Being of a mathematical/accounting persuasion often considered that the way count backs are implemented is wrong from a logical view. In most sports the first across the line is the winner, thus the player with the highest 1st nine score should get the nod, not the highest 2nd nine. So why is golf different?

Often noticed in professional comps on the leader board the last person to level a score goes to the top. Most odd. Surely the first person to make to ‘x under’ should be at the top?

As an example – playing in a stableford comp.

Two players equal best score of, say, 45 points.

Player A scored 25 points on the 1st 9 holes and 20 on the 2nd 9 holes. Whereas Player B scored 20 points on the 1st 9 holes and 25 on the 2nd 9 holes. On count back Player B wins with Player A runner up. Yet Player A effectively led all the way. To me it doesn’t make sense.

I don’t follow your logic, isn’t the finish line at the end of the race, that said it kinda makes sense the cb rewards those that finshed strongest at the end. And ive lost a cup on cb

I don’t like the countback as it is either. Its not how you scored, its what you scored. So back nine/front nine whats the difference. You may as well just toss a coin.

In “GRADED COMPETION” if 2 golfers come in with 40pts, give it to the lowest scratch score (lowest hcp). If they are the same hcp then make them joint winners. (combine 1st and 2nd’s voucher and divide by 2). Playoff for the bigger events.
At least this way the countback is skill related.

And I’ve lost a cup on cb

Me too. But think of it this way – you lead the field for 17 holes, then someone draws level at the 18th. Who is the better player and more deserving of the trophy?

I don’t think it really matters as long as everyone is playing under the same rules. sometimes it may work in your favour and sometimes against, it should all level out in the end.
I understand what you are saying but some may argue that the stronger finisher is the winner.

I understand what you are saying but some may argue that the stronger finisher is the winner.

Not true if player B started their round on the 10th hole.

I don’t like the countback as it is either. Its not how you scored, its what you scored. So back nine/front nine whats the difference. You may as well just toss a coin.

In “GRADED COMPETION” if 2 golfers come in with 40pts, give it to the lowest scratch score (lowest hcp). If they are the same hcp then make them joint winners. (combine 1st and 2nd’s voucher and divide by 2). Playoff for the bigger events.
At least this way the countback is skill related.

I’ve always had the same thoughts as this…..

The count back system is just a flawed way to screw someone over after having a good round. Usually With me being the one that’s screwed over!! ;)

Why should the lowest handicap win?

Both players have played equally well in relation to their handicap so it would be an extremely unfair way to decide a winner. It would undermine the whole point of having a handicap system in the first place.

And just as silly is the view that someone has led for 17 holes if someone else snags a 3 pointer on the last hole to equalise and therefore the former should win on countback. Golf competitions are for 18 holes.

To borrow a Churchillism, I think the current countback is the worst means of deciding a winner, except for all of the others.

To borrow a Churchillism, I think the current countback is the worst means of deciding a winner, except for all of the others.

This ^{^}^

First place buys second place a sleeve of hot dots and everyone is happy.

No-one would be happy to get Hot Dots.

No-one would be happy to get Hot Dots.

OldBogey

GolfLink

OlindaGolfClub

.........especially in the OOM putting trophy.

Whether you agree with the system or not, it IS the current system under which we all play.

Or take up bowls.

No-one would be happy to get Hot Dots.

OldBogey

GolfLink

OlindaGolfClub

.........especially in the OOM putting trophy.

9/10/12 – Hole In One – 7th Hole Portsea GC
2012 (Official) Winner of Inaugural ISG Nat. Champs.
2011 Inaugural winner Vict. Order of Merit Putting Champion – Long Island

http://www.golflink.com.au/...

Picky buggers : )

Why should the lowest handicap win?

Both players have played equally well in relation to their handicap so it would be an extremely unfair way to decide a winner. It would undermine the whole point of having a handicap system in the first place.

And just as silly is the view that someone has led for 17 holes if someone else snags a 3 pointer on the last hole to equalise and therefore the former should win on countback. Golf competitions are for 18 holes.

To borrow a Churchillism, I think the current countback is the worst means of deciding a winner, except for all of the others.

The better golfer should win every time, so if it’s a tie on handicap the guy who is better gets the chocolates for mine.

Why should the lowest handicap win?

Both players have played equally well in relation to their handicap so it would be an extremely unfair way to decide a winner. It would undermine the whole point of having a handicap system in the first place.

And just as silly is the view that someone has led for 17 holes if someone else snags a 3 pointer on the last hole to equalise and therefore the former should win on countback. Golf competitions are for 18 holes.

To borrow a Churchillism, I think the current countback is the worst means of deciding a winner, except for all of the others.

The better golfer should win every time, so if it’s a tie on handicap the guy who is better gets the chocolates for mine.

There’s many a slip ’tween a cup and a lip.

http://www.golflink.com.au/...

Exactly, why should the guy who plays off 5, shoot an even par round for 41 points, get beaten on a count back to some nufty off 25 who had a chip in on the last hole for 5 points!!

existing system was great for me in my first spell as a Kooringal member.

Handicap 10 – 2 on front nine & 8 on the back.

The index is still a bit stilted but nothing like it originally was.

Being of a mathematical/accounting persuasion often considered that the way count backs are implemented is wrong from a logical view. In most sports the first across the line is the winner, thus the player with the highest 1st nine score should get the nod, not the highest 2nd nine. So why is golf different?

Often noticed in professional comps on the leader board the last person to level a score goes to the top. Most odd. Surely the first person to make to ‘x under’ should be at the top?

Callaway Diablo Edge kit – magic. 11deg driver, 3 & 5 woods, 3,4,5 hybrids, 4 through SW irons plus GW, all with senior flex graphite shafts, and Odyssey White Ice #9 putter. 4 and 5 irons tend to get left behind.

In a 2 round 36 hole competition should the player that plays better in th e first round win in thre case of a Tie? How would you seperate nett winners in a 4 round competition. Give it to the 1st round winner?

You have to separate equal scores somehow and in a handicap event, what is the logic of giving it to the lower handicap. It has be arbitrary unless you can have a play-off which is impractical at club level for the normal weekly comp. For a monthly medal, you should have a play-off on next medal day but most clubs don’t even do that. A play-off favours the lower handicap because low handicappers play close to their handicap more often than those on medium to high marks.

Why should the lowest handicap win?

Both players have played equally well in relation to their handicap so it would be an extremely unfair way to decide a winner. It would undermine the whole point of having a handicap system in the first place.

And just as silly is the view that someone has led for 17 holes if someone else snags a 3 pointer on the last hole to equalise and therefore the former should win on countback. Golf competitions are for 18 holes.

To borrow a Churchillism, I think the current countback is the worst means of deciding a winner, except for all of the others.

The better golfer should win every time, so if it’s a tie on handicap the guy who is better gets the chocolates for mine.

There’s many a slip ’tween a cup and a lip.

http://www.golflink.com.au/...

Exactly, why should the guy who plays off 5, shoot an even par round for 41 points, get beaten on a count back to some nufty off 25 who had a chip in on the last hole for 5 points!!

“He who’s tired of Weird Al, is tired of life!!”
-Homer Simpson

If you’re going to do that, why have handicaps at all?

I originally wrote:

Often noticed in professional comps on the leader board the last person to level a score goes to the top. Most odd. Surely the first person to make to ‘x under’ should be at the top?

And

As an example – playing in a stableford comp.
Two players equal best score of, say, 45 points.

Player A scored 25 points on the 1st 9 holes and 20 on the 2nd 9 holes. Whereas Player B scored 20 points on the 1st 9 holes and 25 on the 2nd 9 holes. On count back Player B wins with Player A runner up. Yet Player A effectively led all the way. To me it doesn’t make sense.

What is the logic behind this? It has nothing to do with handicaps or “giving” anyone a trophy. Surely if player A leads all the way and player B draws level on the last hole, then, from a fairness perspective, on count back Player A should be declared the winner.

“GRADED COMPETITION” is the important thing to remember here. Agree its ridiculous to give it to the lowest hcp if its a 5 marker V a 30 marker.

But I’m talking “WITHIN” A grade or B or C grade. You’re only competing with your nearest hcp rivals.

If a 10 marker shoots 40 pts and a scratch marker shoots 40 pts to tie. Why not make the countback “SKILLS BASED” instead of the coin toss we have now. Reward the guy putting in the extra hours of practice to be better, don’t reward the guy who couldn’t be bothered getting out of his comfort zone.
Heaven knows it “might” encourage people to lower their hcp to gain an advantage. Yes, imagine having an advantage for your hcp being lower, what a refreshing idea.
FFS its only a $25 difference between 1st and 2nd place vouchers and only when there’s a countback.
Isn’t the overwhelming premise of golf to get the ball in the hole in the least number of shots.

Make the countback SKILLS BASED

Rant over

Not quite….........Bloody rain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m happy with the current setup, coming home strong is hard to do, how many times do we stumble at the end with a wipe when having a good score.
GENERALLY a low marker can do this easily and has more chance of grabing that $30 voucher. The whole reason for h’caps is to give everyone playing a even chance to compete isn’t it ? that’s the unique beauty of golf, a 1 marker and 20 marker can compete.

I originally wrote:

Often noticed in professional comps on the leader board the last person to level a score goes to the top. Most odd. Surely the first person to make to ‘x under’ should be at the top?

And

As an example – playing in a stableford comp.
Two players equal best score of, say, 45 points.

Player A scored 25 points on the 1st 9 holes and 20 on the 2nd 9 holes. Whereas Player B scored 20 points on the 1st 9 holes and 25 on the 2nd 9 holes. On count back Player B wins with Player A runner up. Yet Player A effectively led all the way. To me it doesn’t make sense.

What is the logic behind this? It has nothing to do with handicaps or “giving” anyone a trophy. Surely if player A leads all the way and player B draws level on the last hole, then, from a fairness perspective, on count back Player A should be declared the winner.

Callaway Diablo Edge kit – magic. 11deg driver, 3 & 5 woods, 3,4,5 hybrids, 4 through SW irons plus GW, all with senior flex graphite shafts, and Odyssey White Ice #9 putter. 4 and 5 irons tend to get left behind.

The game is played over 18 holes, it’s irrelevant who is leading at a certain point during the round.

“GRADED COMPETITION” is the important thing to remember here. Agree its ridiculous to give it to the lowest hcp if its a 5 marker V a 30 marker.

But I’m talking “WITHIN” A grade or B or C grade. You’re only competing with your nearest hcp rivals.

If a 10 marker shoots 40 pts and a scratch marker shoots 40 pts to tie. Why not make the countback “SKILLS BASED” instead of the coin toss we have now. Reward the guy putting in the extra hours of practice to be better, don’t reward the guy who couldn’t be bothered getting out of his comfort zone.
Heaven knows it “might” encourage people to lower their hcp to gain an advantage. Yes, imagine having an advantage for your hcp being lower, what a refreshing idea.
FFS its only a $25 difference between 1st and 2nd place vouchers and only when there’s a countback.
Isn’t the overwhelming premise of golf to get the ball in the hole in the least number of shots.

Make the countback SKILLS BASED

Rant over

Not quite……......Bloody rain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

+1