Protect or not to protect? That is the question.

[swanny32]

So I've become a regular member of our clubs Jubilee cup team (6 singles matches 12-16, 3 pairs patches 17-24). I've played all 4 matches in the group stage and won all 4, currently near the top in the doubles Order of Merit, only losing out at the moment on "holes won". The captain has partnered me with the same guy in all 4 matches and we're plodding along really well.

My issue it this, the 1/4 final of the competition is on 2nd August. I've been told that I'm in the team. But over the last few months and since switching my pro, I've been hitting the ball better than ever and know that I'm becoming a bit of a bandit off a 17 handicap, I'm probably knocking it round to about 12/13 at the moment. I LOVE playing the Jubilee cup and really enjoy the team mentality etc but before the next round we have a couple of competitions that I'm currently booked in for.

Do I play these comps and gun for a win/handicap cut knowing that I'm right on the limit for the pairs (16.5, I'm 16.9), or do I pull out of the comps and save myself for the Jubilee Cup?

 

[bobmac]

Are they both net comps?

 

[FairwayDodger]

Hmm... I think you already know the answer....

 

[Region3]

You're asking a forum full of people who regularly go apoplectic at the true bandits in the game if you should keep your handicap higher than it should be so you can play in a particular competition?

Have I read that right?

 

[User20205]

You can't manage your handicap. I'd say it was against the spirit of golf. Others may call it something different.

 

[garyinderry]

Oh dear

 

[swanny32]

I've never been in a position like this before. Our team is very solid and we must be among the favourites to win it outright. Our course is just over 7000 yards and very tough so our handicaps travel very well, if of course, you're able to play to your handicap at our place.

I don't want to be accused of "cheating" and trust me, I really really want to enter this weekends stableford and the major the following weekend and stand a chance of winning them and getting my handicap down to my target of 12 but I'm seriously loving the team competition and would be gutted to miss out on the KO stages.

Of course, there is an argument that if I could get my handicap down to 12/13 in the next few weeks then I could be picked for the singles.

 

[swanny32]

Are they both net comps?

Singles is scratch match play, pairs is 3/4's off the lowest.

 

[Khamelion]

Play the two comps, as long as you have played to the best of your ability, if you get cut so be it.

 

[swanny32]

I haven't played a lot of comps over the last couple of weeks as weekends have been taken up with a couple of inter club competitions and also out summer singles/pairs competitions, so I haven't had much chance to actually get cut, to be fair.

I'm playing in the monthly stableford this weekend, I couldn't bring myself to "tank" so we'll see how I get on. Believe me, I really want to get this handicap down.

 

[pokerjoke]

So I've become a regular member of our clubs Jubilee cup team (6 singles matches 12-16, 3 pairs patches 17-24). I've played all 4 matches in the group stage and won all 4, currently near the top in the doubles Order of Merit, only losing out at the moment on "holes won". The captain has partnered me with the same guy in all 4 matches and we're plodding along really well.

My issue it this, the 1/4 final of the competition is on 2nd August. I've been told that I'm in the team. But over the last few months and since switching my pro, I've been hitting the ball better than ever and know that I'm becoming a bit of a bandit off a 17 handicap, I'm probably knocking it round to about 12/13 at the moment. I LOVE playing the Jubilee cup and really enjoy the team mentality etc but before the next round we have a couple of competitions that I'm currently booked in for.

Do I play these comps and gun for a win/handicap cut knowing that I'm right on the limit for the pairs (16.5, I'm 16.9), or do I pull out of the comps and save myself for the Jubilee Cup?

Because in your words you are becoming a bit of a bandit off 17.

Do the right thing,because its the right thing to do.
Get your handicap where it should be and play in both comps.

 

[pbrown7582]

You really need to ask? ......

 

[swanny32]

Can always count on you lot to kick people back in shape!

Got 3 weeks to get this handicap down so the captain will consider me for the singles. Solves the problem in a more morally correct way.

 

[Canary_Yellow]

Can always count on you lot to kick people back in shape!

Got 3 weeks to get this handicap down so the captain will consider me for the singles. Solves the problem in a more morally correct way.

Would you really get any satisfaction from winning the team comp by playing off an inaccurate handicap? I know I wouldn't. I would though get a lot of satisfaction from shooting a low score in the comps in the next couple of weekends and winning those.

 

[garyinderry]

It's hardly fair on the others in the jubilee comp.


Play the comps. Do your best and if you get cut so be it.
If not, you conscious is clear to play in the jubilee.

 

[swanny32]

I think the fact that I'd put myself down for competitions over the next couple of weeks probably answered my question for me really.

 

[Essex_Stu]

I think the fact that I'd put myself down for competitions over the next couple of weeks probably answered my question for me really.

Good to hear. You have a tough route to the final though. We played Bentley in the final 2 years back and they are a tough team. Crondon Park are my bet for it this year having played them in group stages(albeit with a very weak singles line up)

 

[Old Skier]

Sounds like another reason for putting up the number a Q required to maintain a comp handicap .

 

[swanny32]

Good to hear. You have a tough route to the final though. We played Bentley in the final 2 years back and they are a tough team. Crondon Park are my bet for it this year having played them in group stages(albeit with a very weak singles line up)

Thought you might make an appearance. How's things down the road?

We have Crondon in the 1/4's of the Norman Plum in a few weeks time. I've been chosen as a reserve but with our "Open" major on the same day, I'm hoping I'm not needed as the Claret Jug would look really good in my office.

 

[swanny32]

Sounds like another reason for putting up the number a Q required to maintain a comp handicap .

I play comps, the last one I played was mid May, got a small cut that day, probably would have been a lot more had I not completely bottled it going up 18. Since then I have literally played match play golf every weekend.