As a nomadic golfer, I’ve long been fascinated by general play scores and the perception of them with the club member community. From my conversations and observations, I’ve come to the conclusion they’re considered something of a taboo by those who are attached to one particular club.
It’s an interesting phenomenon. The R&A and USGA encourage submission of general play scores as often as possible – thereby implying credibility – but it seems various clubs and county unions have an issue with too many general play scores on someone’s handicap record and are quietly rebelling.
But why? Is it a distrust of nomadic golfers who predominantly register general play scores – which are deemed far more open to manipulation – or a more fundamental rebellion against the World Handicap System?
Article continues below
My colleague Elliott Heath recently wrote a piece stating he doesn’t understand why nomadic golfers need official handicaps. It’s a conversation I’ve had several times with other colleagues and club members and the majority agree.
There’s definitely a divide between members and non-members when it comes to the perceived validity of handicaps. Most of this stems from competition v general play scores.
Members generally argue ‘casual’ rounds are immune from the sort of pressure golfers experience in ‘proper’ competitions – something I refute, but I’m not going to get into here – and feel handicaps made up exclusively from general play rounds lack the validity of those forged during competition play.
Some people submit scorecards every time they play
(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
‘Increasingly self-conscious’
In Elliott’s article, he wrote something I’m sure resonates with many people in the club member camp.
“I respect nomadic golfers who are keen enough to have an official handicap, but I recently came to the realisation I’m not sure what the point of one is outside club golf. I know multiple iGolf members and none of them ever play in Opens or official competitions, so I am a little confused.
“This is not a knock on nomadic golfers – I am sure I’ll become one at some point in the future as membership costs continue to rise. This is more of a knock at the…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Latest from Golf Monthly…