Updated Handicaps – Money List

A few notes from the outgoing Fairness Specialist.

Skins:   Back in the beginning it was perceived that skins favoured the high handicappers.  It doesn’t.  The biggest positive of skins is that if someone is having a bad day they are inclined to remain interested in the next hole because it matters.  Handicap manipulation can occur if the last couple holes don’t matter. Medal and Stableford players tend to throw in the towel if they start poorly.

White tees:  Back in 2009 there were 14 Santiburi members that played 25 or more times.  Of the 14 members there were 6 that had handicaps of 14 or less, 4 between 15 and 19, and 4 that had handicaps of 20 or more with the highest being 25.   Currently there is 1 member below 16, 4 members 17 – 19, 6 in the 20’s, and 3 in the 30’s.  In 2009 it made sense to play the blues.   The members have evolved into a group where several are struggling from the blues.  Perhaps it is time to change to having most if not all competitions from the white tees.

Handicaps:   There are 3 handicap systems used in the world (USGA, EGA and CONGU).  They all have their flaws.  None of them address the fact that Santiburi can play up to 4 strokes more difficult depending on the tee boxes used and the dampness of the rough and fairway. The purpose of handicaps is to try make a level playing field.   Everyone should have an equal chance to win money no matter what level of ability they possess.   Consideration should be given to those that frequently lose money.   We don’t want players leaving the group because they usually lose money.   That isn’t fun!   The USGA manual states that the Handicap Committee may adjust handicaps.  I adopted the title “Fairness Specialist” because I recognized that there is more to handicapping than just inputting scores and watching a computer spew out handicaps.   Computers don’t understand what is fair.

I never penalize someone for a good round or a streak of good rounds.   The handicap system does that well enough.   However during the past year or so I have routinely given 2 bonus shots for the following:

• Anyone new that has never played or has limited experience at Santiburi. I have never found a visitor to exaggerate his handicap.   Lack of course knowledge is worth at least 2 strokes.
• Anyone that has been out of town for 3 or more months. Almost all return “rusty”.
• Anyone that has been losing on a regular basis that feels they need the extra help. Skins may not suit some golfer’s style of play.  It’s rare that this happens but there is a need to keep everyone happy.

Once any of the above manage 36+ points a couple times over a short period of time I take the bonus strokes away.

I find the Chiang Rai Golfers handicaps to be compatible with ours and accept their handicaps as they are.

In closing I would like to thank all the members (and former members) for their support this past 2 and a half years and hope you all support the new Fairness Specialist (Graham) as well.  Graham knows he can always count on me for help and advise.

Feel free to comment below.

Current handicaps:

Changes:  Andrew up 1 to 17,  Graham up 1 to 23,  Les down 1 to 33, Marc down 1 to 21, Peter up 1 to 13

Name	Handicap Index	Blue Handicap		White tee comps
Members:
Andrew	15.4	17	up 1	16
Brian J	21.8	24		22
Bruce G	4.9	5		5
Darryl	17.1	18		17
Egbert	24.6	27		25
Graham T	21.7	23	up 1	22
5Points		26		26
Jockey John	20.3	22		20
Leo	16.2	17		16
Les	30.8	33	down 1	31
Marc	19.9	21	down 1	20
Peter R	12	13	up 1	12
Steve	32.7	35		33
Bruce K	30.4	plays 29		31
Friends
Colin		16	assigned	15
Will	12.6	14		13

Money List:

member	2017 skins only	2017 all comps	2015 ->now	per round
BruceG	1636	2866	14297	72
Les	1838	1928	1223	20
Leo	1596	1571	3164	11
Darryl	1411	1411	1052	17
5Points	1926	1111	-970	-4
Peter	1182	712	1252	33
Egbert	248	248	191	3
Steve	20	-80	-1589	-66
Andrew	-370	-420	-2037	-46
Marc	-250	-500	-1272	-16
BruceK	-772	-822	-2682	-56
Jockey	-1052	-1052	1272	15
Brian	-1576	-1476	-5412	-38
Graham	-1796	-1936	-201	-1