proper distribution of strokes

[barr]

I have a foursome every Monday and we play match against each other with strokes, our handicaps are 12,16,20 & 22. My question is what is the proper way to distribute strokes. A) we all play off the 12 handicapper, or B) we all take our strokes?

My thinking process here is, the 12 still gives everyone the proper amount of strokes but for example instead of giving the 16 handicapper strokes on handicap holes number 1,2,3.&4 he would give the strokes on handicap holes number 13,14,15 &16. What say you?


Thanking you in advance


Donald A. Barr

[GarthM]

Sounds like you are the 16 capper, not the 12 ;-).

Why would you give strokes on the easier holes? That defeats the purpose of getting strokes. What is the problem with giving the correct number on the proper holes? Is the 20 or 22 always winning?

Perhaps start by reducing the number to 80% of the difference between the 2 caps, so the 12 would give away 3, 6, and 8 respectively (rounding up/down accordingly), instead of 4,8 and 10.

[Chambokl]

When we play our match play tournament in town we do it the way Garth said.

It seems to be fair. This year is the 5th year of the tourney.

Good luck...

[AAA]

Sounds like you are the 16 capper, not the 12 ;-).

Why would you give strokes on the easier holes? That defeats the purpose of getting strokes. What is the problem with giving the correct number on the proper holes? Is the 20 or 22 always winning?

Perhaps start by reducing the number to 80% of the difference between the 2 caps, so the 12 would give away 3, 6, and 8 respectively (rounding up/down accordingly), instead of 4,8 and 10.

You are, I guess, a low handicapper.
1) The Stroke Index (handicap strokes) is not supposed to indicate relative difficulty but to equalise advantage in matchplay. The R&A have issued a recommendation on the process.
2) In singles match play the difference is always used
3) In Fourball matchplay the difference from the low marker is used

[GarthM]

You are, I guess, a low handicapper.

Not that it makes any difference, but yes. As for the 80%, that is just the way it is always done at our club match play events or for net stableford scoring in qualifiers. I believe the reason is to try and exclude some sandbagging that may occur.