Was I wrong to ask for a cut?

[need_my_wedge]

My handicap last year was 25. In regular games, where I'm out for fun, I can easily play down to 20-22. However, when you put a card in my hand in a medal, I go to pieces every time putting way too much pressure on myself trying to get cut. I asked the secretary whether I could get cut in the annual review, and have subsequently been dropped to 22. I'm quite happy with this, but I could be doing myself a dis-service here, obviously if I don't play to that level, could see myself going the wrong way. Was it wrong to ask for the cut or should I have taken the extra points while I still could?

 

[Alex1975]

Can you play to 22 once every four rounds?

 

[need_my_wedge]

I should add, I don't feel bad for asking, I think the handicap I've been given is more realistic. The secretary didn't say "not the done thing", I'm just wondering if I've broken any "protocols" in doing so.

 

[USER1999]

Nope, you've done nothing wrong, that's the whole point of the review. You can ask for a cut if you want one, they don't have to give it.
Personally, I like to do it in comps, as I feel it is more deserving. Also, if you can't do it in comps, then it doesn't feel real.

 

[patricks148]

I suppose thats what its for. if it wasn't the done thing they wouldn't have done it.

 

[Macster]

To me, a Handicap should be an accurate reflection of your ability under Competition conditions, and not indicative of your 'general play', as for most, the 2 are very different.

So you have done yourself a dis-service perhaps, but no-one else.

I wouldnt ever do it, I like to earn my cuts through my play in a Medal, much more rewarding.
However, its up to you.

 

[JustOne]

I asked the h/cap secretary for something reasonable 3 would have been OK... he gave me 5.5 (6). Since then I got completely demotivated and couldn't be bothered to practice, nothing worse than having a h/cap that you feel is too high.... it's nice to push yourself.

 

[Bratty]

I asked the h/cap secretary for something reasonable 3 would have been OK... he gave me 5.5 (6). Since then I got completely demotivated and couldn't be bothered to practice, nothing worse than having a h/cap that you feel is too high.... it's nice to push yourself.

So that's why you've always shot around the 6 - 7 handicap mark when we've played, is it?

 

[JustOne]

No focus mate.... although it's not like I mess about and have a laugh at all

Been practicing my 'Bubba Watson' slice lately... brace yourself!

 

[Oddsocks]

Are the games you play to 20 off Played from the sane tees as your comps, if not your new handicap is pointless. Some of our comp tees are 100 yards further back than out yellows.

Personally like others have said I like my cuts to be done on comp scores as I know I've earned it, I had a few games last year that was well below 10 over but do I class myself as a sub 10 h/c player , nope!

 

[Fyldewhite]

The answer to this is simple. The secretary or committee should not alter anyones handicap unless there is evidence that it does not reflect playing ability. If they do then they are simply not doing their job properly.

As you couldn't beat your handicap (and therefore reduce it) in competition conditions (ie proper golf) there was no such evidence and he shouldn't have cut you....period.

 

[Simbo]

I didnt even know you could do this!!!

I always thought that you had to earn your handicap in medals,under pressure, IMO thats where it should be done. theres hundreds of golfers out there that shoot "72" when they are playing with their mates but when they have a card in their hand they cant do it. the only reason i can se for the club cutting you just for asking is to stop you winning all the medals as this is a common occurence of new members or people getting new handicaps.
personally i think you have shot yourself in the foot, should have left it as it was and went out and scored some decent rounds, maybe won a few medals built up your confidence.

just mu opinion though, if you're happy with it thats all that matters

 

[need_my_wedge]

Played yesterday, joined up with another pair to make a three ball, just out for knock, but putted out on every green. 4 degrees, bit drizzly, damp muddy fairways, but all greens open and only a couple of mats where we're redeveloping the tees. The ball wasn't really working, flight was short and run was negligable, ball often plugging/ stopping dead ono impact, but shot my best ever round of 86, included 8 pars, chipped in on one green and hit the pin to stop 6 inches away chipping in on another. New handicap gives me a net 64 with 43 points, old handicap a net 61 with 46 points. There was still room for improvement with a couple of double bogeys out there, but extremely chuffed with yesterdays round.

 

[Billysboots]

To answer the OP, I have to say that, if by your own admission you go to pieces with a card in your hand, then seeking a cut, whilst very honest of you from the point of view of friendly/society knocks, was a rather pointless exercise. All you've done is heap more pressure on yourself for when the season starts.

Most of us are well capable of playing within our handicaps during a friendly game. I do on a regular basis. But as others have said, your handicap reflects your playing ability when the pressure is on, and it's only truly on when you have that competition card in your back pocket.