Sandbagger handicaps

Further to your brief article on the July 5 sports page, Tatang wins Mizuno golf event, Tatang deserved his win: Though he played two below his handicap he proved that he could be a lower- handicap player. Januar, on the other hand, won the Best Net Overall trophy, eight strokes below, and another story altogether. His score does not reflect a handicap of 20, as stated; in many countries such as Australia and England this can be treated as a crime, resulting in disqualification at the very least.

Many Australian- and European-based golf pros in Indonesia with whom I have had the opportunity to discuss this matter blame it on the weakness of the organizers and Persatuan Golf Indonesia for not implementing handicap rules properly during tournaments.

I bring this matter to the attention of Mizuno (Golf House) and Prestasi Driving Range -- the significance of the blunder they have made by accepting golfers at their said handicap. No effort was made to ask guests or members for valid handicap cards issued by their respective clubs, thus resulting in players submitting handicaps of their choice, thereby hoping to take home a trophy rather than enjoying the pleasure of being able to play to one's abilities.

This, clearly, is the view adopted by many golfers; therefore it is up to the organizers to take immediate steps to ensure tournaments in Indonesia accept players based on valid handicap or handicap index cards issued by their respective clubs.

These handicap cards should be updated every 45 days to 60 days. Organizers should disqualify players who submit a score six strokes less than their handicap; the maximum allowed should be five strokes under for qualification, and immediate disqualification from any opportunity to win a trophy if a score card is submitted with a score of more than five under.

The existing policy of five strokes under is good, but then a score of net 64 on a par 72 course such as Pantai Indah Kapuk, the course at which the Mizuno tournament was played (eight strokes under) was calculated as 67, and is basically useless, as it does not prompt a playing golfer to post a true handicap because he has the assurance that there will be no disqualification.

It is my sincere wish to see golf grow in Indonesia: Being honest about one's capabilities by posting the genuine handicap during a tournament can only reflect positively upon the development of the game in Indonesia.

MUSTAK MOCHTAR HUSSIEN Jakarta