What is going on!

[time_vans]

i used to play a lot of ten pin bowling and deliberately playing bad is known as 'sand bagging' and the reason why i quit. it was so open to abuse it was ridiculous. players of excellent ability would 'sand bag' their first three games get a ridiculously high handicap and walk the league...ok it came down to a realistic level by the end but the following season handicaps weren't carried over and it all started again. all for £20 and a plastic shield.PLEASE PLEASE tell me golf is not like this.

 

[mickytwodesks]

Cheers Doh, your right i didnt do anything special

I can quite quickly clear up the arguement regarding playing for a high score to gain a high handicap. The score outlined in previous post is my best strokes score ever! and my second best points score. it just happended to take place whilst i was playing for my handicap. Thats why i am a little annoyed - because playing to 24 would mean playing better than my best round, never mind playing to 20 and playing to 18 is just crazy at the moment.

people will always abuse the system, i'm not one of them, i just want to be treated fairly.

 

[time_vans]

apologies mickey my post was not directed at yourself just how other sport's handicap systems are abused.i suppose human nature dictates that some people will 'cross the line' in a win at all costs attitude.

 

[Imurg]

There are plenty of Sandbaggers or Bandits as we call them. These are the people who either lie about their ability or deliberatly play badly in order to attain a handicap that is way above what it should be. They then go round clubs playing "open" compys and bringing home the bacon getting loads of shots more than they should. It is cheating but its hard to police and prove.
You also get ordinary club members that play badly on purpose until a big compy comes round and then they're playing out of their skins.

Don't get me wrong - anyone can have a good day. I've seen genuine 28 handicappers shoot mid 70's in medals and if they do then their handicap will show this. But there is an element who will do all they can to get a few quid or a trophy

 

[Tommo21]

Micky, I’m not suggesting for one minute you’re holding back in any way. I'm saying play as much as you can, get some regular practice, possibly a couple of lessons, bite the bullet and get playing better, just like the guy in my previous post.

If you can’t your HC will go up.

 

[mickytwodesks]

Guys i know you werent suggesting i had held back. I know that you where merely pointing out that the system can be abused and i'm sure some people do (el banditio).

Yep, i need to knuckle down and practice, practice, practice and i do as much as work and HID will allow. The reality is that currently i play to around 24 and that means with an offical handicap of 20 i will have to submit 40 scores above the 20 handicap to increase my handicap to what it should be.

anyone fancy a round for big money? i'm easy pickings at the mo

 

[vig]

I remember when I was in the process of submitting the 3 cards, I tried my ass off. I went OB 5 times in 3 rounds trying to force the score and had a gross eagle on a par 5 to which one of the 4 ball remarked "you're going to be in bandit country". I got a H/C of 22 which I knew should have been lower. after about 2 month (using an on line H/C tracker) I was down to 15 but hadn't entered any comps.

I am now in the position of having a lower H/C and don't enter comps because of the "fear" of being labelled a bandit.

I mentioned this to the assistant pro and he said don't worry about it, it will soon be adjusted. I just can't force myself into entering a comp to end up with a nett 62, It is not right and I don't know what my best move would be.

 

[Basher]

I have a match this weekend with a guy who plays off 18.
As far as I'm aware (have to make enquiries) I'll be playing off 18 as well! 25 Hcap.

I feel like giving him the game and spending my golf time doing something else to be honest. I'll be like a lamb to the slaughter fellas!
I just hope I get the full handicap to at least give me some chance.

 

[viscount17]

vig, why not talk to the handicap secretary, suggest having a round with him and see what he comes up with.