Fergus C. Lane Nuremore Golf The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines handicap as ’a disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor in sports such as golf and horse racing in order to make the chances more equal’. Clearly the express purpose of the aforesaid handicap is to level the playing fields so that each handicap player can correctly feel equal when he ventures forth on the fairways. In 1983 the four home unions of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales modified the system by the introduction of the Congu system. This was meant to reflect more honestly the vagaries of golf, and God knows there is no other game in the world with so many sudden twists and turns as no less a luminary than Padraig Harrington will testify. In the new system every time a person went out to play a full 18 holes it was meant to have an effect on his handicap. Prior to 1983 if a player broke standard scratch by two or three shots he was cut those shots immediately and would have to wait a full six months to receive any relief if his game suffered in the meantime. Now one gets point one of a shot back every time he does not equal standard scratch or what is called the buffer zone. Unfortunately there is the rub. Some players have learned to use, or abuse, the system. Surely a level playing field has not been achieved if any player appears too frequently on the podium when prizes are being distributed. The frequency of those visits is not an indication of superior golf but rather of an inferior handicap. With an average of 100 players playing in most weekend competitions then to win once should be mighty. An American once said ‘if it’s not broken don’t fix it’ but the corollary is that if it is broken then it is in drastic need of repair. The GUI in common with the other three unions need to sit down as a matter of urgency and try to rectify what is now perceived generally as an absolute joke. Having got that off my chest let me say here and now that the three who appear at the top of this week’s leader-board could never be accused of milking the system. Greg McAuliffe is one of the most honest golfers around Nuremore and it has been said about him that every time he steps out on the course he puts his best foot forward. Playing off 12 or 11 he compiles scores on Sunday morning that are the envy of all. This weekend he had forty points to secure his first prize in a long while. Neil McGeown is also honesty personified on the golf course. Blessed with prodigious driving ability Neil’s aim is to become the lowest handicapper in the club and after this week’s 38 points he is well on his way. Darragh McDermott is a new name on the podium and after 37 points this weekend hopefully the sky is the limit for this new addition to the club. Please don’t forget the Captains’ Dinner on the 30th of November. Now that you have a mobile use it to inform either Ena or Cathal of your intentions.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:24:41 +0000
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