different tee handicapping

Question
When playing 2 man team events (even fun events such as scramble and shamble) should both players be required to hit from the same tee box (even though one tee member may be a 'senior' and have an established hcp from a forward tee)? [I realize tournament committees have wide latitude in how they can set up an event; nevertheless, it seems unfair to move an individual out of his comfort zone when the yardage/slope rating/etc disparitites can be taken care of through handicap adjustments.]

Answer
Hi Jim,

You're right! Even though the slope/rating system is not perfect, it should be enough to accommodate different players playing from different tee boxes, thus a senior not having to play the "long course." So, instead of playing to a 21 off the blue tees, he would play to a 19 off the red tees.

Usually in scrambles, players are matched together using a total handicap criteria like a minimum total of 48. It would just be a little more difficult to monitor different tees from being used, like the senior declaring himself as a 21 and then playing off the red tees.

I don't think this is a big deal at all. Allowing players to play off different tees to accommodate their ability levels in more inclusive. It's not going to give the senior any more advantage other than feeling more comfortable, like the better players feel already.

Hope this helps.

Best regards, Ken Tannar

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