It just didn't seem right

[Hobbit]

I know the argument for why we need handicaps so that we can all enjoy the level playing field, and I support that... My son and I have always played off level. Every battle, and there's been some great battles, has been shot for shot. Yesterday, like so many of our recent battles finished in a half. But it just doesn't seem right getting 6 shots.

Bizarrely, I was wishing him to batter me, but his has to earn that.

He was out in 1 over, and 2 down. And back in 2 under, for all square. His game was light years ahead of mine. So, for me, its a hollow half.

Its a tough one. Without that handicap, it wouldn't have been possible to have a competitive game. And it is what makes this game equitable... but I wasn't the best golfer.

 

[williamalex1]

I know the argument for why we need handicaps so that we can all enjoy the level playing field, and I support that... My son and I have always played off level. Every battle, and there's been some great battles, has been shot for shot. Yesterday, like so many of our recent battles finished in a half. But it just doesn't seem right getting 6 shots.

Bizarrely, I was wishing him to batter me, but his has to earn that.

He was out in 1 over, and 2 down. And back in 2 under, for all square. His game was light years ahead of mine. So, for me, its a hollow half.

Its a tough one. Without that handicap, it wouldn't have been possible to have a competitive game. And it is what makes this game equitable... but I wasn't the best golfer.

That's why flyweight boxers don't fight heavyweight boxers.

 

[FairwayDodger]

It's certainly interesting how different people might feel about it. I guess the choice is between using the handicaps to (usually) ensure a close match or playing scratch with the chance of the odd glory day against the better player.

Personally, I'd go for the latter but your son might prefer it otherwise.

 

[Crow]

It's certainly interesting how different people might feel about it. I guess the choice is between using the handicaps to (usually) ensure a close match or playing scratch with the chance of the odd glory day against the better player.

Personally, I'd go for the latter but your son might prefer it otherwise.

I agree with that in principle but in friendlies I'd always feel that the better player may have been coasting and not giving their all over the early holes, only when the situation was looking tight would they start to really concentrate.

Playing handicap they need to be on their game from the off.

 

[DaveyG]

Hmmm I know what you mean but I imagine you both know he is the better player... Surely having close battles keeps it interesting for him too.

Maybe raise the stakes next time.... Really give yourselves something to play for... Why not take a cut during your father/son rounds

 

[JustOne]

Bizarrely, I was wishing him to batter me, but his has to earn that.

And he didn't. His 18 hole score is of no consequence for matchplay, he should have made more birdies and put the match to bed.

 

[ColchesterFC]

I know the argument for why we need handicaps so that we can all enjoy the level playing field, and I support that... My son and I have always played off level. Every battle, and there's been some great battles, has been shot for shot. Yesterday, like so many of our recent battles finished in a half. But it just doesn't seem right getting 6 shots.

Bizarrely, I was wishing him to batter me, but his has to earn that.

He was out in 1 over, and 2 down. And back in 2 under, for all square. His game was light years ahead of mine. So, for me, its a hollow half.

Its a tough one. Without that handicap, it wouldn't have been possible to have a competitive game. And it is what makes this game equitable... but I wasn't the best golfer.

Do you only enter scratch competitions at your club? I can't see any difference between a handicap comp at you club and playing against your son using handicaps. The whole point of the handicap is to give someone like me (off 18ish) the chance to compete against much better golfers.

 

[DaveM]

I understand exactly where your coming from. In another life I was a semipro match angler. I remember one canal match. When the world championship were over here. I had the world champ one side of me and the French captain the other side of me. No handicap's in angling.

I beat them both by the way and won the section. Nice £200 pick up.

 

[Birchy]

I understand exactly where your coming from. In another life I was a semipro match angler. I remember one canal match. When the world championship were over here. I had the world champ one side of me and the French captain the other side of me. No handicap's in angling.

I beat them both by the way and won the section. Nice £200 pick up.

Best anecdote ive ever read on here