why do you play golf?

[Pro Zach]

Absolute tosh. Sorry. What the handicap system does is to reward the player who plays best against his /her usual ability. If an 18 handicapper plays against and 1 handicapper on full difference and wins, do we all think the guy off 18 is the better golfer? No, of course not. But the handicap system allows for a close competitive match. I personally revel in trying to get my handicap as low as possible. Your handicap is the measure of your true ability. Have you considered how many comps there would be without the handicap system?

Your first point is a popular argument. If we reward the player that has the best score compared to his usual ability, we are also rewarding the player who has the worst usual ability compared to today’s score. We can't make the distinction of whether you won because you were relatively good today or because you were relatively crap previously. You are responsible for your performance in getting your handicap. If you had played better previously you wouldn't have won today.

Handicap believers tend to ignore their responsibility for their past performance with the argument that they were trying their hardest. Regardless of your intentions you are still responsible for your actions.

Here is the argument in another setting. I drive down the road today trying my hardest not to crash. But I make 2 mistakes and hit 2 cars. Regardless of me trying my hardest not to crash I am still responsible for my actions. Tomorrow I drive down the road and only make 1 mistake, hitting 1 car. Should I be rewarded?

Strangely there is a better argument for the reward as a socialist ideology than in a competition. It is better for society if I hit less cars. There is a problem with the carrot in this situation.

I can quickly and logically work out that the more cars I hit today the mores chance of getting the reward tomorrow. Deliberately driving into cars makes me a bandit. As a caring social person I will try my hardest to not hit any cars today and sod the reward. Unfortunately I have what is often described as a subconscious mind that isn't quite as social as I would like. This will dictate what I do depending on it's interpretation of the risk and reward. Regardless of what I would like to do or indeed think I am doing.

It seems everyone says they play golf to get better at the game. Winning is just a bonus and isn't important. Great I say, lets get rid of the handicap system. Then apparently nobody would play.

I have considered how many comps there would be without a handicap. It seems obvious that there are millions of comps every week without a handicap. Just not in golf.

 

[Pro Zach]

The handicap system is one of the major reasons why Golf is popular.

For me.
Exercise
Company
Scenery
Score/Challenge

Really?

I personally think golf would be more popular without the handicap system.

How do you know it is a major reason for it's popularity?

This thread asks the question why people play. I haven't noticed anyone say because it's handicapped.

The reasons seem to be, to get better at it, the challenge, exercise, company, scenery. Non of these things require a handicap system.

Most people seem to want to get better at the game. The best way to do that is get rid of the handicap system. Although people can't see it, the system is a psychological minefield that is likely to hinder improvement.

 

[LeeTurner]

Fresh air, exercise, mental concentration and a sense of achievement when something happens the way I planned it.
Unlike some I also enjoy playing a round by myself - the solitude helps me relax and clear my mind of all the weeks guff from work and home.

 

[gregbwfc]

I play cos I'm too old and fat to play football/rugby etc.

Interesting comments re.handicaps.
Think if you got rid of them not many people would play in comps.
I'd be naturally made up if I ever win an event but it'd mean a lot more if I had the best gross (that'll never happen).

Wife (non golfer ) made some interesting observations about this when I explained why I'd lost a game with a friend.
I scored less but he had 6 shot start.
Well that's not right, so you're better than him.
Well, yes.
So what's the point of hcap ?
To give everyone a chance of winning.
That's daft, the best player should always win.
Hmmmm

 

[cookelad]

To get my handicap as low as possible.
Because of "that" shot, the one that goes exactly according to plan, it doesn't happen often but when it does it's worth the wait.
Trees, the views, the walk and fresh air.

Handicap system isn't the problem! people play of 24 or whatever because they need help being competitive (mostly), it wouldn't take long for a 28 handicapper to give up the game if their average stableford score dropped to 6-8points. I'm sure the low handicappers would all lose golfing buddies if suddenly we weren't giving our less skilled friends shots when playing for a couple o'quid. Yes they should improve their own golf rather than relying on the shots but that's why handicaps change as we improve, and I've never met anybody who doesn't want to get better at the game!

What I'd like to see is more recognition of the person posting the lowest gross - more than just a note on the right hand column of the scoresheet!

 

[Hacker Khan]

I play as sometimes a man needs space in his members club away from women, ethnic minorities and the working class. Apparently.

As for the argument to get rid of the handicap system then way to go for making the game even more inviting for new comers. Yes, please come and play golf with all it's intimidating rules on what you can't wear and do, and yes it will probably take the best part of 4 to 5 hours if you play nowadays, and yes it isn't exactly cheap.

But on the upside, without a handicap you can play in competitions in which you will be thrashed and possibly humiliated and only stand a chance of winning after many years of practice. And in the mean time a few sad men can gain a sense of superiority and self worth by winning the Batley Golf Club mens open betterball every year

In all sports at an amateur level, people of the same ability play against each other. So in just about every sport you have leagues and in some age ranges. Thus ensuring that people have a competitive match against people who are roughly at the same level as them. As it's amateur sport, it is supposed to be enjoyable and competitive.

In golf one of the great things about it is that people of different levels can play against each other, so the handicap system is used to make it competitive and interesting for all. If you are so bothered that you did not win a comp even though you shot the lowest gross score then I'd suggest taking it up as a pro as that's what happens there.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

I personally think golf would be more popular without the handicap system.

OK :mmm:

 

[TheClaw]

I play as sometimes a man needs space in his members club away from women, ethnic minorities and the working class. Apparently.

As for the argument to get rid of the handicap system then way to go for making the game even more inviting for new comers. Yes, please come and play golf with all it's intimidating rules on what you can't wear and do, and yes it will probably take the best part of 4 to 5 hours if you play nowadays, and yes it isn't exactly cheap.

But on the upside, without a handicap you can play in competitions in which you will be thrashed and possibly humiliated and only stand a chance of winning after many years of practice. And in the mean time a few sad men can gain a sense of superiority and self worth by winning the Batley Golf Club mens open betterball every year

In all sports at an amateur level, people of the same ability play against each other. So in just about every sport you have leagues and in some age ranges. Thus ensuring that people have a competitive match against people who are roughly at the same level as them. As it's amateur sport, it is supposed to be enjoyable and competitive.

In golf one of the great things about it is that people of different levels can play against each other, so the handicap system is used to make it competitive and interesting for all. If you are so bothered that you did not win a comp even though you shot the lowest gross score then I'd suggest taking it up as a pro as that's what happens there.

I would find it more humiliating to be assigned a massive handicap so everyone knows how bad I am.

Where do you get the notion that people will give up because they're not winning from day one? People practice difficult things every day! Sport, music, school work etc.

So when a premiership football team play an FA cup game against low league opposition you think they should start a few goals down?

 

[londonlewis]

Absolute tosh. Sorry. What the handicap system does is to reward the player who plays best against his /her usual ability. If an 18 handicapper plays against and 1 handicapper on full difference and wins, do we all think the guy off 18 is the better golfer? No, of course not. But the handicap system allows for a close competitive match. I personally revel in trying to get my handicap as low as possible. Your handicap is the measure of your true ability. Have you considered how many comps there would be without the handicap system?

Agree massively with this and against the idea that the handicap system should be done away with.

Golf is a game that you play against yourself and the course and the handicap system allows you to come away with a result that reflects how well (or poorly) you performed on the day.
Do away with that and you are now only playing against your opponent and wanting to better their score. If your best ever round of golf is 90 and you are playing against someone who shoots 70, what on earth is the point of playing that game? To stroke the ego of the scratch player or to hang up the boots of the high handicap?

The handicap system may not be perfect but it serves a purpose.

I understand it is frustrating when a high handicapper comes in with their best performance ever to win the monthly medal but look at your own performance and question whether you deserve to win. Did you shoot the lowest gross? If not, then someone else could claim you were the bandit on the day if you win. Did you play to your handicap? If not, then did you deserve to win anyway?

Stop whining about the system and complaining that someone is getting in your way or stopping you from getting what you deserve. Instead put all your energy into playing your best golf, be positive, be fun to be around, be gracious in defeat and you will get everything that you deserve.

 

[Piece]

1. To spend 4-5 hours with my friends, chewing the fat and enjoying the countryside
2. To better MY OWN game and performance
3. For the feeling of hitting a great shot

Me too.

 

[Hacker Khan]

I would find it more humiliating to be assigned a massive handicap so everyone knows how bad I am.

Where do you get the notion that people will give up because they're not winning from day one? People practice difficult things every day! Sport, music, school work etc.

So when a premiership football team play an FA cup game against low league opposition you think they should start a few goals down?

There's a difference from not winning from day 1 to not having a chance to win unless you practice very hard for a few years.

As for FA Cup argument then that is professional sport. Golf does the same at that level. At amateur level all sports have some kind of ranking or league system to ensure the matches are as even as possible and you are playing people of roughly the same ability most of the time in any competition. Handicaps are the way to do this in golf.

If you did away with the handicap system are you seriously suggesting that in a comp everyone would just play each so you would get the same people winning it every week? Do you think that those who never win would say 'oh yes, I must now practice in all the spare time people have nowadays, and spend a lot of money and more time on lessons just so possibly in 5 years time there is a chance I could win the Batley open?' Or do you think they would say 'sod this for a game of soldiers, I don't play amateur sport and competitions just to be beat every week but I try and do it for some fun and enjpoyment, and getting beat every week is not really enjoyment, I'm off to do something else?'

Yes well done to those who have got down to low single figure handicaps, I really wish I could do that. But if you want to make yourself feel better then suggest each comp has a lowest gross score prize as well as net.

And as for being assigned a massive handicap then I'm not that insecure that I worry about being judged by other golfers about my golf handicap. Yes I do the best I can, but it's not my job.

 

[TheClaw]

There's a difference from not winning from day 1 to not having a chance to win unless you practice very hard for a few years.

As for FA Cup argument then that is professional sport. Golf does the same at that level. At amateur level all sports have some kind of ranking or league system to ensure the matches are as even as possible and you are playing people of roughly the same ability most of the time in any competition. Handicaps are the way to do this in golf.

If you did away with the handicap system are you seriously suggesting that in a comp everyone would just play each so you would get the same people winning it every week? Do you think that those who never win would say 'oh yes, I must now practice in all the spare time people have nowadays, and spend a lot of money and more time on lessons just so possibly in 5 years time there is a chance I could win the Batley open?' Or do you think they would say 'sod this for a game of soldiers, I don't play amateur sport and competitions just to be beat every week but I try and do it for some fun and enjpoyment, and getting beat every week is not really enjoyment, I'm off to do something else?'

Yes well done to those who have got down to low single figure handicaps, I really wish I could do that. But if you want to make yourself feel better then suggest each comp has a lowest gross score prize as well as net.

And as for being assigned a massive handicap then I'm not that insecure that I worry about being judged by other golfers about my golf handicap. Yes I do the best I can, but it's not my job.

I quite like the idea of the league system in the other thread actually. The humiliation of a high handicap comment was relating to your comment about being humiliated in defeat. I don't see how either scenario is much better tbh.

I really don't think people would give up if they think they can't win though. I love playing, hitting shots, hoping to play better than yesterday. At no point do I think - great it's a nice day and I'm getting 12 shots.

Also, the fact that we have a maximum handicap must be off putting for beginners surely? You scored over 100 for your cards but the handicaps only go up to 28 so here you go.

 

[Snelly]

I play golf because I like to spend 3 hours in the fresh air admiring the flora and fauna, for the fun with friends, to go to exciting and wonderful venues, to meet new and interesting people, for the competition, for the lovely lunches, for the delicious wines and the chance to chat up pretty waitresses.


Things I don't care about are golf equipment, lurid clothes, white belts, handicap systems, swing mechanics and competitions.

 

[bladeplayer]

jeepers i stopped reading the replys bout half way

..The main reason i play golf is i got too old for soccer & gaa and couldnt compete at the level i wanted anymore ,

mainly I play golf for enjoyment , if im playing bad i dont enjoy it but i enjoy the challenge of fixing the faults & getting better ..

I play golf for me , to get better, for me, to get my handicap as low as i can get it , you guessed it , for me .. when ever i play in a club comp i tell myself im competing for the gross prize , if that looks unlikely then the aim is a slight cut or buffer at worst ..

Allegedly our captains prize last year and now this year have been won by people who "minded" their handicaps carefuly . does it bother me greatly ? nah

The only time other peoples scores bug me is when i get .1 back after shooting 36 points

 

[Alex1975]

I play golf because I am rubbish at it! I have had a lot of hobbies that I throw myself into like no one I know. I try to become a mini expert and love to know everything about them. I have often had great success with my hobbies at high or reasonably high level, works team kart driver for example. Once I think I have made my mark or am at the top of a thing I tend to give it up and as much personal time and love I put into it while in the bubble gives way to never looking into it in any way again.

That simply cannot happen with golf, I just will not get to a standard where I will feel that I own it and for that reason I think I am in it for the LONNNNNNGG hall and very happy to be so. I will spend the rest of my life trying to be better than I was the day before....

 

[chrisd]

Your first point is a popular argument. If we reward the player that has the best score compared to his usual ability, we are also rewarding the player who has the worst usual ability compared to today’s score. We can't make the distinction of whether you won because you were relatively good today or because you were relatively crap previously. You are responsible for your performance in getting your handicap. If you had played better previously you wouldn't have won today.

Handicap believers tend to ignore their responsibility for their past performance with the argument that they were trying their hardest. Regardless of your intentions you are still responsible for your actions.

Here is the argument in another setting. I drive down the road today trying my hardest not to crash. But I make 2 mistakes and hit 2 cars. Regardless of me trying my hardest not to crash I am still responsible for my actions. Tomorrow I drive down the road and only make 1 mistake, hitting 1 car. Should I be rewarded?

Strangely there is a better argument for the reward as a socialist ideology than in a competition. It is better for society if I hit less cars. There is a problem with the carrot in this situation.

I can quickly and logically work out that the more cars I hit today the mores chance of getting the reward tomorrow. Deliberately driving into cars makes me a bandit. As a caring social person I will try my hardest to not hit any cars today and sod the reward. Unfortunately I have what is often described as a subconscious mind that isn't quite as social as I would like. This will dictate what I do depending on it's interpretation of the risk and reward. Regardless of what I would like to do or indeed think I am doing.

It seems everyone says they play golf to get better at the game. Winning is just a bonus and isn't important. Great I say, lets get rid of the handicap system. Then apparently nobody would play.

I have considered how many comps there would be without a handicap. It seems obvious that there are millions of comps every week without a handicap. Just not in golf.

I have seen some tosh on here at times!

Its clear to me that if there weren't any handicap competitions most golf clubs would lose a high number of its members as the basis of the game at club level is the system that allows anyone and everyone to play together and all stand a reasonable chance of winning. If everyone played to scratch then players would divide into groups of a like kind of ability otherwise Mr One Handicap would probably always win and the fun would go from the game for all except Mr Two Handicap.

I won our Monthly Stableford on Wednesday off 12 h/c on countback from a 10 h/c guy - if it wasn't a handicap comp what incentive would there be for me to enter? He's 2 shots better than me and therefore I shouldn't beat him or, more particularly, the 5 h/capper who played. The beauty of golf is that everyone stands an equal chance of winning when they stand on the 1st tee and no other sport can do that.

I don't know how you get your analogy of car crashes and align it to a sporting hobby - frankly it's a nonsense!

 

[One Planer]

Why do I play golf?


Keeps me away from the wife

In all seriousness, I found this game after our little boy was born and couldn't afford 3 hours a night at the gym being away from them.

I get up at the crack of dawn, play golf and I'm back before I'm missed. Everybody's happy.


Besides, I'm too old for football now

 

[Matty]

Mainly to get outdoors in the fresh air and enjoy the British countryside. I like taking part in competitions too though to keep my h/c active and try to reduce it. My ultimate aim is for under 18 but I'm not setting any immediate time limit on this.

 

[Hacker Khan]

Isn't the whole beauty of sport at its best that it is not predetermined? That you do not know who will win? That it is a proper contest between teams or individuals that are pretty closely matched?

I fully admit that commercial influences do their best to eliminate any chance in the result (witness the draws for the major European and World football tournaments). But surely without a handicap system in amateur golf the whole sporting contest would be mostly meaningless. Therefore defeating the object?

 

[Vincent Gary]

For me it's the challenge , the frustration and desire to better yourself every shot " it's addictive " Obviously the socialising side is good as well.