Protecting A Handicap Is Simply Cheating

“What was it you play off again?” How often have I heard that question? One thing is for sure, if I’d been given a dirham for each time I’d been privy to it being shouted across a tee in jest or muttered under someone’s breath while trudging down a fairway, I’d be appreciably better off.

It is without doubt the most contentious global issue in golf. In days gone by, when golf was truly a game of honesty and honour and when the word “principle” meant something, the handicap system had integrity.

Maybe I’m being a little harsh here. No matter where you are in the world, there are always golfers willing to cheat their way to recognition and what easier way than to maintain an inflated handicap?

Let’s face it – there are no real stringent guidelines, none anyway that a discerning trophy hunter couldn’t work around. Let’s look at the evidence – first, how do you get an official handicap?

• Join a golf club or an official golf association such as the UAE Golf Association
• Put in three scorecards which are signed by someone with a handicap and are within the realms of 28 over par (for men) and 36 over par (for ladies)

It is that simple. Once you have a handicap you can enter and play in tournaments. The problems do not lie too much with the process of getting a handicap but they start when you look closely at the golfer’s habitual playing tendencies and their honesty when applying the rules of handicap maintenance.

The handicap is always the responsibility of the player. The golf clubs or the golf associations cannot possibly check every golfer to ensure they are returning regular cards, playing handicap-counting tournaments regularly – all the things you need to do to maintain a realistic handicap.

Instead there is an ever-growing culture among golfing communities to play, practise and work hard at their games but never play in a handicap-counting events, instead sticking to the glory trail of big trophies and corporate prizes.

I am sure you know who you are – you play betterballs, greensomes, foursomes, Texas scrambles, matchplay – all forms of golf that offer no opportunity for handicaps to be reduced.

So what can be done? Well for starters golf clubs and golf associations could apply localised conditions to handicap holders requiring them to play a number of strokeplay rounds per year for their handicap to remain valid.

In saying this, the golfer in question could easily reapply for a handicap or play badly to protect their handicap and who would be any the wiser?

The important underlying issue here is that clubs and golf associations need to educate golfers on the principles and moral values of playing the game we all love.

A new culture needs to be sculpted and we all have a part to play. Let’s all get involved to educate our friends and colleagues to do the right thing. So spread the word; and if need be – apply a little peer pressure.

Julian Danby is senior consultant for IGLS (International Golf & Leisure Services), a Dubai company, and a PGA golf professional.