JES:

OK, I can live with that.  So it's OK to NC in social golf situations.  Agreed and thank god for that.  I didn't focus on this part of it at all.

But change Bob's situation from the R&A Fall Meeting to qualification round for British Senior Amateur.

Now do you get my point?

And in any case, the example of the Sweeney golfer is more illustrative - or at least I think so.  Why is it so important for him to go back, disturb and annoy his fellow golfers, and post his score? [And I know you believe he can do this unobtrusively - I just do think that as much as he tries to do that, he's still an annoyance to the guys behind.]  Perhaps we will have to agree to disagree, but I really do think in this instance, courtesy and keeping play moving trumps the necessity to post a score.  My questions at the end of my last post remain.


TH

Bob:

Well, that was not swift, but was forceful enough.

Of course if the one-ball rule is in force, you'd have to hope someone else has the same make and model.  Nevertheless, you could ask.  If none are forthcoming, then it's not really an NC, it's a DQ.  That's a subtle but important difference, wouldn't you say?

In any case your example remains fine by me - as I've said, in your shoes I'd have NC'd as well and felt no shame other than that regarding my poor play.    

My point here was just the comparison.  And as I say, the more illustrative example is the Sweeney player.  What shame or dishonor would he have in favoring courtesy to his fellow competitors over the absolute need to post a score?

TH

Mr. Huckaby -

In this competition Robb and Hanley shot the highest reported scores, 93.

To the eye of the layman, or when glanced at in the traditional two-column format, it looks like they came in last.

Nobody wants to come in last, or appear to come in last, or post the highest score.

Right?

A DQ is better than a NC.

good point.

i was thinking in terms of accidental dq versus intentional nc.

That "little bit less" part is what keeps the door open. I would try to avoid that.

That "little bit less" part is what keeps the door open. I would try to avoid that.

Of course.  We also don't want slippery slopes.  But we don't want absolutes either.

I really think we can excuse both Mr. Huntley and the Sweeney player.  But oh yes, we do have to be judicious with these excuses.  NC's should be a very last resort.

But I said that at the beginning of all this.