The handicap bandit made my blood boil

It’s not often that I feel the urge to write to a magazine but the golf bandit article (Issue 362) left me no choice. Our game is built on sportsmanship and honesty. It’s a game where the handicap system allows us to play competitively against each other in a fair format. This is unrivalled in any other sport. I could play Rory at my local course and yes, there may be a 30+ shot difference, but the handicap system allows for the contest to be fair, despite our vastly different abilities. To hear of an individual who is proud to be abusing the system sickens me.

Last year, I won my club’s handicap championship playing off 28. I received plenty of congratulations from my fellow members, but not one accused me of being a bandit as I had returned numerous 100+ gross scores for comps. Everyone accepted it was just my day and my handicap was adjusted accordingly.

I am sure nearly every player has unintentionally broken the odd rule, but to know that you are cheating from the first tee is beyond reproach. I do not want to wish ill on a fellow golfer, but I do hope the bandit gets caught and banned. TIM WEYMOUTH, EMAIL