Gambling on the golf course is it a necessity?

[pumaAttack]

I don't mind a small wager as long as the game is set-up so I have a reasonable chance to win.  I have been invited to play "even up" with some good players and usually decline unless I can negotiate a level playing field (or better yet, one tilted in my favor). 

I think thats a pretty big problem with gambling in golf.  The skill set just varies too much.  And seems to be set up for the better players to hose the less skilled.  Where is the fun in that?

[Fourputt]

 

Why play at all if they game itself is not the main reason you play?

Couldn't you save time and money and just bet on sports at the local bar?

I have no control over the outcome if I'm not participating.  It's the thought, misplaced or not, that something I do just might have a positive effect on the out come that makes wagering on my game attractive.  I have no interest in betting on sports contests that I have no control over.

 

This is such a weird concept for me.  Why do you have to spice up golf?  Do you not like playing the game itself?

Of course we like playing the game.  These days I rarely seem to find a money game, but I haven't quit playing because of that.

Do you enjoy the thrill of gambling more than golf?

Definitely not.  I don't gamble on anything but my own golf or an occasional poker night with friends, and even then it's very small stakes.  If the potential is to lose more than about $20, then I'm not interested.  I don't play for blood, just to add a little spice to  life.

 

 

 

I think thats a pretty big problem with gambling in golf.  The skill set just varies too much.  And seems to be set up for the better players to hose the less skilled.  Where is the fun in that?

 

Part of the fun of playing a money game with friends (and only with friends or those I know) is negotiating strokes before the round.  When you each know how the others play you can settle on a reasonable allocation, sometimes with the proviso that it can be renegotiated on the 10th tee if it gets too lopsided.

 

Edited October 12, 2015 by Fourputt

[inthehole]

Nope, I never bet. I've never bet on any sport I've participated in. 

same here

[mvmac]

Do you enjoy the thrill of gambling more than golf?

I don't get a thrill from the gambling, I get the "thrill" from shooting a good score or hitting a solid shot when something is on the line ("under the gun"). When I was younger the gambling was also a good way to prepare for tournament "pressure". As I said in my other post, I don't "need it" to play but I like the challenge and I kinda miss the camaraderie that comes with a group of guys that gamble.

[Scotsclaff]

It's not mandatory but it makes it a bit more fun.

Our gang always bet,we've been playing together for a number of years and the most I ever saw someone lose was about 20 dollars.

It's a case of what goes around comes around with us.

[pumaAttack]

I don't get a thrill from the gambling, I get the "thrill" from shooting a good score or hitting a solid shot when something is on the line ("under the gun"). When I was younger the gambling was also a good way to prepare for tournament "pressure". 

Those all make sense to me!  I know some people only care about gambling and not the sport, so I wonder why they don't just go to the casino... 

And I do think that would help with the pressure, for sure.   I was playing a round with a random single earlier this year and he offered up a bet.  We were both about 20 yards from the green and he said "100 bucks if you make it."  I accepted the bet, knowing we both wouldn't make it, and we both proceeded to duff our chip shots.  So much for handling the pressure!  Haha.

Thanks for your response, maybe I should try placing a few bets next time on the course.

 

 

[Yukari]

It's absolutely mandatory when playing with friends or family members. Otherwise it's too boring - JK.

However, I never bet with strangers. 

[Sante TwoGloves]

gambling doesnt belong on the golf course. save it for poker night.

[Fourputt]

gambling doesnt belong on the golf course. save it for poker night.

Gambling has been done on the golf course since before they invented poker.

[iacas]

gambling doesnt belong on the golf course. save it for poker night.

One could say the entire handicap system is built upon gambling.

Hell… http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-of-amateur-status.html#!appendix

[Sante TwoGloves]

another opinion against the grain? thats the way i see it. no biggy.

[iacas]

another opinion against the grain? thats the way i see it. no biggy.

The only issue here - and it's a small one - is that the way you worded your post makes it sound as if it applies to all, not just your own opinion. By saying it has "does not belong on the golf course" you're making a judgment for others, when clearly for many (possibly even the majority) it certainly has a place on the golf course.

If you have a different opinion, cool. But at the end of the day all I did was share information that is contrary to your opinion.

[Sante TwoGloves]

all good. i hate seeing it thats all but thats me. cheapens the game for me.everyone is different. 

[ElWagonne]

Almost seems like you need a fourth option for the poll 

4) No, and I frown upon it when others do it around me

[Sante TwoGloves]

Almost seems like you need a fourth option for the poll 

4) No, and I frown upon it when others do it around me.

true. 

 

[iacas]

4) No, and I frown upon it when others do it around me

Done. Everyone can edit their poll vote(s) too, if they want.

[Sante TwoGloves]

besides its unlawful. i try and be a good citizen as much as i can.

just one example:

http://www.golfdigest.com/story/police-investigating-gambling-on-golf-course-yep

[iacas]

besides its unlawful.

No, it isn't. The police were only investigating whether the course was acting as "a gambling house," and they were only doing that because of a disgruntled former employee. That's very different.

Heck, I have a few friends who run an established (10+ years!) gambling ring. They pay a commissioner and everything. Totally legal. Several lawyers participate.

Edited October 13, 2015 by iacas