Scratch Prizes in Handicap Opens

NearHull

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I have been asked by a member (scratch player) to consider having a Scratch Prize in our Pairs Opens. He believes it would attract more entrants. I understand that scratch or very low HI players have to play out of their socks to win a prize in an Handicap Open, particularly when some very high scores are recorded. On a balance sheet, if awarding a Best Scratch Prize is equivalent or better than two entry fees and, it does attract at least two additional entrants, it kind of makes sense. I have searched various Handicap Opens publicity sheets in our county but cannot find any Club offering scratch prizes in a Handicap Open. Are there any Clubs doing so in your part of the country? Are there any downsides to offering such prizes that I cannot see?
 

azazel

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All of our Opens have scratch prizes. In one last year I got a £15 voucher for 4th best scratch score. As far as I can tell it's very, very common for competitions up here (Scotland) to offer at least one scratch prize. Other than diluting the prize pot a bit I really can't see any downsides. As you've said, it gives low handicappers no complaints (whether anyone accepts those complaints are justified or not).
 

patricks148

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All of our Opens have scratch prizes. In one last year I got a £15 voucher for 4th best scratch score. As far as I can tell it's very, very common for competitions up here (Scotland) to offer at least one scratch prize. Other than diluting the prize pot a bit I really can't see any downsides. As you've said, it gives low handicappers no complaints (whether anyone accepts those complaints are justified or not).
yes in my exp all the opens played up here have scratch prize, but ours are all Individual stroke play comps, i think OP is talking about pairs/BB, which are common down south
 

Slab

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Do you mean have gross and nett prizes for your pairs open ?

Or do you mean offer an individual best gross in a handicap pairs comp?
 
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Is your open likely to fill up? If so then I can't see any need to offer a scratch prize. If it doesn't then your point about attracting additional entries becomes valid.
 
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