Gambling with Higher Handicappers

**TMO** · October 6, 2009

Since moving to Maryland I haven't had a lot of rounds where I get to play with low handicap players. I never had this problem before but I am finding myself playing down to my playing group unless I consciously separate myself from them. Clearly, this is not as much fun.

I am hoping some people can recommend some different games I could play with a group of higher handicappers. Strokes on a hole doesn't do it for me. Any other suggestions?

**goblue107501** · October 6, 2009

There are two things that I have done with higher handicap players that equaled out the game without giving out strokes.

One, I play from the back tees and play by all the rules. They get to play from the front (mens) tees and the rules are relaxed. They get to play the ball up, anything lost or OB is played as a lateral hazard to a good spot, etc. I would typically still win, but it was a pretty good challenge.

Second, I would play a best ball against my two friends, but they get to play shambles between the two of them. They could even use my tee shot on two holes a side if they wanted to. This came out a pretty close and I would lose every once in a while if I wasn't on my game.

Both of these options gave me a sense of pressure and competition without just being able to go through the motions and win by 10.

**Harry SasQuatch** · October 6, 2009

Handicaps usually work good as long as everyone keeps them honest. The problem is most low handicappers lose one time and blame it on the handicap system. If you let it play out the system works well over a period of time. If there's more than two of you try bingo bango bongo. It's a great game to play and players of all skill levels can get a piece of the prize.

**whetstone** · October 6, 2009

I like the idea of letting the hi-caps scramble. I've got a couple of buddies who are twice-per-year golfers that I might try this with.

**wedge player** · October 7, 2009

I like the idea of letting the hi-caps scramble. .

that is a good idea.

**pxc** · October 7, 2009

The last time I played golf with friends, myself and one of my friends were high hcp players and the other friend is a lot better, shooting in high 70s/low 80s. He played from the back tees and played normally. The two of us bad golfers played from the middle tees and played normal when possible, but if one of us went OB or into the water we'd use the other guy's shot or generally just play more relaxed on the rules. I still think we brought our friend down a bit but it could've been worse.

**WUTiger** · October 8, 2009

Many years back while in the military, I had a coworker who had played Division II NCAA golf, and carried about a 3 handicap. I carried a 16 at the time.

The base course was only about 6,400 yards from the back, so we played this way:
I got a stroke on par 5s, a half-stroke on par 4s, and none on par 3s.

He won two out of three on the Nassau most of the time. ($5 for front, $5 for back, $5 for 18.)

Another way is to play best-ball against the three high handicappers. Whatever way you go, both sides will probably have to adjust if one side appears to have an advantage. It has to be somewhat fun for both sides for the format to continue.

Erratic high handicappers like me make interesting matches. In the first four holes, I could shoot a natural Double Bogie, a natural Par, a natural Triple Bogie, and a natural Par... and who knows what follows?

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Gambling with Higher Handicappers

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