the other week I mentioned about a guy who was a single figure handicapper and who is now in his 20's so I suppose it is easier to think he don't know one end of a club to the other. But to get a 8 hcap for a first hcap, would alarm bells not ring.

 

[rulefan]

They should have.

 

[sawtooth]

M

Just outta interest, obviously he has put 3 cards in and given an hcap of 8, but when he was allocated an hcap. Would it not, or could it not be questioned if he had played before and what his hcap was. Is there no scope or leeway for that to be considered.
I say that because the other week I mentioned about a guy who was a single figure handicapper and who is now in his 20's so I suppose it is easier to think he don't know one end of a club to the other. But to get a 8 hcap for a first hcap, would alarm bells not ring.

That’s really why I posted Tashy, the system generated award was overridden.

There is a degree of discretion and latitude that secretaries have at their disposal. However there’s no formula for it so it’s really a finger in the air thing.

I just wanted to sanity check thought process before setting the initial handicap.

Players are meant to disclose the cdh number on the application form. Sometimes I don’t receive this so the assumption at first is that this player doesn’t have one or thinks that it’s not relevant ( possibly due to not playing for years).

Checks are made before initial handicaps are awarded and I usually find that it’s truly their first award.

I don’t think that the player here was trying to pull a fast one btw.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Surely if he has provided the required 3 cards and the club have worked out he should be off 8 after those 3 cards then where is the problem?, just because he was at a lower figure doesnt mean he still can.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

M


That’s really why I posted Tashy, the system generated award was overridden.

There is a degree of discretion and latitude that secretaries have at their disposal. However there’s no formula for it so it’s really a finger in the air thing.

I just wanted to sanity check thought process before setting the initial handicap.

Players are meant to disclose the cdh number on the application form. Sometimes I don’t receive this so the assumption at first is that this player doesn’t have one or thinks that it’s not relevant ( possibly due to not playing for years).

Checks are made before initial handicaps are awarded and I usually find that it’s truly their first award.

I don’t think that the player here was trying to pull a fast one btw.

What you and the player is spot on - he put in three cards gave CDH number and now you use your discretion to apply the correct handicap which imo should be 6 which then allows the returning player some leeway. Even without the CDH number it doesn’t take much to search via the CDH or your Handicap system

Tashyboy is talking about a recent incident where some player is returning to golf after a significant period out playing another sport and has been given a high handicap despite being able to hit the ball nice - yet the player didn’t score great but the old “jungle drums” and bandit being banded around in regards what his handicap used to

https://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/threads/a-normal-day-in-the-clubhouse.100988/

 

[sawtooth]

Surely if he has provided the required 3 cards and the club have worked out he should be off 8 after those 3 cards then where is the problem?, just because he was at a lower figure doesnt mean he still can.

That’s very true but as posted above a Cat 1 is unlikely to “lose it” in 4 years.

Whilst nobody thinks setting it back to 3 would be sensible, meeting somewhere in the middle seems to be a reasonable compromise.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

That’s very true but as posted above a Cat 1 is unlikely to “lose it” in 4 years.

Whilst nobody thinks setting it back to 3 would be sensible, meeting somewhere in the middle seems to be a reasonable compromise.

I see your point, but I am thinking what if hes had something that has kept him away from the game for 4 years and cannot play as he once did?
As a cat 2 he would quickly come down to a more reflective level surely if 8 is a touch generous for him, thats all

 

[duncan mackie]

That’s very true but as posted above a Cat 1 is unlikely to “lose it” in 4 years.

Whilst nobody thinks setting it back to 3 would be sensible, meeting somewhere in the middle seems to be a reasonable compromise.

Completely agree.

16.3/1 and 23.5 are your guidance.

Personally I think it's unfortunate that you are required, under 16.3/1, to allocate a whole number because the most appropriate allocation to my mind would be 5.5. So 6.0 it has to be.

I would still be watching the first couple of rounds closely, and consider action on the basis of any immediate good card as if it had been one of the 3 - obviously you would have to discuss with the County here; which in many ways makes it easier!

I always get alarm bells when good golfers return relevant cards when 'rusty, especially over the last few months with changing conditions etc

Good luck