What a Stupid I am

[RSinSG]

I'm hesitant to post this because it will get some trash. Humblebrag? Nothing really subtle or humble about it but I'm a big boy and don't get hurt feelings. I put these good scores on my FB page and some of my "friends" ask if I'm a really good golfer. Its funny because they see one card a year and not the weekly ones that make my handicap - those usually are not very impressive. 

 

A couple of years ago I shot my best ever score in relation to par – a 68 on a par 73.  For some reason I can shoot low once or twice a year, and it is completely unexpected. Fun when it happens but it rarely does. So – here is my scorecard from two years ago. I save my memorable ones and was finally uploading it to a stat program yesterday when I realized something. Thankfully this was just league play and not a more important event or I would be like Roberto De Vincenzo.

 

 

 

I was obviously too excited to remember my 4th grade addition skills.

 

[Dr. Block]

I always count against fives to double check my math.  9 fives is 45, so count down from there hole to hole.  Sort of similar to the circles and squares against par method for better players. 

[EmperorPenguin]

I count by adding pairs.  Instead of doing nine computations you are doing five.  I don't know how this method started, but it has always worked for me, and I have never made a Roberto error.

 

9 + 8 + 8 + 7 + 5 = 37

9 + 8 is 17

17 + 8 is 25

25 + 7 is 32

and 32 + 5 is 37

 

It is odd, yes, but you might want to give it a try.

Edited October 17, 2020 by EmperorPenguin

[MtlJeff]

The other 3 dudes all shot 79 with 9 hole variances of 39-40 on both sides

 

Thats kind of weird!

 

 

[Sean2]

3 hours ago, RSinSG said:

I'm hesitant to post this because it will get some trash. Humblebrag? Nothing really subtle or humble about it but I'm a big boy and don't get hurt feelings. I put these good scores on my FB page and some of my "friends" ask if I'm a really good golfer. Its funny because they see one card a year and not the weekly ones that make my handicap - those usually are not very impressive. 

 

A couple of years ago I shot my best ever score in relation to par – a 68 on a par 73.  For some reason I can shoot low once or twice a year, and it is completely unexpected. Fun when it happens but it rarely does. So – here is my scorecard from two years ago. I save my memorable ones and was finally uploading it to a stat program yesterday when I realized something. Thankfully this was just league play and not a more important event or I would be like Roberto De Vincenzo.

 

 

 

I was obviously too excited to remember my 4th grade addition skills.

 

You would get an "A" if it were Common Core math, lol. 

[jvincent]

Nice 30 on the back. 

[Showtime9]

[cardoustie]

Well the five on 1 does look a little sixish 

 

 Great round for your cap, WOW .. blues or whites???

[Nels55]

I don't believe that you are responsible for adding your score up.  You are only responsible for having the correct score for each hole.  Adding wrong is not a problem to my knowledge!

[RSinSG]

4 hours ago, cardoustie said:

Well the five on 1 does look a little sixish 

 

 Great round for your cap, WOW .. blues or whites???

 

This is an unusual score for me though I was a 3 hdcp 5-6 years ago. In the past two years I've shot even par 6 times. The last time I broke par was a year and a half ago when I went -1. There are a lot more high 70's and low 80's than these outliers which is frustrating. I know I can do it but for some reason it doesn't happen very often. 

 

This is the mid-week mens league so there are a lot of retired guys and we play from the white tees.  If I'm hitting it good all the par 4's are wedge or short-mid irons second shots and the par 5's are reachable in two though hole 9 has been my nemesis hole for years as the green is on a peninsula that requires a longish 2nd shot or a layup to a wedge which for some reason gives me fits.  

 

I realized my error came from how I record my good rounds. I use a small check on the bottom of the hole to indicate a bogie and I count the checks as plus 1, plus 2 etc and then deduct the circles. For some reason I put a check on hole 9 even though I parred it. Probably out of habit as I hate that hole.

[NRJyzr]

18 hours ago, jvincent said:

Nice 30 on the back. 

 

 

That was my first thought when seeing the card image.

 

[Roody]

Great shooting!

This is why I have been putting my scores into a stats app for years now, so I can't mess up the maths. Maths is hard. 

[kcstock]

On 10/17/2020 at 5:06 PM, Dr. Block said:

I always count against fives to double check my math.  9 fives is 45, so count down from there hole to hole.  Sort of similar to the circles and squares against par method for better players. 

I do the same thing.

[RSinSG]

Yesterday I was playing with my regular group and mentioned this. One of my buddies asked if I shot my age. (That is a constant goal for old guys.) I pulled up the pix of the card on my phone and realized I had shot my age by 3 weeks. One of the few remaining items on my bucket list checked off. 

[nsxguy]

On 10/17/2020 at 5:06 PM, Dr. Block said:

I always count against fives to double check my math.  9 fives is 45, so count down from there hole to hole.  Sort of similar to the circles and squares against par method for better players. 

 

So you have to subtract and add on every hole and then subtract again (from 45) ?

 

And this is easier than adding 9 times ?

[Dr. Block]

On 10/23/2020 at 10:47 AM, nsxguy said:

 

So you have to subtract and add on every hole and then subtract again (from 45) ?

 

And this is easier than adding 9 times ?

You count down with each hole - as most holes you score less then 5.  You start at the first with 45 as the number and count down with each score that's less then five, then hopefully you only have to go back the other direction (from hole to hole) if it's an especially tough nine.  I guess its sort of hard to explain, especially by someone as math challenged as I am, but I can add nine holes together in about 3 seconds using the method.  You count hole to hole, you do not count at the end.   Then afterwards in the bar, if someone drops a container of toothpicks, all your buddies bet heavily that you'll know how many are left in the box 🙂

 

  

Edited October 28, 2020 by Dr. Block

[nsxguy]

3 minutes ago, Dr. Block said:

You count down with each hole - as most holes you score less then 5.  You start at the first with 45 as the number and count down with each score that's less then five, then hopefully you only have to go back the other direction (from hole to hole) if it's an especially tough nine.  I guess its sort of hard to explain, especially by someone as match challenged as I am, but I can add nine holes together in about 3 seconds using the method.  You count hole to hole, you do not count at the end.   Then afterwards in the bar, if someone drops a container of toothpicks, all your buddies bet heavily that you'll know how many are left in the box 🙂

 

  

 

I think I got it.

 

Take 3-5-4 (3 holes).

 

So it goes 5-3=2, then 5-5=0+2=2, then 5-4=1+2=3

 

After 9 you subtract (hopefully ) the total from 45 and that's your gross for the 9.

 

And if it's say, 3-6-4, it goes 5-3=2, (skip the 6) 5-4=1+2=3,,,,,,, and at the end, before subtracting from 45, it's total PLUS (6-5=1) 1 and then subtract from 45 for total gross.

 

That about right ?

 

But 3 seconds for 9 holes ? I think I'd have to take that bet.

[Dr. Block]

18 minutes ago, nsxguy said:

 

I think I got it.

 

Take 3-5-4 (3 holes).

 

So it goes 5-3=2, then 5-5=0+2=2, then 5-4=1+2=3

 

After 9 you subtract (hopefully ) the total from 45 and that's your gross for the 9.

 

And if it's say, 3-6-4, it goes 5-3=2, (skip the 6) 5-4=1+2=3,,,,,,, and at the end, before subtracting from 45, it's total PLUS (6-5=1) 1 and then subtract from 45 for total gross.

 

That about right ?

 

But 3 seconds for 9 holes ? I think I'd have to take that bet.

Let's say the first 3 holes go 5,5,4, you arrive at the third counting 44's, the next 3 go 4,4,6, your now at 43's, then you finish strong 3,3,4...you arrive at 38.  You're using 45 as the baseline for 9 holes with the score of 5.  you can count pretty quickly and accurately going both below or above (hopefully not near or above 45 though)

 

You'd have a chance on the bet if I'm counting my wife's nine, that gets trickier, but it's still faster (for me).  This would be her example:  7,6,5, I'm at 48's, then 5,6,9, I'm at 53's, then 5,5,7, I arrive at 55  

Edited October 23, 2020 by Dr. Block

[nsxguy]

1 minute ago, Dr. Block said:

Let's say the first 3 holes go 5,5,4, you arrive at the third counting 44's, the next 3 go 4,4,6, your now at 43's, then you finish strong 3,3,4...you arrive at 38

 

You'd have a chance on the bet if I'm counting my wife's nine, that gets trickier, but it's still faster (for me).  

 

So in that example, you'd be going 5-5=0, 45-0=45, then the same and then 5-4=1, 45-1=44,,,,,,, and so on ?

 

So for 5-5-4-4-4-6-3-4-3,

 

instead of 5, 10, 14, 18, 22, 28, 31, 35, 38

 

I'd go 45, 45 ,44 ,43 ,42 ,43 ,41 ,40, 38 ???

 

I'd still take the bet (on your score).

[Dr. Block]

1 minute ago, nsxguy said:

 

So in that example, you'd be going 5-5=0, 45-0=45, then the same and then 5-4=1, 45-1=44,,,,,,, and so on ?

 

So for 5-5-4-4-4-6-3-4-3,

 

instead of 5, 10, 14, 18, 22, 28, 31, 35, 38

 

I'd go 45, 45 ,44 ,43 ,42 ,43 ,41 ,40, 38 ???

 

I'd still take the bet (on your score).

Yep.  It's a circles and squares method off the relative score of a bogey golfer.  Instead of counting below and above par, you're counting below and above 45.  You seem like a good player, so if we ever get the chance to enjoy a round together, I'll gladly take your money off one of your nines 😉

[nsxguy]

1 minute ago, Dr. Block said:

Yep.  It's a circles and squares method off the relative score of a bogey golfer.  Instead of counting below and above par, you're counting below and above 45.  You seem like a good player, so if we ever get the chance to enjoy a round together, I'll gladly take your money off one of your nines 😉

 

 Tell ya what.

 

You seem an honest sort. 👍

 

Here's a scorecard. Do Jim and Mike, both nines. Time yourself and let me know. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

 

 

 

[Dr. Block]

Just now, nsxguy said:

 

 Tell ya what.

 

You seem an honest sort. 👍

 

Here's a scorecard. Do Jim and Mike, both nines. Time yourself and let me know. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

 

 

 

JIm shot even on the front. 

[Dr. Block]

How was that response?  Pretty fast 😉

[nsxguy]

1 minute ago, Dr. Block said:

JIm shot even on the front. 

 

1 minute ago, Dr. Block said:

How was that response?  Pretty fast 😉

 

How would *I* know ? You're the one (supposed to be) keeping time. 

[Dr. Block]

Mike's 49 on the front took me to the three second mark.  If you're going above then back towards the 45 number hole to hole, it's not as fast.

 

But you, a solid 6 cap.  Your nine probably goes 554356454.  I'd have that 41 faster then you can say "I gotta watch Wopner" 🙂

Edited October 23, 2020 by Dr. Block

[Dr. Block]

49 minutes ago, nsxguy said:

 

 Tell ya what.

 

You seem an honest sort. 👍

 

Here's a scorecard. Do Jim and Mike, both nines. Time yourself and let me know. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

 

 

 

One last post on this fun little jaunt. Since I got an example, here is yours: Go look at the front nine on the original posters card.  The one he made the mistake on.  Count down from 45 to his score of 37.  You'll get it in 2 seconds, I promise you.  That grouping of nine scores is the easiest with the over/under 45 nine method.  You are literally counting straight down from 45 to 37 - couldn't be easier.   The only simpler and faster method (since he is a strong player generally around par) would have been if he remembered to put the box around his two bogies, then he would have gotten to 37 immediately.  Two boxes, two circles, even par. 

Edited October 23, 2020 by Dr. Block

[Nard_S]

On 10/17/2020 at 5:06 PM, Dr. Block said:

I always count against fives to double check my math.  9 fives is 45, so count down from there hole to hole.  Sort of similar to the circles and squares against par method for better players. 

 

I like this, I was always doing pairs that round to 10, then clean it up. this is better.

[nsxguy]

14 minutes ago, Dr. Block said:

One last post on this fun little jaunt, since I got an example, here is yours: Go look at the front nine on the original posters card.  The one he made the mistake on.  Count down from 45 to his score of 37.  You'll get it in 2 seconds, I promise you.  That grouping of nine scores is the easiest with the over/under 45 nine method.  You are literally counting right down from 45 to 37 - couldn't be easier.   The only simpler and faster method (since he is a strong player generally around par) would have been if he remembered to put the box around his two bogies, then he would have gotten to 37 immediately.  Two boxes, two circles, even par. 

 

 

Sure, the last part is easy. 2 bogies, 2 birdies = even. When I'm playing a normal game I often have that in my head after 9 or even 18 - I know where I stand vs. par. But for FCs scores I certainly don't. But that's not the discussion. 

 

But nope, can't do it. It's still subtracting TWICE on every hole - 18 calculations; 5-3 and then subtracting from total (starting at 45). Rinse and repeat. I'm sure I could do it faster once I got used to it but I see no reason to try.

 

And I'll simply note you still haven't said you timed yourself and did it in 3 seconds. 

[Dr. Block]

39 minutes ago, nsxguy said:

 

 

Sure, the last part is easy. 2 bogies, 2 birdies = even. When I'm playing a normal game I often have that in my head after 9 or even 18 - I know where I stand vs. par. But for FCs scores I certainly don't. But that's not the discussion. 

 

But nope, can't do it. It's still subtracting TWICE on every hole - 18 calculations; 5-3 and then subtracting from total (starting at 45). Rinse and repeat. I'm sure I could do it faster once I got used to it but I see no reason to try.

 

And I'll simply note you still haven't said you timed yourself and did it in 3 seconds. 

You're not subtracting or adding twice.  In those instances, you're making one subtraction or addition that is more then one stroke. That's all it is.  It's a fun little example of how math can be pretty conceptual.  

 

I didn't time it, because how could I prove it 🙂  I know this place better then that 😉 

 

If you ever play a guy, and he makes no worse then bogey or better then par for nine holes and shoots something like a 43.  Bet him you can add his nine holes together in less than a second.  He'll have to be pretty dumb to take the bet, but I've had a few takers.   His card will look like this 654545455.  Tell me you can't add that up instantaneously.

 

Quick edit just to say I'm not a jerk looking to spring that bet on anyone.  I've only used it when I've lost all day and its a chance to get closer or back to even.  It's only worked on the sandbaggers.  Sometimes they are so lost in their own world that they forget I grew up playing tournaments and I'm keeping their score and mine 🙂

 

 

 

Edited October 23, 2020 by Dr. Block

[nsxguy]

22 minutes ago, Dr. Block said:

You're not subtracting or adding twice.  In those instances, you're making one subtraction or addition that is more then one stroke. That's all it is.  It's a fun little example of how math can be pretty conceptual.  

 

I didn't time it, because how could I prove it 🙂  I know this place better then that 😉 

 

If you ever play a guy, and he makes no worse then bogey or better then par for nine holes and shoots something like a 43.  Bet him you can add his nine holes together in less than a second.  He'll have to be pretty dumb to take the bet, but I've had a few takers.   His card will look like this 654545455.  Tell me you can't add that up instantaneously.

 

 

 

 

OK, I CAN'T add that up instantaneously.

 

You're beginning to sound like the guy who says "What do you mean you can't hit a draw ? It' so EASY !!!"

 

But of course I'm subtracting twice. Or even worse, having to decide whether I'm subtracting or adding (if it's higher than 5).

 

Your example - 654545455. And with 6s it's worse because the "subtraction" is really an "addition" (to total).

 

Take your example above. 5-6=-1, but now I have to "remember" to ADD, not subtract, 1 to 45 = 46. And then, for the next 5 I now have it at 46, then 5-4=1, 46-1=45, then the next and so on. So I AM doing 2 "calcs" per (unless I see a "5"), even if it's only to recognize a "0" (5-5) result and remember the total before moving on.

 

And BTW

 

1 hour ago, nsxguy said:

 

 Tell ya what.

 

You seem an honest sort. 👍

 

Here's a scorecard. Do Jim and Mike, both nines. Time yourself and let me know. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯