no longer fun when....

[Gottagrip]

It is no longer fun to play in the tourneys when players are scoring low 50's all of the time. It seems that it is always the same players who are winning the events. I thought the handicap system was going into effect. I guess there is really nothing you can do about these Low scoring sand baggers is there? Just saying.

[Lunalder]

I agree why play when you know even if you shoot your best round you cant even come close.

[NIBNOB]

im not a fan of handicap system, i feel it will just punish good players.....we already have different levels of play......personally i think everyone in touney's should play at Tour Pro level and then apply a handicap system if need be...........as for low scorers, some players are just good at this game and have played it for a number of years.....it can be annoying at times but hats off to them if thier legit...

[Mwh65]

We have made every attempt possible to prevent any cheats being used and are proactive regarding this.

We can assure you if any players are found to be cheating they will be swiftly dealt with.

[terbal]

WGT DEJA VU

[MiMiC]

The handicapping system will come into play, but to do so we require the next update from Perfect Golf to be released as the code to integrate our handicap calculation and result is not there in the present public release.

It is worth noting now that we are not going to introduce it across the board, and instead use it in a new event and through some other game formats we feature here on the site. This will mean those who prefer not having to work under the penalty of a handicap which adds strokes to their card will continue to be able to play and enjoy playing, but will also allow us to collect data to give them a properly reflective handicap as and when they decide to compete in a handicapped event. We are looking to provide opportunity and variety in play and results for all.

The handicapping system we are using will not require players to play off of the same level, because our calculation is based on the level you play and that we have collected data for.

We use the ability levels, alongside our promotion (and demotion opportunity) calculations to add the dimension to the game where players can play at a level which gives them the best balance between enjoyment and challenge. See promotion through the levels as similar to a golf career, where you can only attain the higher prize money once you have played through the other levels of competition. Tour Pro players at the top of the pile (who in many cases have been promoted to that level of play to try to at least provide more challenge to them) are there on merit as they have absolutely mastered the game and their chosen swing, and have the greatest consistency, often over 72 holes.

There are other changes afoot which will make the game less about the past experience of players in a golf game, with a completely new wind model perhaps throwing some additional variables that will knock a few from their currently unassailable positions. Who knows? There may even eventually be new levels of play introduced or changes to swing method which will also add greater variability.

Sandbagging is an issue often raised but seldom actually proven. Why would a player do such a thing to affect a handicap when it is not in use across all events, and will so obviously be spotted with the changes in handicap being shown each week?

[Gottagrip]

I like the idea from Mark, where everyone playing in the tourney plays at TP. That would make sense.

[Affo]

Guys, while waiting for the Official Handicapping to come into play, I have devised a system under the Stats section at the top which has been running for 10 weeks now. Handicaps have been worked out for each event and are working fairly well with a lot of different players winning the "net" events. There is plenty of explanation on the site about how it's all worked out.

Hopefully the Official stuff isn't far away and I can work on other things.

Have you taken a look around the site at what is on offer?

Also, regarding the scores going into the -50s. This site thankfully uses different tees and tries to mimic the weather conditions for each course's setting. Some weeks the weather is calm and then if a forward tee is used, scores will tumble. There have been much tougher conditions of course too.

[Affo]

It is no longer fun to play in the tourneys when players are scoring low 50's all of the time. It seems that it is always the same players who are winning the events. I thought the handicap system was going into effect. I guess there is really nothing you can do about these Low scoring sand baggers is there? Just saying.

Low scoring sandbaggers??

Not sure you got the dictionary definition correct when you have the guys playing on the hardest level shooting the lowest scores....or have I got it totally wrong? if so, I do apologise.

[Seasider47]

Sorry to read Kieth that you and your brother are not finding any fun in the tourneys. I have only recently had the opportunity of playing against you and have enjoyed the games. I can appreciate how you feel, I too have felt the same sometimes when I've hit 4 of my all time best rounds only to discover that I am way down the leaderboard in 50th place.

I have often heard the saying thats it's the course your playing against and not the individual and they are right. My fault is that I dont always play up to the pin and leave it short which then puts extra pressure on my putting, which at the best of times is not great. I try to set myself targets to achieve each round, It wasn't long ago that my target was to Score lvl par for the round on a regular basis, I have now almost met that target and am aiming to score -2 to -3 each round. I forget what others are scoring except I pick out a couple of players that play to a similar lvl as me and always check there position after each round.

I recently had the pleasure of playing against two of the clubs consistent top ten players on the leaderboard and it was a real eye opener. They consistently hit amazing shots, taking bird after bird on the holes after holes eventually we finished the game Sikkem -13 Step 11 leaving me way back. a great game on what is possible if you have the skill.

I don't know what will happen once handicaps are introduced, The top scorers will say its penalizing them. but for players of my skill it will narrow the gap between the top ten and those not so skillfull and will encourage them. I dont think it will make that much difference to the positions on the leaderboard but will bring players closer together as a handicap should do and from time to time produce some shock results.

I get pleasure from small improvemnts, I know you will be up there as time goes on just keep playing this wonderful game