Random Golf Thoughts

My club has a 2 person stableford scramble coming up. I’m familiar with stroke play scrambles but how do you calculate shots in a 2 person stableford scramble? Calculate individual shots and divide the total by 2? Thanks

35% high + 15% low = team handicap….

Was playing a competition recently and had an interesting scenario that lead to some disagreement.

Hole was a par 3 over water. Player hit ball into reeds in it but didn't see a splash. There was a slim chance the ball wasn't in the penalty area and even if it wasn't there, there was no out of bounds or chance of losing ball in general play, I.e no long rough it could've been lost in.

Player calls a provisional ball and I mentioned that when ball is certain or virtually certain to be in a hazard you can't call a provisional since stroke and distance relief is one of the options for hitting into penalty area (yellow stakes in this instance).

They didn't take this well, I wasn't trying to be a meanbut rather let them know to avoid further penalty strokes but they didn't take it well and things got pretty icy. They asked what can they do. I mentioned that they can of course tee off again via stroke and distance or go up and take line of sight relief.

They basically didn't want to walk up and check before taking penalty relief. I mentioned they don't need to since it was virtually certain to be in penalty area but you can't call a provisional in this scenario.

My fear was, and I've seen this before was player hits ball and it's certain or virtually certain to be in penalty are, they call a "provisional" which they hit and ends up in a bad place. They then walk up and take line of sight or 2 club lengths (if red stakes), thus gaining an advantage.

It's a tricky situation but want to make sure I was in the right. In hindsight, I should've just said nothing to avoid the conflict.

A slightly strange reaction from him. I'd have expected most people to be grateful to be informed of a rule break before they break it.

I can see why someone would (without trying to gain an advantage) want to play a provisional in this situation, but the rule is the rule and it's not allowed. We're not allowed to choose when to ignore them. I wouldn't think about it again, he just reacted in a way that he shouldn't.

I absolutely wouldn't do what zocklie suggests and let him break the rule and then inform him of his penalty. If you did that and someone reacted badly I wouldn't blame them.

Just to mention, check if there's a local rule that allows a provisional on the hole. I know there is one in Corballis on the 9th. I assume it's not the only one in the country.

Dont think about it. Just play.

Golf is over complicated. Hit the ball,find it, hit it again.

Part of the issue was the 2 other members of the four-ball also disagreed and that "of course provisionals are allowed" so I felt pretty uncomfortable, even though I was pretty confident I was correct but felt ganged up on a bit.

This is essentially the title of the thread. Random golf thoughts.

If only I could stop having them while swinging the club.

Think the new rule is only implemented as a local rule, so unless stated wouldny be in play

Of course it does.

I took up golf at 27. Joined a club about 8 years later.

Id say im an average golfer ( handicap 11).

I play with people who make the game so complicated they cant get out of their own way and wonder why the handicap is never coming down.

You can hit a provisional any time ,I think.

This is why things can get awkward when you're fighting this. Been clearly explained when one can't hit a provisional.

Original poster said he cant stand on a tee and be comfortable.

Expectation is probably interfering with all the good things he can do and he amplifies the bad.

My "revolutionary " idea has got me from 14 to 11,my lowest ever round and a monthly medal.

Why though?

All the practice etc. Id imagine we all know our own ability. Original poster believes between the ears is holding him back.