MORE ON THE DEBATE ABOUT TOURNAMENTS BEING CANCELLED

E-mail from Aileen Hunter

Hi Colin,

 

I think the main reason for the low entries to these tournaments is the increase in elite events. If you look at the golfing schedules of our top players throughout the season they are so packed and they really have to pick and choose what they play in. They are also encouraged to try and get some rest, so even if the Riccarton Rosebowl, of any of the 36 hole competitions was on a quiet weekend, the chances are that the good players would be looking to rest up. Then there is the issue of what challenges a good player more.  If I was a good player and had limited time to play in home events, and I had a choice between a 36 hole tournament, or 18 holes on the SLOT with professionals in the field I know which I would choose.

 

Take away elite players and there simply aren't enough singe figured handicap golfers interested in 36 hole tournaments. Sadly I think that they will continue to struggle, simply down to changing times.

 

Aileen

E MAIL FROM GLEN MCALPINE
 Hi Colin

You have already posted a few valid points why several competitions are being cancelled these days which I agree with.
Another couple of reasons that I think puts a lot of people off is the speed of play and scrambles.

A 36 hole competion can now see you on the course for up to 10 hours so by the time you travel it n be a full day out the house!

Scrambles generate good income for clubs but again this type of competition seems to be killing off the more competitive 36 hole individual tournaments.

Glen McAlpine