the difficulty of being a high handicapper,who sometimes can play like a low one

[robert.redmile]

Robert

Sorry to go off topic a bit but your 25 to 9 post did create a lot of interest and sadly there has never been a progress report, I assume that since Feb you have dropped from 25 to 22, that leaves you to December to drop the remaining 13 shots to win your bet, do you think you can still achieve this ?

There has been loads of updates! No, I don't think I've got a hope in hell of doing it sadly!

I believe I can shoot a low 80's very soon, so hope to get to 16ish quite soon - it's all about keeping a 9 or 10 off my card, as I have loads of pars and bogeys (and a few birdies)

Gun to my head, i'll end up around 14, I wont get to single figures this year - I don't have enough talent, time, and didn't quite grasp about how hard the game is.

 

[Hacker Khan]

There has been loads of updates! No, I don't think I've got a hope in hell of doing it sadly!

I believe I can shoot a low 80's very soon, so hope to get to 16ish quite soon - it's all about keeping a 9 or 10 off my card, as I have loads of pars and bogeys (and a few birdies)

Gun to my head, i'll end up around 14, I wont get to single figures this year - I don't have enough talent, time, and didn't quite grasp about how hard the game is.

In other words, a typical golfer

 

[dankiz]

I am a 20 handicapper who generally plays like one, I am so inconsistent it is untrue! Yet, I have won society events, once with 45 points! Luckily my fellow society members were very gracious understanding that I was having one of those golden days. We all need those! I got cut 4 strokes straight away so it is all relative. I seem to recall getting 18 points the month after! The handicapping system is there to make it a level playing field and you have a good day, just enjoy it! The golfers showing vitriol are merely jealous.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

As others have said - they are really only jealous

Just ignore them. I have a mate like you (he's off 19). Can play cracking shots - and proper single figure short game at times. But he shot 102 (30 over) off 18 in the medal last weekend. Out in 44 and doing OK - but only myself and another PP saw him make a total mess of things on the back 9. So I stand up for him when folks get a bit mouthy as he - correctly - just keeps stum.

 

[duncan mackie]

I have huge sympathy Robert - and know it's impossible for some to ignore such comments (whilst to others it's water off a ducks back)

I have eventually resolved the inner conflict on this and generally respond lightly along the lines 'today I ride a mule, wear a sombrero and my six shooters are firing - tomorrow is another day'the combination of the varied courses, conditions etc means that you can never have exactly the handicap the system delivers, even off scr when it's as close as it can get. One man revels in the ball staying in the area it lands on every shot, whilst another becomes unbeatable when there's 60 yds of roll from every shot.

I can only suggest that you remember such situations in 40 years time when you are consistent in your play, off whatever handcap, and meet someone who isn't on a good day

 

[Face breaker]

Have experienced the exact same buddy and just ignored it, last Friday I was on fire and nailing absolutely everything but two weeks prior I couldn't hit a barn door with a sledge hammer let alone a golf ball with an iron then yesterday I won the second hole on our course I was on the green in 3 and 2 putted for a 5, into the wind ,on a 339yd/par 4 using just a 5 iron and nothing else and my 2 mates scored a 6 and a 7 "that'll teach em for challenging me" but could I replicate it again "I doubt it any time soon" so my advice to you is "mentally issue the bird" and carry on playing your own game !...:thup:

 

[needmoreclub]

Don't you give a monkey's what they think, match play can suit higher handicappers now and then. I was giving my opponent 18 shots on Monday night and he started par par par and i was 3 down, then he went on to explode over the next 7 holes, i ran out winning 4&3.That's what the handicap system is for, making people able to play against each other. Everyone is capable of the odd great shot regardless of handicap, just enjoy it next time, sod them.

 

[ScienceBoy]

You can't control what your opponents do.

They can try and control you with a good moan though!

Best thing is to just keep positive and be really extra very nice to them in return. People don't know how to respond when its the opposite of what they are trying to get. Maybe even say thanks for the compliments!

 

[Fish]

I have huge sympathy Robert - and know it's impossible for some to ignore such comments (whilst to others it's water off a ducks back)

I have eventually resolved the inner conflict on this and generally respond lightly along the lines 'today I ride a mule, wear a sombrero and my six shooters are firing - tomorrow is another day'the combination of the varied courses, conditions etc means that you can never have exactly the handicap the system delivers, even off scr when it's as close as it can get. One man revels in the ball staying in the area it lands on every shot, whilst another becomes unbeatable when there's 60 yds of roll from every shot.

I can only suggest that you remember such situations in 40 years time when you are consistent in your play, off whatever handcap, and meet someone who isn't on a good day

Yep, water off a ducks back for me now, just grow some thick skin, take their money, give them a little smirk and enjoy your days play, because those days will be a minority to those that you still enjoy but play well outside of your handicap.

I'm 21 currently, I've had people back me to massively improve quickly as I'm more than capable of shooting sub 80 rounds or at worse mid 80's, but not when it matters unfortunately, so stuff 'em and just enjoy yourself, if you do come down you will plato at a level and soon you will be on the other end of the same punishment...:smirk:

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Don't rise to it. You said in the OP there were holes you picked up on so while you can be good, its streaky and not consistent and I'd summise that's why you're still where you are. Always easy to look for excuses if you've just been beat

 

[Leereed]

Me the same play of 16 but on my day can and have played to single figures.i will have 5-6 great rounds a year which keeps my handicap around 16.If I could cut out the two bad holes I think I would be a steady 11-13.

 

[Evesdad]

Similar boat to you but I'm higher! When it goes well I'm shooting about 90, when it's off its well off!! I've done really well in pairs comps recently which has got a few backs up.

 

[Hobbit]

You're not upsetting anyone, although you might be making the odd one jealous. Everyone gets called a bandit, even low handicappers. I take it as a compliment - means I've played exceptionally well enough to get under someone's skin.

 

[Dando]

I have the same problem. Currently playing off 16, but used to play off 2 when I was a teenager (gave up golf to concentrate on cricket). I had a game a few weeks ago when it all clicked and I was +2 for the round. went out the week after and I only broke 100 with a chip in birdie on the last!

I love the game, as what it gives you one week it takes from you with interest the next!!

 

[trevor]

Someone had a little dig at my h/c (19) a while back to which I replied that I had played in over 40 qualifiers in the last year so what else was I supposed to do about it.

 

[Big_G]

Some people will always be bitter

I played last Saturday in our club roll-up, shot my best ever round for a net 62.

In the bar after, one of my playing partners promptly took the scorecard over to show the chairman of our handicapping committtee. He gave the perfect response, he turned to me and said "nice score, well played, now do it in a comp" He knows like above I play in almost every comp possible, and am trying so hard to get my handicap down.

The ironic thing was, the guy who complained was in my group and we won the roll-up!!!!

 

[Liverbirdie]

i would just enjoy it while you can... better than the alternative, Im at the stage of being a low handicap playing like a high handicap

I feel your pain. In my last 20 odd rounds I've probably played to handicap or lower only about twice.

Its definitely worse being lower and not playing to it.

These high handicappers coming on here, winning everything in sight with their 250 yard drives, 44 points, hoovering up all the matchplays, all on the backs of their steady lower partners, asking for sympathy.......

Pah.