Does ESC alter your strategy?

[acegolfer]

Of course, this is for a non-competitive round.

My fellow single capper always go for the hero shot after penalty. Does ESC affect your strategy?

[steelernation]

I just looked up ESC and its def. I dont use this during a round to the rule. I read that with my HI I would max at a 7? Even on a par 5? I may have taken a few 9's this year, I may have even applied the rule when I was over 10 and gave myself an 9, thats been a while. If this is what the USGA intended my HI would probably be 2 strokes lower by now, just not interested in using it.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Good question. I never really thought about it that way, but yes, i guess it does alter strategy. Knowing that i cant post any higher than a double might lend me to take some chances with escape shots i wouldn't normally take.

[James_Black]

well if I've got a 10 footer for a double bogey I'll give it extra pace since It doesn't matter if I over-shoot.

[alf174]

Good question, hadn't thought about it till now so I would have to say no.

[double_j]

It doesn't affect mine until it's blatantly obvious that I'll be taking the max on any given hole. After that, I'll just play the rest of the hole really quick or pick up so as not to slow down play.

[CG031]

No, the ESC rule is pretty damn stupid, if you ask me.

[sean_miller]

Of course, this is for a non-competitive round.

No. Shooting the lowest gross score possible and not developing bad habits are factors. In match play though (where scores probably shouldn't be entered anyway - too many conceded putts) I might try to hole out with a 3-wood, so it's all relative.

[iacas]

No, the ESC rule is pretty damn stupid, if you ask me.

I disagree. It's not intended to be used at all DURING play, of course. It's just to keep someone's handicap in line. Handicap is a measure of a golfer's potential, after all, not their "average score" or "current ability."

ESC doesn't affect my strategy at all.

[TourSpoon]

I would say no...

What does affect my stategy? Skins...

[BigTazz53]

It doesn't affect my play either. I play with bunch of guys and a snowman is max you can get for any hole.
It isn't exactly like esc but our version of it I suppose. The main reason we use it isn't for scores but pace of play.

[msd3075]

The only way ESC affects my game is when I speed up play on holes where I'm 99% sure I'll be taking a double bogey. Other than that, I play every holes as if ESC doesn't exist.