A frustrating incident
As an avid golfer, I have always adhered to the rules, which are fundamental and, in general, very fair. However, I was recently disqualified from a competition at my local club as I had not entered the score into the computer. I had, however, returned the card fully signed and correct.
While I understand the club implemented this as a local rule, why is the scorecard not seen as the deciding factor once signed and completed correctly? If clubs are now relying solely on computers to record scores, surely this would leave the door open for dishonest practices in terms of score return and handicap manipulation?
The computer, I believe, should only be used as a secondary outlet and not as an excuse to disregard genuine scores simply for convenience. I appreciate that people give up their time to volunteer on club committees, but members pay an expensive annual membership. If rules like these continue to exist, golf clubs will find it difficult to attract new members in a game that is already facing dwindling participation numbers.
I have never cheated, or even considered cheating, but when I’m denied a prize based on an innocent error it makes me question who the rules really benefit. Eoin Murphy, via email How you use your range time is subjective Nick Faldo to an already impressive team was a masterstroke.
And what a pleasure to see golfers smiling. The likes of ‘Beef’ and Danny Willett actually looked as if they enjoyed it, both good and bad. Mr Editor, you were right and I was wrong. Stanley Cartwright, via email