Would you consider this cheating????

Technically, yes, i guess it is cheating. Although I think cheating may be the wrong word. Immoral maybe better.

If it was me, I would do it for a friend, who as you mentioned Smiffy, you have known for years, and has already carded two legitimate cards that you can compare with.

Golf is a game of intergrity and honesty, and I would like to think that a good friend of mine would not go as far to falsify his score on his card to obtain a higher handicap, knowing that I had agreed to sign his card for him.
 
Golf is a game of intergrity and honesty, and I would like to think that a good friend of mine would not go as far to falsify his score on his card to obtain a higher handicap, knowing that I had agreed to sign his card for him.
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You talk about integrity and honesty, then in the same breath agree to sign his card?

I hope I'm never put in this position, and until I am, I find it hard to come up with a answer.
 
I'm not trying to condone "the friends" request, but most (most) people on here are assuming the the guy is trying to obtain a higher handicap than he would normally be awarded.
This is not the case.
I've known him for years, and he's certainly not a pot hunter. He just wants to get a handicap that reflects his general standard of play and no more
 
Yes this is wrong you would be lying for this freind and all the comeback, if there were any would be on you as you are the one lying. I am sure if he asked the handicap sec they would be able to arrange a hook up with someone else -

If he can't even manage to play three rounds with someone else what is the point of him having a handicap anyway hes not going to be able to use it
 
[quote
You talk about integrity and honesty, then in the same breath agree to sign his card?

[/QUOTE]

Good point Twire...

Although I think it does raise a interesting point about what some of us would do given this circumstance.

OK, to take it one step further. If you had a good friend who was trying to establish a handicap at your course having just joined, and had just played a round with another good friend, who was also a non-member of your course, but was able to verify the card, would you then sign it? :D
 
As far as I am aware, you don't have to be a member to sign the card. It just needs signing.
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Murph, at my club I had to have three cards signed by a member. Not even sure if the normal rule is that it has to be three different members either, although mine were not three indepentent people, that was not a problem.

I'm pretty sure this is standard at most clubs.
 
Why can't he/she ask their local MP to sign the card? After all they don't appear to have any moral scruples when it comes to signing things. :D
 
Definite no-no for me.

Like a previous poster said, if you're going to play the game then follow the rules religiously.

Also, try to think of the aftermath if you ever got found out? Whether you were only doing a good turn for a mate or not, your name and reputation would be tarnished for evermore.
 
It should be carried out as per the requirement of the club, however, if I knew the guys play standard and the card he asked me to sign was on or below that standard I would be happy to sign it, as he couldnt poss be cheating anyone and that is one of the reasons for h/c assessment.

I myself at one club, handed in 3 cards filled in by myself to the pro who knew me and got my h/c. If someone is trustworthy, you dont really need it on a scorecard, do you?

Anyone who is going to cheat will do so by playing in below their standard, someone who plays to a 10 might have three bad rounds and get h/c of 12 even though they may point out their ability. Cards in for h/c doesnt always mean fair or accurate.

I dont see this as a big issue, but I would follow the rules and requirements of the club if strict about it, but after all, the card is simply a witness, as is the person marking it, so what better witness to someones golf standard than a good mate who plays them on a regular basis and/or known them years?
 
It should be carried out as per the requirement of the club, however, if I knew the guys play standard and the card he asked me to sign was on or below that standard I would be happy to sign it, as he couldnt poss be cheating anyone and that is one of the reasons for h/c assessment.
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They are my feelings exactly.
If the guy was trying to get a higher handicap than I felt he was "entitled" to, I wouldn't sign.
But I know the guys standard of play, as I say.....I've played with him regularly for the past 10 years or more and I consider him a good friend.
 
I wouldn't sign the card. If he is a seasoned player and understands the etiquette of the game he shouldn't put you in this moral dilemma. If he is new to the game and as you say ,a good honest friend, then you should tell him the reasons why you feel uncomfortable about bearing false witness. You obviously do feel awkward about it or you would not have raised this original posting.

I would also advise against signing unwitnessed decent cards because he would be "fooling himself with too low a handicap" being a fair reason. There are certain competitions that restrict higher handicappers from entry; they have to earn the right to enter. There will be some that are the wrong side of borderline entry of such competitions. They may have really wanted to play, but are not eligible to enter, when your friend may be able to because of his unwitnessed card. Also, some of the more exclusive clubs will not allow you to play the course unless you have the required minimum handicap.

To attain your correct current handicap by playing either in competition or having a card marked by another for handicap purposes, does put extra pressure on you. Most will agree that golf isn't just about physical ability and technique, but also about handling mental pressure.
 
Whats the real reason behind this thread?

Someone wanting to confess or been put in a difficult situation??
 
Dear me, things are getting a bit extreme here.

The evidence of someones play standard is the main issue, I would argue that there is more evidence shown by an individual producing their own cards and reccomendations from a member by signing them then there is in the act of 'playing in' someone, who may be a cheat or who may just play badly and receive the wrong h/c.

Did your club pro have to put three cards in when they first came to the club? The rigid rules are not so rigid sometimes are they?
 
In my previous post I said no. I meant no to the scenario laid out.

Because it’s not done to the rules, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cheating IMO, but it’s not right and I would never consider it. In saying that cheating is an act of lying or deception….I looked it up……and that’s what this would be.
 
i can't believe that this has caused so much debate, my BEST mate. . . yeah i would sign his card after all i know he is trustworthy and like its been pointed out why would you want to cheat yourself.

Anyway, You wouldn't sign a card saying you played to a h/c of 2 when i reality you would go round in 20. . . i would sign it for him without a second thought!
 
i can't believe that this has caused so much debate, my BEST mate. . . yeah i would sign his card after all i know he is trustworthy and like its been pointed out why would you want to cheat yourself.

Anyway, You wouldn't sign a card saying you played to a h/c of 2 when i reality you would go round in 20. . . i would sign it for him without a second thought!
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If you were playing with your best mate and he inadvertantly told you he scored a five when in fact you know he scored a six, would you correct him or let it go because he's your best mate?
 
Lets think about this for a minute.

We are basically a self-regulating sport - if we infringe the rules we are trusted to call a penalty shot on ourselves, or DQ ourselves if necessary.

But we are not trusted with how many shots we take to go round the course. We have to have someone else to keep count.

Discuss......................
 
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