Handicap System Changes: For and Against!

Boo

Unenforceable. As a handicap chairman, am I supposed to check and delete all scores posted for members of my club that I have no scorecard to verify that the round was not played alone? Anyone can still post a round of golf even when they play alone, and it is extremely unlikely that it will be picked up by a review. In the real world, not all scorecards get turned in for review, and so as it always has been, the individuals honesty and integrity comes into play when posting their score. It also allows for the player to play, improve, and not have to post those scores that might lower their handicap, so the next time they play their handicap does not reflect their improvement. As has been said, those that what to cheat on their handicap will find a way.

I agree with ITSMAGIC.  It seems as though the USGA lately has decided to dictate in a manner that will discourage more players from participating in casual rounds.  The rule change regarding the anchoring of a putter is another example of the USGA trying to discourage players from participating.

As a follow-up to comments concerning playing solo vs in groups, and to get more feedback to understand the root issues with the rule change, here are some additional comments based on family conversations on this Thanksgiving day.

“Your Passion. Our Purpose.”.... what Passion are we trying to support? Does this change do it?
i.e. What are we trying to solve with this rule change? ” ... the USGA decided to more stringently align Handicap System and Rules of Golf policies.”

What other rules are not being enforced that should be reviewed?

Unless we are all on TV with documented play,  Amateurs need to depend on the Integrity of the game.

There are ways to identify unusual tournament scoring.

Anyone who wants to cheat will still find a way. How can you stop anyone from posting a solo score?
Its all up to the individual to be honest about the round. This really hurts those of us who are honest and chose to play alone at times.
Very bad rule change in my opinion.

Cheaters will always find a way to cheat. And, yes, there are sandbaggers out there. I think the SGGA should step up and create a better way of determining Handicaps that represent true skill and discourages sandbaggers.

While it has it’s merits, The lowest 10 out of the last 20 is like throwing rocks at the side of the barn, when you have sandbaggers.

I believe that there is a way to improve the handicap system and encourage the integrity of the game. Basically, it will allow each SCGA member to decide if they want to participate.

I am surprised that we have not seen more discussion from the SCGA on the options for improvement vs implemting rules that change the way golfers play their game.

There is a better way to calculate more accurate handicaps, even when there are some who want to buffer their HC.

This is absurd. The idea is to get more people interested in golf and this works against that. Anything that makes our game less appealing or restrictive is a bad idea.

I have no issue with the change. The issue that I have is it always comes down to one thing MONEY. The clubs have events that pay cash prizes. Para Mutuals Calcuttas Skin games and of course the hole in one that wins a car. We all know that there are no true amateurs if we follow the amateur rules to the letter.  My club does all of the above things and we have SCGA officials as membrs and participate in these events. The SCGA turns it head. How can you run an amateur organization and lets these things happed. As long as thousand of dollars are being paid to players in these invitationals and club events there will be chating going on.

I think that the handicapping method should have a combination of scores, those played alone and those attested.  It would allow “dawn patrol” golfers to get in their weekly round before work and then also have a place for the “usual” foursome group game. 

Being a high handicapper, this rule make sense to me. If the elite pro’s scores can be verified by TV viewers, why shouldn’t there be an actual witness to each score submitted by us lowly amateurs? I think it is too tempting for many, (not all tho) to play a round alone and add a few strokes to keep the handicap up in order to be more competitive in their club tourneys. I agree that many golfers know someone playing with a higher handicap than what they actually play to when in a tourney.

It doesn’t matter what is done.  Cheaters will always find a way to pad their scores.  Unfortunately, there are way too many baggers out there.  We all know who they are and nobody wants to do anything.  I will never play in another SCGA organized event.  Tournaments of whose the biggest sandbaggers.  Thankfully the greater percentage of our membership are gentlemen and honest.

I am against the change.