Bandit?

Work comp the other day which i won with a 10 over par, 43 points, off a 16 handicap. Now, i'm not boasting just wanted opinions...

I'm playing off my GS handicap which is based on all my rounds to date. Having only started playing properly again at end of last year my handicap is based on a lot of winter rounds (iro 18 over for most). However recently with warmer conditions i've been around the 10 - 14 over mark.

Is it ok to use the h/c based on all rounds, or should i have gone in based on what i would expect to play off?

As a footnote, the 10 over dropped the h/c 1.2 to 14.6, but a 13 over the next day didn't change it at all. So even with that i'd be off 15 and will have won with a score of 42! I expect a few more in the 10 - 14 mark would drop it further?

Preferred Lies, Tees forward, No rough growth and slowish greens. Winter golf is not the hardest.

When putting 'Bandit' and 'Stableford' together, always understand that "par for the course" is equal to SSSCSS so your 43pts is four pts better than Scratch (39pts).

I would say you are not into Bandit Country yet. Others will though.

TheLyth

Chris, I bet there were a few raised eyebrows that day? Get many hanshakes of congrats?

I would be rubbing my hands coming in with 43pts.

Have you come close since?

Dave CAC handed Geordie.

Chris, How were you playing off 27 when you and maybe a few others knew of your talents?

Dave CAC handed Geordie.

Chris,

"Because sadly the Golf Handicap System dictates that you can only get reductions from playing in Competitions. "

But by your own submission above you were cut further in 'general play'. Could this not have happened before playing in comps especially as you were improving at a rapid rate?

In hindsight the club should have surely done a general play adjustment.  I guess the active/inactive is now relevant for this type of rare incident going by your own comment and the time from original handicap to playing in a competitive game that was eligible for handicapping.

was awarded a handicap of 27 off the back of them. I didn't feel like playing competitions at the time so didn't play any. A year later

Personally I would have resubmitted 3 cards.

Great score nonetheless and was the gross 71 a level par ?

I love reading all these stories that back up my my well known thoughts on the current handicap system. It sure is a handicap to the better player.

If you post all your scores then rest assured that you're not a 'bandit' you just played wellon that day. Howewver you'll never get away from the 5 handicapper who did 36 pts moaning about having to shoot well under par to get a look in on such a day. If we all remember that stableford is a format which includes all abilities but it has to be said favours the higher handicapper and doesn't have the same kudos as a medal then that puts it in perspective.

Handicap Committees have not lost the right to make General Play changes - Rule 23 of the CONGU booklet.

From TheLyths Book of Life:-

BANDIT : A person who knows how good their game is but will not play in "Qualifying for Hcp Events" and manufacture their score in order to keep the same Hcp when they do. You will see them win Fourball, Foursome and Match-play tournaments and they will always be willing to play for a couple of quid.

They can usually be found hanging around the Club Bar at Lunchtimes, looking for a little afternoon action.

TheLyth

Lyth, too right but they get found out pretty quickly. Also bandits do have their off days.

 I'd just noticed the score that Chris Watmore posted (I thought it was 43 pts or something)  58!! now that really is taking the p*ss.

It is not always the Player fault either.

Some years ago a guy turned up to play a Federation Event at Roundhay and shot a Gross 72, nett 48. Playing off 24hcp and having a 'good day' that is not unbelievable, what was unbelievable was the fact he turned up to play a Team Match two months later off the same Hcp.

TheLyth