DaveP043

I agree that in a pure stroke-play situation the use of E-5 limits the possible scores by limiting the potential to hit multiple shots OB. But in a Stableford or "quota" game, a player is likely to be in "blob" territory anyway, so its a minimal difference. I understand that E-5 is viewed differently in different parts of the world, I don't know what the Australian attitude would be, but I don't see a problem with using it.

That's what I'd suggest you do ,post hole-by-hole, post an "x" for the holes not played, unless directed otherwise by a Handicap Committee with approval from your state golf association. "Par plus.." is no longer used, unless specific instructions are given. Note that Clarification 3.2b/2 says it should be used "only when approved by the Authorized Association".

Have I actually confirmed yet? If not, I'm in, both days. I've been in contact with @billchao, who is doing the research for hotels.

I didn't see it mentioned, did you have to pay anything in advance for these arrangements? If so, please let us know, I'm sure we'll all get our share to you quickly.

I once had my ball picked up and taken away by a fox on the first fairway, in an interclub match. Apparently its a pretty common occurrence, we all knew how to handle it.

To add to @iacas , the 35/15 split is what the USGA and the World Handicap System recommend for 2-ball scrambles. See Appendix C here: Rules of Handicapping

It all sounds good, I'll plan to drive up Friday night too.

Sounds great, thanks for putting it together.

Looks like a ball at rest moved by an outside influence. Replace the ball on the spot, estimate the spot if its not known. Rule 9.6. If the original ball isn't immediately available, use another ball.

Its tough, "greatest" is subjective, measured in many different ways, while goals and assists are simple numbers. And even simple numbers aren't always directly comparable across eras, as you mention. A truly amazing coincidence, if Ovi scores 2 goals in the next 2 games, he'll have exactly the same number as Gretzky (894), in exactly the same number of games (1487).

I'm never going to argue against Crosby, the more I've watched him, the more impressed I am.

Yeah, longevity/durability count for quite a lot. Another thing I remember from Ovechkin's early days, some commentators thought he'd never last, given his willingness to make big hits in the open ice. It was a bit like "goal scorers score, checkers check, he can't do both for long".

There's not been a lot of activity in this thread, clearly, but this is a pretty exciting time for hockey fans in Washington DC. Alexander Ovechkin is a hat trick away from becoming the leader in goals scored. I know the national media are also making it a big deal, and it really is. I can certainly remember when Gretsky's record seemed unreachable, and now Ovechkin passing it seems inevitable. My wife will be at the game tonight, cheering for the caps, but cheering for Ovechkin, maybe even more.

I'm highly probable for the entire weekend, thanks for doing the hard work to set it up. I can't wait for more details.

Rule 1.2b refers you to a section in the Committee Procedures (Section 5I) that helps explain what a Code of Conduct may (and may not) do. Defining acceptable behavior (including smoking) and applying Stroke of DQ penalties are certainly within the Committee's authority. That Code of Conduct certainly should be available, either in written form or in a webpage accessible to all. It may not show up on the "standard local rules" for an organization, the "hard card", as it sounds like its a policy of this particular golf course. Assuming that's the case it should show up on the Notice to Players for this particular event. If you can't find it, ask someone, send an email, try to find out. In summary, yes the Committee can DQ (or withdraw) a Player for smoking, even before or between rounds. But its up to you to go from there, communication is the key here.