Balancing wanting to get better with being able to compete

[chriskzoo]

Right now I'm sitting at a 9 HCP which generally puts me in that nice range of getting 9-10 strokes in net competitions and usually in the thick of things if I'm playing my game. That being said, I am confident that I could get down to a 5.4 Index to play in some "real" events like the Michigan Amateur or Mid-Am, though I know I would have no chance to compete and likely wouldn't shoot the 74 or 75 you need at the qualifying sites to make the finals - and even if I lucked into the finals I would certainly not be in the Top 100.

That being said, at my current index I can get my game together and do well in some of the Net and Team Net events run by the State.

So while I COULD get down to a 5.4, what's the real incentive in doing so?

[clubchamp]

How did you come up with a 5.4? I'm all confused in the fact that you know you can get your handicap down but yet you don't to play tourneys. Why wouldn't you want to get your handicap down and play in tourneys? If you can play to that handicap it shouldn't make a difference. You actually make it sound like you are sandbagging trying to keep your handicap up.

[dansensel]

Sandbagging.

[David in FL]

Sandbagging.

That would be the correct term for someone who could lower their handicap but chooses not to do so because he's more "competitive" in net events with the higher handicap..... There are other words often used, but they'd be inappropriate for a family oriented forum such as this.

[billm408]

OK maybe I'm reading this differently.
1. I'm guessing a 5.4 index is the min requirement for some of the local amateur events.
2. He's playing to a 9, but understands that rebuilding his game to get to a 5.4 or better will likely result in worse scores during the transition.

If this is the case, then yes it'll get worse before it gets better. But only you can decide if it's worth it. IME, you'll sacrifice an entire year getting your game in shape to drop down 4-5 strokes and it'll take another season of competetive play before those changes will hold up under any kind of pressure.

If the opposite is true- you could easily play to a 5 or better and chose not to for net events, then.... well you already know.

[chriskzoo]

OK maybe I'm reading this differently.

Right, I'm not saying I can currently play to a 5.4, but I'm sure I could get there with practice - the issue is that I can NOT practice, occasionally get my game together, and shoot in the mid to high 70's (I have my fair share of 85's), and have fun competing. Or I can work my game to get to that 5.4, but I would effectively be unable to compete because those competitions are not handicapped and I'm not going to beat some silver-spoon 20 year old who spends 6 hours a day at the club in the summer in a non-handicapped event.

[Yukari]

OK maybe I'm reading this differently.

I am more impressed with your reading comprehension than anything...

[Leftygolfer]

Just turn in your scores and play. If you get better and play in better events and get waxed, you will have alot of fun in the process.

I could be a 5 too if I didn't have a job and a family. There is no reason to not play as good as you can. Golf is more fun the better you get.

[tjy355]

So while I COULD get down to a 5.4, what's the real incentive in doing so?

Well, the secret handshake, for one.