Comments on: Check the Scorecard … Then Check Your Ego

By: Jim Cowan

Jim Cowan — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:17:08 +0000

Scott - Thank you for your comment. There is no set standard as to what a high or low Course or Slope Rating is. In very, very broad terms, Course Ratings in the high 60’s/low 70’s might be on the easier side, especially if this rating is well below par. Slopes in the low 120’s and down would normally be considered on the user friendly side (unless it is a short course that carries an exceptionally low Course Rating). At 6,400 yards I would consider the tees you describe as a HIGH/HIGH course. It implies lots of action or lots of trouble in one form or the other. Thanks again - Jim Cowan.

By: Scott HJolder

Scott HJolder — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:26:28 +0000

Jim, As a newer golfer I am curious as to what qualifies as a low/high slope and or course rating? I am playing 6400 71.5/132 Where does that fit in?

By: Jim Cowan

Jim Cowan — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:14:36 +0000

Ed - Thank you for your comments. Slow play is certainly a byproduct of playing a set of tees that is more than a golfer can handle. Thanks again - Jim Cowan

By: ed anzore

ed anzore — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:39:49 +0000

I agree with this article and a majority of the complaints. there are far too many golfers who want to play as far back as they can without the ability to play from there. there is nothing more frustrating than watching a player at the back tees shoot 90+ and hold up a course. this should be a game of enjoyment and pleasure. So when you check in, checkin in your ego at the same time and play the game thank you

By: Jim Cowan

Jim Cowan — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:26:20 +0000

Paul, Though I can sympathize with the thought process behind your comments, such scores would have to be posted. The Handicap System knows how to take care of scores from rounds where “we bit off more than we can chew” or we played uncharacteristically poor. The System relegates them to the worst 10 of your 20 most recent rounds which means that they are not computed into the Index you are issued. Thanks again - Jim Cowan

By: Paul Bross

Paul Bross — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:36:18 +0000

Great article. I understand WANTING to be able to play from the “tips” but if you do the score SHOULD NOT be considered for use in calculating your handicap. It should not be difficult to compare a course rating and slope against a players current handicap when a score is posted and then EXCLUDE those scores that are posted from an obviously more difficult tee box than is indicated by the plsyers handicap and ability. Then the “sand bag” stigma would not come into play,(except of course for those who do not have a code of ethics).

By: Collins Smith

Collins Smith — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:00:05 +0000

This subject has been very difficult for many to understand! It’s been amazing to me how many will call me a “sandbagger” because I play from the middle tees and hit a short but accurate drive, short fairway wood (even on par 4’s), and frequently a mid iron to the green. Because of my decent short game I seldom take more than a double or have a decent chance for a birdie. It took me over 7 years to birdie every hole on my course! I frequently win tournaments, due to my consistent play. Consequently, I am “penalized” by having to play to a “R” index. I play a significant number of rounds (over 200) last year, so my index is statically more accurate than most of my components, yet I suffer the bain of being called and labeled by the “R” as a sandbagger! A good day is 4/5 pars and 14/13 bogies which puts me right around 90 for the day. That frequently beats my friends who are 12/13 handicap and have 3 or 4 really bad holes! The only solice is that I play as best I can every round and let the comments roll off as I enjoy every one of those rounds!

By: Jim Cowan

Jim Cowan — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:09:43 +0000

Chris, Mark and Tom,
Thank you for your positive comments. To me it’s about having fun and a nice contrast of short and long approach shots. At the end of the day if I find that I have used just about every club in the bag, I more than likely found the right set of tees for my game. Thanks again - Jim Cowan

By: Tom Kitchen

Tom Kitchen — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:09:54 +0000

Great advise. I used to hit from the blues, and was most of the time giving up the winnings. It’s hard to get older, but it’s even harder to be unhappy with your golf. I got over the mocho attitude and went to the whites, and am very happy with the results. Now i share the winnings which overpowers the mocho attitude and feeling depressed.

By: Mark Krauth

Mark Krauth — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 01:55:46 +0000

Why do golfers, and men in particular, seem to measure their manhood by which color of tee they play? I am so tired of watching groups of golfers in front of me slice and hack their way around a course, shooting well in excess of 100, and watching them do it from either the blue tees or the tips. ARE YOU FRICKIN’ KIDDING ME?? Take a tip from the NCGA…..their Associate Club tournaments are all played from the White Tees. And if you think that the white tees aren’t man enough for you….then shoot in the 70’s or better!! If a golfer cannot hit a 3, 4, or 5 iron straight then they need to play from the white tees. May I speak for everyone on the golf course when I say that I’d rather see someone play a 4 hour round from the white tees than a 5-1/2 hour round from the tips?