Conference 7.286::golf

    I thought it was called the World Sandbagger Championship ! 8^)
    
    Mad Hacker

        Dan,
    
              good luck to you. This particular event is something that
    I would love to attend, but...........
    
    
    I would be interested in your report on it when you return.
    
    
    
                            Ken

    re. .1
    
    	I expect there will be a fair number of "sandbaggers" entered but
    that will always be the case when handicaps are used. I notice you are 
    listed in note 1130, you arn't to proud to use your handicap there 8).
    
    Dan
    

    I have no problem playing with a handicap that has come down 20
    strokes in the last two years. What I have a problem with is
    people that think anyone that fires an occaisional career low
    is a sandbagger. There are people every year that show up at
    the World Amatuer and claim handicaps that are many strokes
    above their actual home indexes. They are usually weeded out
    pretty quickly though. It just bothers me that people will go
    to such lengths just to try and win a tournament.
    
    Mad Hacker

    Sorry if I hurt your feelings 8( 8(. I don't doubt that there will be
    some "true sandbaggers" competing but thats the way some people are. I
    I started this note to find out if any noters were attending and
    whether they would like to get together while in Myrtle Beach for some 
    golf and good times, not to discuss the merits of the tournament
    itself. I believe it will be fun and I hope to play to my handicap
    (down to a 15). If I do that and the sun shines the whole week, I will
    be satisfied no matter where I finish. In a tournament that is 4 days
    long, it should become apparent who is sandbagging. I believe there is
    a review and they will re-flight people who are obviously using "funny"
    handicaps.  
    
    By the way, I don't "think anyone that fires an occaisional career low
    is a sandbagger". I also don't believe everyone who enters the DuPont
    tournament is a sandbagger and that the tournament should be referred
    to as the World Sandbagger Tournamnet.
    
    Dan
    

    Hear me now and believe  me later, I have already been harrassed for
    the last 3 months by my club so I wasn't really bothered by your
    non-inference about being a sandbagger. My comment about the tourney
    was a JOKE !!! 4 guys from my club go every year and have a grand
    time. Hope you shoot lights-out and bring home the bacon !!!
    
    Mad Hacker

    My husband is going and he is really looking forward to it.  From
    what I understand they will be adjusting handicaps on a daily basis
    to take care of those "sandbaggers".  If I had enough vacation time
    I would be going also and would enter the womens division.  It would
    be a lot of fun!  A gentlemen I know is going also who is 82!!!!  He
    will be playing in the 55 and above division.  I don't really think
    this is fair, do you?  Shouldn't they have a super senior division?
    Or is it just the way it goes and if he decides to enter he must play
    with the "group".  Anyway good luck while you are down there!
    
    Linda

    That is both a great social event as well as "sandbaggers" heaven.
    Take along and be very familiar with the USGA rules book since it will
    come into play alot.
    
    Last year, a group from Kentucky was caught with one man's son having a
    very high handicap until he shot something like 59!!!!!!
    His handicap suddenly changed.
    They are monitoring daily now to keep such violations to a minimum.
    
    Take along a big bag. Fill this bag with rain suit, extra socks, extra
    gloves, ETC since they play in a variable time of the year there.
    
    I have been there for several of the years, but not as a competitor.
    They have one flight that uses our Island Green course and I am AMAZED
    with how some of the 20 handicaps hit the ball!
    

    A buddy of mine and I are making the trip this year.  It is our first
    trip for the tournament and I expect to have a great time regardless
    of how I shoot.  I tend to play better when there is something to
    play for so I may have a shot.  Currently I play to a 13, but by the
    July handicap verification I intend to be single digit.  As far as 
    sandbagging is concerned, it is my understanding that they check with
    your home club/pro and that several people were not only re-classified
    in a different flight, but several were ejected from the tournament
    for improper handicap.  With the number of flights that will be used
    (15+), I think it will end up being pretty fair.  Getting back to the
    tournament, we would be interested in any and all post tournament
    round activities including more golf.  
    
    							_Greg

    Greg,
    	I am glad to hear that there is someone else trying this for the
    first time. We (my SO) and I will be staying at the Beach Colony resort
    right on the beach. Give me a call and maybe we can get an extra round
    or two in. Good luck, I will watch for your name on the postings. I am
    currently at a 14, maybe we will be flighted the same unless you have
    reached your goal of a single digit handicap. I am not that optimistic
    but would like to get down to a 11-12 by tournament time. Good luck to
    you and your buddy.
    
    Dan

    Leave us now pay homage to the golf gods for delivering Dan Thrasher
    [1247.10, et al] as
    
    		*winner*, Eagle Watch *club championship*.  
    
    Things looked bad for Dan at first.  He went into the fourth round 8
    shots out of the lead in his flight.  But Arnold would have been proud:
    Dan Thrasher, esq, won by 12 shots.  Uh, huh ... 12 shots!
    
    Yes, Dan, you _may be_ a single digit handicap at your tournament -
    I've called ahead to tell them already.  But seriously,
    congratulations!  How *did* you make up all those shots weighed down by
    all that sand?
    
    Steve

    Actually Steve, I was 11 shots better than the leader on the final
    round and won by 3. A combination of the pressure getting to my
    opponent and a good solid round by me. Actually the pressure got to me
    on the 18th, as I proceeded to hack my way up the par 5 for a triple
    bogey 8. Someone in the group behind us (was his name George?) stated
    that there was a trail of sand along the cart path on the entire
    course! Thanks for putting this in here so I can receive numerous
    remarks about s*********g.
    

    Thanks for straightening me out on the facts, Dan.  You played four
    solid rounds of golf under pressure and deserve congratulations.
    
    Steve

    I have received my course assignments for the World Amateur and would
    like any opinions of these courses. Updates to reviews given in
    previous notes would be appreciated.
    
    	The courses are Quail Creek, Eagle Nest, River Club, Indian Wells.
    
    Thanks
    Dan