Accused of 'sandbagging'

[jlund]

I'll make this short...  I was invited to play aat a local club with a friend.  I love this track and usually play pretty well there.  I typically play to an 8 handicap.  This day I played out of my mind and went 1 under par for a 71 (2 bogeys and 3 birdies).  The net of it is that I was accused of sandbagging my handicap.  It's not a huge deal in terms of $$$ as we were only playing for $10.  It seemed that my buddies friends were actually a bit upset at him & that is what has me bummed out.  I have played as low as a 6, but right now I am truly playing to an 8.  I just had a great day.  How would you handle this?  I'm not expecting an invite back anytime soon :(

[foxhole88]

If you are shooting lights out, its expected that you will take a litle ribbing about being a sandbagger or a ringer.  But if it gets any more serious than that over a lousy $10 its just a sign of poor sportsmanship from a couple of tools and they shouldn't be giving your buddy a hard time about it. You should have just walked over and stuffed the $10 back into the mouth of the guy that was complaining the loudest.

[jlund]

I hear you there.  We bought them a couple of beers... I just felt bad I guess.

Originally Posted by foxhole88

If you are shooting lights out, its expected that you will take a litle ribbing about being a sandbagger or a ringer.  But if it gets any more serious than that over a lousy $10 its just a sign of poor sportsmanship from a couple of tools and they shouldn't be giving your buddy a hard time about it. You should have just walked over and stuffed the $10 back into the mouth of the guy that was complaining the loudest.

[mattshaver]

Think about what these guys did to you man.  You just shot a 71 and they're going to give you crap about it over a measly $10?  Friends should be congratulating you for having a great day on the course, not accusing you of cheating....just my humble opinion.

I know I would not in any way feel bad after shooting a 71, no matter what anyone said to me.

[walk18]

Well let me just say nice round! Screw those other guys, it must have been a lot of fun playing so well. Congrats!

[Doctorfro]

Really good rounds happen.  When my son was 14, he had never broken 80. Then, in a major tournament for him he shoots 74.  I can remember when I was an 11 hcp I once shot a 73.  And when I got down to a 9 hcp I shot 70.  Don't sweat it.  Post your round (watch your handicap plummet) and keep on playing.  Sandbagging is very prevalent and unfortunately you played your best during this era.  It's just something that you have to deal with.  But don't take it personally.  Congrats on a great round and feel free to brag about it.

[NEOHMark]

I was accused of being a sandbagger in my first season of our league - when I made the finals.  When I made the finals the second season, the choruses of 'sandbagger' went away.  Especially since I crumbled in the finals and was the runner up two years in a row.....

[Chrepper]

I would have given each of them a box of tissues

[Mattplusness]

Consider it a compliment in my opinion.

[Matt M]

What is your index? It is possible the course could be easier than your home track. If it happens again then I think the question of sandbagging would be valid. Also you should take pride in being called a sandbagger, your being accused of cheating the most egregious offense in golf.

[Matt M]

Also you should take pride in being called a sandbagger, your being accused of cheating the most egregious offense in golf.

Meant you shouldn't take pride

[MiniBlueDragon]

What you did was completely out of order; you should have played the worst golf of your life, aiming for water, OOB etc and let the other guys win. How DARE you play good golf man? What do you think golf is? A game where you try and beat your opponents?!?! You are SO selfish!

[lumpuckeroo]

Everyone else on the thread has already said it, but good round and don't worry about it.  Sounds to me more like the other guys aren't as good as they think they are and have never had a good round and are looking to make you and your buddy feel bad. Hold your head high and be proud of a good round.

[ghalfaire]

I wouldn't see anyone I know getting upset over losing $10 to someone having a career round.  At my club I'd just say "congratulations on a great round, after a round like that you should buy us a beer".

[Cut68]

It happens. A couple of years ago, when I was playing to a 9, a couple of guys from work challenged me and my buddy to a match at their home course. Their course fit's my game perfectly, so I was only marginally surprised with a 73. They, of course, played the sandbagging card. It comes full circle though. 1 year and a shoulder injury later, we played another course and I shot 90. No charge of sandbagging when I was playing to a 12.