When does questioning a handicap go too far?

[chriskzoo]

I'm playing in a GAM (Golf Assoc. of Michigan) Tournament next week (qualifier was last month) and I get a call from them a week before the competition because I shot 76 in the qualifier (3.4 differential, I am an 8.6 index) questioning whether or not I have been posting all my scores and accurately? Never mind that I have 73, 75, and 78 figured in my index (I've posted 20+ rounds this year, including my 9-hole league scores) as well as a few scores in the 70's last year. To boot, I have played in numerous of their events over the past few years with scores of 78, 81, 84, 84 - would I really be sandbagging?

Makes me even more motivated to go out there and throw up a low number next week.

[B-Con]

I'm playing in a GAM (Golf Assoc. of Michigan) Tournament next week (qualifier was last month) and I get a call from them a week before the competition because I shot 76 in the qualifier (3.4 differential, I am an 8.6 index) questioning whether or not I have been posting all my scores and accurately? Never mind that I have 73, 75, and 78 figured in my index (I've posted 20+ rounds this year, including my 9-hole league scores) as well as a few scores in the 70's last year. To boot, I have played in numerous of their events over the past few years with scores of 78, 81, 84, 84 - would I really be sandbagging?

Your net differential was 5.2, which, according to the USGA, is

very immprobable . That said, odds are just odds and even if the odds are 500:1 against, with that many players out there it's not unreasonable that someone's going to shoot a game that good, it just happened to be you. Especially if you have some more inconsistent scores and post some lower ones on occation, it should be clear from your history that you're capable of doing so. Your tournament history would suggest that this isn't normal. I would assume you would be fine if you explained that to them.

[Harmonious]

They are trying to ensure a level playing field for all participants. In order to keep people entering their tournaments, they are well within their rights to try to verify handicaps. We have all heard tales of 12 handicappers who somehow shoot a 73 in a net tournament. Doesn't sit too well with most people when that happens, and could lead to less entrants in the future.

A very rough rule of thumb is that one's handicap is close to their 2nd lowest score over par. In your case, that would be around a 3 (75-72). I don't think they are going too far in verifying your scores.

[Fat Slice]

I can see how you would be a little disturbed at the line of questioning, but that's what they are supposed to do. Just answer truthfully and don't let it get in your head.

[2bGood]

When does it go too far? Calling you up, doesn't seem too far to me. Calling your pro would be on the edge, calling you playing partners woud be too far.

[Jay-Bird]

Sounds like they run a tight ship at the Golf Association of Michigan. Kudos to them. And props to you for playing well.

[chriskzoo]

LOL, of course I go out today in a warm-up round today and shoot 93. Much tougher course than I'll be playing tomorrow, but I hit 7 bunkers and didn't get up and down a single time, which killed anything. Drove the ball great, iron play was poor and hit only one putt outside 5 feet.

Curiously, the rating and slope of the course I played today was slightly less than the tournament course I play tomorrow, but the tournament course seemed much easier. Today's course was Coyote Preserve in Fenton, MI which is modern Arnold Palmer course - trouble on most holes, deep bunkers - lots of places to give away shots - I played it from about 6200 yards. The Lochmoor Club where the tournament is tomorrow is a classic old country club - very flat, bunkers are not severe, and everything is in front of you - plays from 6800 yards and I shot 82 there in a practice round and could have easily shot in the 70's.

Ah well, what happens happens. I just don't want to GAM giving me crap if I shoot a good round tomorrow - and I'm determined to do it.

[TheLauncher]

I just don't want to GAM giving me crap if I shoot a good round tomorrow - and I'm determined to do it.

Good for you man, that's the attitude. All you can do is stay positive and affect your space. Whatever they do is out of your control. Best of luck to you.