Welcome to the New OGA Handicapping Blog

Welcome to Preferred Lies, the new OGA Handicapping Blog.

So, Why would we use the term "Preferred Lies" when it is actually contrary to anything we support. Well, we want to have fun with the blog, and use this space to help educate golfers about Handicapping.  Addionally, we're naming our blog this because of all the excuses we regularly hear from golfers for not posting their scores. 

We find it interesting that many golfers are adamant about following the Rules of Golf, but they often discount the Rules of the USGA Handicap System when it's just as important.  All the rules are necessary to provide equity and a level playing field among competitors in the game of golf.

So what is our official position on the local rule "Preferred Lies" (what you might commonly understand to be "winter rules")?  Basically, we find it conflicts with the Rules of Golf and the fundamental principle of playing the ball as it lies. It's something that courses adopt under the guise of protecting the course when, in fact, the practical effect is just the opposite -- it permits moving the ball to the best turf, from which divots are then taken to injure the course further. The Rules of Golf, in fact, cover most circumstances where relief is necessary including embedded balls (25-2) and casual water (25-1).

The indiscriminate and extended use of "Preferred lies" generally tends to lower scores and Handicap Indexes, placing them at a disadvantage when competing in a net event at a course where the ball must be played as it lies.

Keep in mind that the OGA determines course and slope ratings of all golf courses in accordance with the Rules of Golf, so local rules such as "Preferred Lies," would never be taken into consideration. Additionally, the Rules of the USGA Handicap System require that scores be played under the Rules of Golf. 

So lets have some fun.  Here are some of our favorite excuses the we hear from golfers for not posting their scores to GHIN.

• I was playing with my wife/husband/my kids/my grandkids
• I was playing with two women/two men
• I’m just a beginner/I was playing with a beginner
• I was too embarrassed and just wanted to go home
• I didn’t know the Course/Slope Rating
• I was on vacation
• I was in another state and they’re not on GHIN
• I wasn’t playing my Home Course
• The clubhouse was closed
• I only played seven holes/thirteen holes after work
• Nine holes isn't a real round of golf.
• I finished in the dark
• The weather was really bad
• I was playing alone
• My score was too low/too high
• There was a temporary tee box/temporary green on the course
• I forgot
• I forgot my GHIN card
• I was playing in a match and picked up twice/ I was playing in a match and I lost
• I lost my scorecard
• I was playing in a best-ball
• I played a different set of tees
• I was using new clubs
• I was just practicing; I practice alot
• I don’t play in tournaments anyway
• I was drinking beer while I was playing
• I was just playing for fun
• I haven’t played in a long time
• I was in a hurry
• I was playing Winter Rules in July
• The course was a cow pasture
• My ball landed in the water and a fish ate it
• I don’t want my handicap to go down/up
• I didn’t keep score/I don’t have to post every score do I?
• My dad told me not to post my scores: funny, and he’s a Rules official!
• Our group doesn’t start playing for another week/stopped playing last week 
• I don’t understand handicapping; I just signed up because we have great card games after we play
• “So and so” doesn’t post; why should I?

What are your excuses!

Our response...POST YOUR SCORES!  (SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO USE ONE OF THESE RIDICULOUS EXCUSES)

 

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