‘ The handicap: golf’s great equalizer SOMEBODY was think- ing when they invented this game — or at least as it was evolving to where it stands today. Unlike any of the other main- stream sports, golf has a great equalizer. Some prefer to think of their handicap as a pure bragging tool, emblematic of how good they can play the grand old game. But its ramifications are greater than that — in fact it’s a brilliant concept. Remember the days when an older brother or cousin would challenge you t play one-on- one basketball with one arm Ged behind his back? The older relative was, well... older, and therefore c often than not — further along in his development 1s an ath- lete. The proverbial tying of the one hand behind the back or, more likely, playing with just his weak hand, served to level the playing field. Sure it often worked bur you both weren't INN plaving the game the way it’s supposed to be played. How about tenn Sometimes the berter player will give his opponent the added ment of using the doubles hi as boundaries tor their match while the better player sticks to the standard court. Again, it evens things up to a certain extent but the weaker plaver isn’t playing the same game and certainly isn’t getting any better in the process. Football? Four downs to make 10 yards for one team; three for the other? Baseball? Pitch the ball underhanded to the weaker team? Hockey? Five players against four? No, only on the links can a beginner take on a professional playing with both hands and swinging in the direction he's accustomed to} and have the possibiliry of the match going right down to the 18th hole. Firse things first, a brie nation for those unfamiliar with how the handicap system works in a mate! If Player A is a 10 handicap and player B is an 18 handicap, 1 OCEANSIDE AT PARKSVILLE Full facitity, three star resort hotel focated oceanside in Parksville on sandy beach. 240 Dogwood Street, Parksville, B.C. V9P 2H5 1-800-683-4232 Fax (250) 248-4689 www.bwhayside.com Call for our golf paradise packages. * Cozy Cottages ate Seaside Resort Fireplace, Kitchen, TV. Indcar Pool, Sauna, Hot Tub, Tennis, Restaurant, Playground, and Meeting Rooms #25 - 1015 East island Highway Parksville, B.C. V9P 2E4 Toll Free 1-800-663-7309 » Fax (250) 248-6145 Golf packages and off-season rates available. the morning: and, wihricli Player A gives Player B cight strokes in their match. But it’s not as simple as sub- tracting cight trom the total score. Rather, player B (for match purposes only) gets one stroke subtracted from his score on each of the first eight handi- cap-stroke holes. You'll find the handicap Plan a great golf vacation at the finest courses in the B.C. interior. § Our 1998 Golf Package includes one night's deluxe numbers for each hole on the scorecard, right alongside the numbers for yardage and pars. Not coincidentally, the toughest hole on the course ts ranked No. 1, the second toughest ele. assuring that the weaker player gets the strokes where he'll need them most. accommodation and one green fee at your choice of golf courses. Stay ‘n Save Inns offer a convenient. comfortable home base with all the amenities you've come to expect and friendly service that's really up to par! Kelowna Kamicops $64 Victoria Vancouver Airport $77 - Vancouver Burnaby $77 - All prices are per person. per day. based on doulde occupancy and subject to cues and avadabdity Vakd to October 31,1998 S71 - SHS - $83 a INS S71 - $94 Stay'n Save. Tid $134 ae take P $034 1-800-663-0298 FAXIine (404) 273-9822 email:staycsave@staynsave.com Vancouver Island Waterfront Golf Resort A marina location offering great rooms, fitness centre and spa, kayaking, fishing and sailing charters 3521 Dolphin Drive Nanoose Bay, 8.C. V9P SJ7 1-800-663-7060 © Fax: (250) 468-5744 Ask for our golf pack BE brochure. ‘Parksville and Qualicum Beach ‘ io ne You “an choose from... OPENED 1990 : . . OPENED 1988 GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB nother example: Hf Maver 2 one handicap and B is a 36 handicap, ver B gets eo strokes on 17 toughest holes and © stroke on the course’s easiest hole. OF coarse the other oft: confused aspect is when more than two plavers are involved in any match. Ne matter what the situa- tion is with teams or party all players take strokes off the low handicap player. Even if he or she partner, you take strokes off him or her for purposes of the match. Fortunately, it all seems to even out in the end. 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