A little first-hand perspective on the whole "pros vs + handicap" debate

bub72ck · May 14, 2018

I got a great insight on the constant question of "can a + whatever handicap" make it on tour debate. My college has an annual alumni event each year where a lot of current and former players get together and play. We had the event at a fairly tough course this year with new Bermuda greens. Due to the age of the greens, they were quite firm and had a hard time holding shots even with wedges. I hit the ball fairly well but suffered quite a few dropped shots because many of my shots would hit the greens and roll off the back. The same for chip shots around the green. Many shots were above or below green level so some form of spin was required to hold shots around the pin.

Among our group we have many guys who hold + handicaps. They frequently play nationally known clubs in Atlanta and Chicago and have consistent practice routines. We also have a PGA player in the group. This situation offered a great comparison to see the skill of a tour pro versus accomplished amateurs. The first afternoon we had quite a few scores under 80 and two guys shoot even (72). A lot of players had never seen the course before so there were some lost opportunities because we didn't know where to hit it. Our tour pro shoots 67 with no bogies playing the course blind. This is also with loud music from the carts, heckling from his competitors, and a share of beverages. He is 5 up on the best scores of everyone else. One current player who has won an event or two this year shot 69 so our pro is 2 shots clear of the field. On Saturday we had additional people show up including more current players. The current player who shot 69 on Friday adds a 68 on Saturday for a nice -7 total. The field of amateurs added a few additional even par rounds with one 71. Our tour pro shoots another bogey free round of 65. Talking with a couple of guys in his group they said he had one par putt outside of 5 feet. So this 65 was done with little to no struggle for score. Our tour pro is now 5 shots clear of the best score and 12 shots clear of everyone else. The summary of his round and the shots he hit are confirmation IMO that it's not just the ability to hit the shots but to hit them the proper way. The necessity of spin on the ball in this scenario isn't optional if good scoring is to be accomplished. Ball placement is also a premium to set up approach shots to firm greens. These things, to me, are what set tour pros apart from good amateurs.

PixlPutterman · May 14, 2018

Good story, Im sure that would have been fun to watch unfold....

Under2hours · May 14, 2018

Saw the same thing up close & personal....... Once played with someone who tried to make the PGA and now had a less stressful job as an Air Traffic Controller. Played a tight short course where you can't spray the ball. He was not on his game and probably shot +2.

Another time on my old course was paired up with someone with a custom bag that as I was awaiting our tee time I watched on the range. Our course is not difficult at all 130 Slope I think & short. Watched laser after laser on the range.

Unfortunately could only play 10 holes, but didn't have a putt over 20' and most inside 8'.

That is the difference between a good scratch player & a Playa.....

Out GM played on the PGA (won a tournament and earned over $1,000,000 one year). Missed playing with him last Wednesday as he joined our foursome (played as a 3some with me bailing not knowing he was going to play). He plays Men's Night and generally is always 34-38 for the 9 (par 37).