Perception of handicaps

clubchamp, may not be air getting in - I love that expression - but too much Tiger!
We have them as well, from about 13 up. Play at 100 mph, hit it miles and nothing is their fault. As you say beating him probably wouldn't register.
 
I give out as much tips to people who want tips but some people just dont want tips and then there are people that look at you as if to say do u think I'm stupid. The 21 handicaper I was playing with yesterday was about to hit a shot while standing in a puddle. I seen him and quickly stopped him. He didnt know he was allowed to lift out off a puddle. To him the ball wasn't in the puddle but his feet where. He thanked me and seemed happy that I had helped him.
 
I am off 11 and consider myself 'mid' handicap
Click to expand...

Why? I understand that the average handicap is about 17 or 18 and that being an 11 handicapper puts you in the top 10% of amateur golfers. So you're actually higher up in the ranking than you thought you were Madandra. Congratulations!
 
I'd go with those descriptions too.

We have a foursomes winter comp, with a random pairing, high + low handicaps. 11 is about middle, so you often get an 11 as the low, and a 12 as the high in a pairing. Shows 11/12 is about mid handicap.

My club has about 1/3 of the membership off single figures. Par 72, 6600 yards.
 
Not all high handicappers are slow-low handicappers can also be slow. I have no problem playing with any player be they a scratch or 28 handicapper.

In a golf society i play in the lowest handicapper is a prime example of all thats great about this game-he will play with anybody low or high it does not bother him-he has a great attitude and all players in the society enjoy playing with him, including the high handicappers who get encouragment from him.
As someone pointed other its not the handicap that counts but the player and his attitude. A high handicapper who knows the rules and the etiquette is better than a low handicapper who is a bore and thinks the game revolves around him and his ability.
 
I never said I WOULDN'T play with a high handicapper. I just find that I play at a better level when I am with guys roughly the same as me. I would agree that slow play is not just for the 12+ guys cos I play with a guy off 4 that slips into hybernation over his driver on every tee.
 
I disagree with the low medium and high, handicaps are a sliding scale of ability in golf. I wouldnt put an 8 handicapper in the same bracket as an 18 handicapper, no offence to people playing of 18 but it is a hell of a lot easier to go round 4 and 5 under their handicap than the 8 handicapper, even worse for those lower gain.
As for pre shot routines and slow players, some people are slow players but still get round quickly as they are standing at their ball as the players behind them in the fourball waiting to hit rather than hanging back waiting for every ball to be played before starting the rigmarole on each shot.
What really iritates me is those players that have a massive slice or hook and play with it rather than learn to fix it, I know of a couple fellas at our club that stand almost 90 degrees bent at the waist and swing like a broken gate and are happy to clobber round in 18-24 over par each week.
 
Well I am currently a high handicapper working my way back down, but I still manage to get myself around the course in 3 1/2 hours every week.

Regular playing partner is off low single figures and has no problems with higher handicap players. I think as has been said before all handicaps have there own slow/quick players and its a quirk of this game we love.

Of course my playing partner does not like it when I am ahead of him gross for the front nine! But thats a different story!

My biggest gripe is people looking for lost causes in bounce games for 5 minutes. Take your oil, your in the heavy stuff and play your provisional!
 
Brendy I take it you went up 3 shots over 2 seasons I'm under the impression that nobody can go up more than 2 shots in any one season. 8.5 would still be more for you to have went up. Am I right anyone? ;)
 
I dont care what anyone plays off. I beleive that everyone has the right to play some sort of golf. But what really makes me laugh is whenever you see a guy drive into the car park in a top of the range whatever, and pulls out his tour bag and the latest remote control trolly, swanky shoes only the best money can buy and all the nike clothing disigner sun glasses and fat wallet, then proseed to hack his way round the course, come on, every club has their Mr Bling. Give me a normal guy no mater what his handicap is. I hate this hype that just because u have loads of dosh dosent make you a golfer.. :cool:
 
There will always be mr and mrs blings everywhere.

I can guarantee that everytime I have a Merc, Jag, Beemer or similar in stock that I will get people in on it who want h.p, have £50 deposit and want to pay £49/month over 20 years!

All they give a damn about is how they look to others!
 
Personally I have no feelings either way. My club (along with most others it appears on here) operate a random draw policy for its stableford and medal comps. I am regularly drawn with players 22-28 (I'm off 15) and don't find any negative impact on my play.

Most of these guys are long standing members who either through age (i.e. vets) a deliberate choice not to practice, or just those who enjoy being out in the fresh air, go out to enjoy the game with no expectations to set the world on fire.

For the most part they are exceptionally good company, are well versed in etiquette (and in the case of some of our vets a rule demons who can quote chpater and verse) and do not hold play up.

Yes they may spend more time in the rough than others and yes my trouser bottoms may get damp at this time of year looking for balls but they instinctively know the likelihood of finding errant shots, immediately play provisionals of the tee and we normally get round in four hours.

I have also been drawn with low handicappers, and particularly when playing match play in club matches (theoretically quicker as one bad shot and pick up) it can actually take longer as "Ryder Cup itis" takes hold and every shot must be rehearsed and every putt dissected to the nth degree.

What I havent't seen much of in this thread is the remembrance that we all started with a significantly higher handicap than we have now. Ask yourself how you would feel if back then every pre-shot swing was tut tutted upon, players glanced at their watches as you shanked another into the crap, or in worse case scenarios you were actually told "sorry you are not good enough to play with me"

High handicappers are the bread and butter of most clubs. Don't shun them. Give them every encouragement. Point out (POLITELY) that they have no need for execessive pre shot routines as seen on TV, give them rule tips and playing advice but most importantly, treat them as you would want to be treated.

Happy golfing

Homer (on behalf of 28 handicappers everywhere !!)
 
Good on ye, Homer!
I've found the handicap needn't have much to do with the quality of the experience. If you're out there for 3 hours, it's the etiquette, sportsmanship and general company that count. (well, I would say that wouldn't I? But 23 feels like a fair way down when you start at 36!)
Also, golf is an individual game. If you're a good tennis player, playing with a beginner is a real chore. In golf you at least get to play your own game, though competition helps.
AliB
Interesting thread, though.
 
Unfair to class slowness according to handicap. I once played with someone off 4 and it would have been less painful to have my toenails removed. He insisted on viewing his putt from every conceivable angle then started doing this wierd breathing/ mental focus thing not akin to Johnny Wilkinson before every drive. Grrrrr. Some people just faff about, though I think players who haven't got a clue about etiquette or those who insist on driving into the trees with the big dog on every shot rather than leave the offending club in the bag are the worst.
 
I've been around 5/6/7 for years and I have no objection playing with anyone in social games or even stablefords but when it comes to medal play it's so difficult to keep the required level of concentration when you have to keep the conversation going with players (nice chaps to a man) who simply don't understand what it's like to stand on the first tee with only 5 or 6 shots left.

"Good shot" they cry as you dog it down the middle or thin a wedge just over the green - for them maybe. "Unlucky" they say when you 3 stab from 12 feet for a double bogey not realising this is the same to me as them taking a 12 on a hole. No, it's not their fault but make no mistake, playing with 20+ handicappers affects your own game too much to make it worthwhile.
 
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