Conundrum

[EnglishGolfer]

I think I am probably hitting the ball as well as I ever have or even better and therefore I am enjoying the game much more than I have before. However, my scoring is probably getting worse slightly and I think I know why this is. These days i enjoy the whole occassion much more, I have a laugh, enjoy the scenery and generally unwind whereas previously I used to all about the score. I don't seem to be able to do both.

I am pretty sure that I am going to carry on as I am relying on the "every dog has its day" approach to keep my handicap down, but I'd like to know if there are any of you out there who would put the emphasis on the scoring. As a little tempter along these lines i reckon that if I actually made an effort I could lose about 3 shots off my handicap, maybe more when I resume my full membership.

[Pa Jayhawk]

In my current region it is much harder for me to concentrate on scoring because of the resort nature. 5-6 hour rounds are commonplace and I find it hard to keep my head in the game. On the flip side I am playing courses that have 3-5 times the price value of my old area where I put more emphasis on scoring. So I would fully agree with your comments.

Although I actually feel that I enjoy golf much more while being more in tune with my surroundings, the nature aspect, as well the more easy going lifestyle of that the local courses offer. So I guess if I cannot get enjoyment out of the scoring aspect which usually only comes during normal or faster rounds, at least I can enjoy the day and spending 5-6 hours in beautiful surroundings, I never find myself in a hurry to finish the round.

When I play during the week I usually put emphasis on scoring because there are far fewer people on the course and I can better keep my head in the game on quicker rounds.

[EnglishGolfer]

At present I only play once every 3/4 weeks in small competitions, with maybe one round thrown in to play social/practice golf, so I really want to get the most out of it.

I'm planning my proper return to the game in 2008 when I will be joining a new golf club. But this problem will raise its head again because I will want to be sociable and friendly with the members of the new club but I will want to really get my handicap down as well.

[Dave Ireland]

Strange thing has happened in my club this year. I was talking with the Handicap Sec at the turn of the year and he was telling me that CONGU (Council of National Golf Unions) who control the Unified Handicap System, threw out a motion that the greatest number of shots a player can get back within a year would be 2. So basically if you play enough qualifying events you could claw back as many shots as you want.

This has resulted in many more 4ball/4some/team events on a Sunday morning in my place - while we return a card I haven't as yet seen any h/c adjustments. But just as EG said, I'm enjoying the golf a lot more - I seem to be playing well but my scores aren't reflecting it, suppose it's the nature of "fun" golf.

Still with the majors coming up - Presidents/Captains & Scratch Cups, I'm getting the feeling that I'm not "battle hardened" to compete in them. The monthly medal for the 1st 6 months is held on a Saturday so I haven't competed in any of them either - I'm gonna look in the wardrobe this weekend for my game face - incidentally another better ball comp on Sunday, but playing in a Scratch Cupon bank holiday Monday in a buddies club .... <=== game face

[Highdraw34]

I enjoy the game everytime I play but I only leave the course happy when I score well. My main emphasis is on scoring. The joy of being on the course is just a given.