T.E.Paul,
That’s definitly true the average golfer does not understand the complexities of the Course Rating System.
However the golfer does relate intimately to his Handicap Index.
If his Handicap Index has been more or less stable over 4 or 5 years and he joins a new club with a new Course Rating and his Handicap starts moving in the wrong direction (whichever way that may be) then he’s uncomfortable and put’s the new Rating into question - his democratic right. If a whole bunch of golfers feel strongly about it you have a political movement!!!
Here’s an interesting story of 2 of my courses which are only 15 minutes apart in the Canton of Graubunden, Switzerland
The first course, Domat-Ems G.C. is a Par 72 from the 2 mens tees of 6735 yards yards and 6375 yards, on a flat site with a lot of water hazards, bunkers near the landing areas and medium width fairways. I had remodelled the course in 2004/2005 and rebuilt the green’s and green complexes, removed and altered bunkers, added tees, changed the routing of 2 holes and generally enhanced the aesthetic appearance of the course.
In 2006 Domat-Ems was rerated with a:-
Course Rating of 73.9 and 72.3 (Back Tee Men and Mens Tee Standard)
Slope Rating of 135 and 131.
The second course which I designed and constructed was Bunavista G.C. at Sagogn near Laax, in an alpine region, but only about 600 vertical feet higher. It has a Par 74 and 7064 yards and 6565 yards for the first 9 holes (played twice) - the next 9 Holes will balance the course at Par 72 and 6575 yards.
The course has wide fairways, no water hazards, some “hairy” bunkers BUT significantly half of the holes are subject to some significant changes in elevation and cross slope lies.
In 2008 Buna Vista G.C. was measured by the same team.
Course Rating of 73.0 and 70.83 (Back Tee Men and Mens Tee Standard)
Slope Rating of 126 and 123
Many of the new members of Buna Vista G.C were also members of Domat Ems G.C.. The single handicap players were not happy campers, they complained bitterly. In their view the Buna Vista G.C. was distinctly more difficult to play than Domat Ems G.C., yet the measured ratings had computed the opposite!!!!
As a result competitions at Buna Vista were boycotted by elite golfers since they feared their handicaps would suffer. Interestingly enough the course was overrun with green fee players, who loved the wide fairways and large greens and the general appearance of the course.
As you can imagine the terrace at the club house in Buna Vista had some heated discussions, and the beer didn’t help cool it down. False accusations and slander was liberally belched into the starlit evenings. It’a great how people can get emotional about a golf course!!!
My personal judgement of the Ratings were that Domat-Ems had been overestimated due to the proximity of the water - which in spite of the predetermined landing areas and perceived danger, the players would adjust their playing lengths to avoid. Also the flat course allowed for perfect lies from the fairways - meaning well executed golf shots were the norm.
In Buna Vista - despite the absence of hazards and the wide fairways - the undulations, change of elevation and cross slopes with ever changing lies have predictably produced more unpredictable shots and high scores.
So what? No problem? Fraid not …….
The shit hit the proverbial fan and the raters came under pressure ….. however they have the oppurtunity for a rerate as the second 9 Holes come “on-line” this month. The Rating Committee for the National Association have organised all the Rating Teams available, not just one team, to measure the 18 Holes ……….. the place will be crawling with Raters …….
Guess who will be providing provocative comment with the rating teams on the club terrace this month ……. mine’s a large Flimser beer please!!!.