Scoring query

[leemo 0]

I play off a 36 handicap, which I have made on few memorable occasions since I started playing some 18 months ago, though I enjoy the outings regardless of score.

 

Concerning the Stableford thread, my interpretation of Stableford (I get 2 shots per hole) is the easier of the two I was introduced to early on...I get two shots per hole, with a net par (e.g. 6 on a par 4) earning 2 Stableford points, and thereafter plus or minus one Stableford point per stroke.

 

 

My query in no way affects Stableford, but I hope someone can clarify.

 

In the early days I often hit double figures on a hole (as many as 16!!). Thankfully this is rare nowadays, but it does still occur when I have a lousy caddy or there are leaves on the fairway.

 

Now, I keep fairly detailed records of every round played, and although 16 strokes equates to zero Stableford points on a hole and is no worse in this respect than a 9, it does affect my overall score. Early on I mostly struggled against unfair conditions (water, trees, sand) to go around in 130+ (143 my worst to date), though to be fair this was before I discovered what a driver is.

 

 

About a year ago I was told (by a tourney organiser) that double figures should never be entered onto a scorecard, and that at 9 strokes I can either pick up my ball or play on for the fun since the hole should be scored at 9 either way.

 

I am sure this does not apply in tournaments, but just for the record is it an accepted protocol in noncompetitive play, or might it be regarded as cheating?

 

 

Thanks in advance for clarification.

 

 

leemo

[ashboy 22]

leemo

 

don't know how Doggie regards this, but in club competition (stableford) it is considered extremely poor form to continue on a hole after you have hit more shots than your handicap allows.

 

That's one of the reasons its popular down here--a round takes about half an hour less than a round of stroke play, in which every hole must be played out regardless. And slow golf is bad golf.

 

Opening all those cans is time consuming too.

[doghaus 4]

Ashboy is spot on.

 

The whole idea of Stableford is that it speeds up play. In your case, as soon as you have taken 3 shots more than the par for the hole and have not holed out, you can't score any points so you should pick up your ball. That is good sportsmanship.

 

In a medal competition, you need to hole out at every hole and record the gross score - evn if it is double figures. If you pick your ball up, you are deemed to have scratched from the competition.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Doggie

[leemo 0]

Thanks for your replies. Since I was advised to score a max 9 I generally play on to 9 even on a par 4, and then pick up, often against my partners' encouragement that as we're not playing competitive I should hack away to completion.

 

Also, my understanding of one of the reasons for scoring a 9 max is that this makes it more difficult for dishonourable persons to artificially increase their handicaps, and thereby gain an unfair advantage in tourneys. Another important factor is of course to speed the game up.

 

 

Btw, I know it can throw a low handicapper off his game when playing with someone who's hidden from view over most of the course, so does anyone happen to know if there's a high handicappers' club/bar in Pty?

 

 

 

leemo

[doghaus 4]

Leemo

 

Yes there is a high handicappers bar in Pattaya - it is called the FLB!

 

However, there aren't regular groups going out from there. If you want to join a relaxed group, you could go out with the group from Sugarshack on Soi Pattayaland 2. They are friendly guys and would be patient with high handicappers.

 

Cheers

 

Doggie

[leemo 0]

Many thanks...am off to UK in a few days for 2-4 weeks but will drop in to Sugarshack upon return.

 

All best.

 

 

leemo

[Taxi 0]

I guess the guy told you to pick up after nine shots as it was easy to remember without explaining why. Basically you can have 8 a 1 on a par 5, so there is no situation where 9 can score a point. But the above is right, once you can't score a point good etiquette is you should pick up.

[ashboy 22]

But in the interest of encouraging a new player....

 

....if there is no other group coming up behind you, and your partner is happy for you to play out the hole, then do as you please.

 

How else are you gonna practice your putting?

[leemo 0]

You mean pitching, surely.

[doghaus 4]

Great response Leemo!

 

It is a bitch getting out of that rough next to the ladies tee before you hit double figures! Especially with your trousers round your ankles - I speak from bitter experience.

 

Any chance you can make it over on 8th November - the USA are a bit short of players.

 

Cheers

 

Doggie

[ashboy 22]

I used to share a house with a mate who was a mug golfer (ok at other sports) but he would putt from anywhere within about 50 metres of the green.

 

these days he's off single figures.

[leemo 0]

Great response Leemo!

 

It is a bitch getting out of that rough next to the ladies tee before you hit double figures! Especially with your trousers round your ankles - I speak from bitter experience.

 

Any chance you can make it over on 8th November - the USA are a bit short of players.

 

Cheers

 

Doggie

I was weened on Hienekens all round at the next oasis + softies for caddies if ball fails to reach the red dots, or if it goes missing from the tee box. Cost me a fortune but now I usually overcome that particular form of pressure.

 

What really pisses me off is having a 150 yard wide fairway directly in front of me, and missing.

 

Still, there's always the occasional master shot that will always draw the novice back for more punishment, eh? - the sound of connecting with the sweet spot, not looking up, following through, and watching the ball rise, drop and roll precisely how and where you intended.

 

 

leemo

[ashboy 22]

- the sound of connecting with the sweet spot, not looking up, following through, and watching the ball rise, drop and roll precisely how and where you intended.

when did we start talking about BJ's?