SEASON 2 - WEEK 40 MYGOLFSPY FORUM MEMBER WEEKLY VIRTUAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR (VCT)

[Mr. Mushball]

9 hours ago, Javs said:

Outstanding pictures!

Played there last January, would absolutely love to go back. Made a mess of that place, but was hitting my 5 iron 175 (usually <150) and loving every minute of it.

[Mr. Mushball]

On 1/1/2024 at 1:39 PM, GolfSpy_BEN said:

Green Tees it is.

As an inducement for all of our SIM players there will be 300 bonus points awarded to the low round posted for the Old MacDonald course at Bandon Dunes Resort - Green Tees.

Also, on the off chance one or more of our members are playing this particular course in reality this week, you will also be eligible for the bonus points!

I question how this all works.  As someone who doesn't play SIM rounds and slugs it out on the course through the mud (Old Mac had better weather this weekend IRL, my home state), not sure how this is equitable. Not that I am a particularly great scoring player, but it seems that indoor conditions vs. outdoor conditions (specifically in the PNW where we can get out but it is a sludge fest) is comparable.  Not having a handicap is one thing, but if you are already a fairly low handicap it seems to be a big advantage.  Giving bonus points above that is just encouraging SIM play and not real world gaming.

[GolfSpy_BEN]

20 hours ago, EMacK1961 said:

Date	01/06/2024
Course Name	Bajamar Oceanfront Golf Resort
Gross Score	97
Course Handicap	18
Gross Strokes over/under par	25
Net Score to Par	7
Net Score	79
Net Birdies or better	3
Longest Drive	237
SIM Round?

It was my first round back after having to take a month off for a wonky back and a broken rib, both pickleball related. The rust definitely showed. I was decent off the tee, medium on the fairways, and mediocre on the greens. On the bright side, it is good to be back. No ill effects from playing on either the back or rib. I look to being on the road to a more consistent 2024 on the course.

Welcome back! Love the photo, thanks for sharing it with us 

[GolfSpy_BEN]

7 hours ago, Mr. Mushball said:

I question how this all works.  As someone who doesn't play SIM rounds and slugs it out on the course through the mud (Old Mac had better weather this weekend IRL, my home state), not sure how this is equitable. Not that I am a particularly great scoring player, but it seems that indoor conditions vs. outdoor conditions (specifically in the PNW where we can get out but it is a sludge fest) is comparable.  Not having a handicap is one thing, but if you are already a fairly low handicap it seems to be a big advantage.  Giving bonus points above that is just encouraging SIM play and not real world gaming.

You are correct in one aspect of your statement. I am encouraging folks to be a part of the VCT, in any way they are able to be. The SIM option was added this winter, mostly for the benefit of our Northern members. While there may be snow on their courses, or freezing (or worse) temps that prevent them from playing and contributing, this gives them a way to continue earning points. 

Limiting play to those that live in geographical areas that allow for year-round play also isn't equitable. As to the bonus points for playing particular courses, it seemed like a fun way to entice members who haven't joined us yet. As commissioner, I am exempt from earning said points, so a gross score of 82 this week takes the bonus points. Another thing to consider for the SIM players, is they aren't eligible for the additional points derived from the most net birdies or the long drive. There is also 1 badge that can be earned as a SIM player, rather than the 4 available to traditional round players. 

My apologies, if you feel slighted by any of my decisions regarding the VCT. I want the VCT to be inclusive of our entire community, so I will continue to strive for that goal. With that thought in mind, there will be changes for Season 3. As we are now nearing the end of season 2, there are roughly 8 weeks left until we start the season end event. More details to follow soon on all of this.

[GolfSpy_APH]

7 hours ago, Mr. Mushball said:

I question how this all works.  As someone who doesn't play SIM rounds and slugs it out on the course through the mud (Old Mac had better weather this weekend IRL, my home state), not sure how this is equitable. Not that I am a particularly great scoring player, but it seems that indoor conditions vs. outdoor conditions (specifically in the PNW where we can get out but it is a sludge fest) is comparable.  Not having a handicap is one thing, but if you are already a fairly low handicap it seems to be a big advantage.  Giving bonus points above that is just encouraging SIM play and not real world gaming.

The alternative to this is not allowing a large portion of this community to not partake. Which is not what we are about. Period. 

The bonus points, especially for Old Mac at those tees which is extremely difficult is for the enjoyment of those sim players. 

Bottom line, if you want to do it even if you can play outside you still can. Nothing stopping you from playing a sim round if you like. However we are going to actively work to include and make the VCT available for as many golfers as possible. 

[Cfhandyman]

1 hour ago, GolfSpy_BEN said:

You are correct in one aspect of your statement. I am encouraging folks to be a part of the VCT, in any way they are able to be. The SIM option was added this winter, mostly for the benefit of our Northern members. While there may be snow on their courses, or freezing (or worse) temps that prevent them from playing and contributing, this gives them a way to continue earning points. 

Limiting play to those that live in geographical areas that allow for year-round play also isn't equitable. As to the bonus points for playing particular courses, it seemed like a fun way to entice members who haven't joined us yet. As commissioner, I am exempt from earning said points, so a gross score of 82 this week takes the bonus points. Another thing to consider for the SIM players, is they aren't eligible for the additional points derived from the most net birdies or the long drive. There is also 1 badge that can be earned as a SIM player, rather than the 4 available to traditional round players. 

My apologies, if you feel slighted by any of my decisions regarding the VCT. I want the VCT to be inclusive of our entire community, so I will continue to strive for that goal. With that thought in mind, there will be changes for Season 3. As we are now nearing the end of season 2, there are roughly 8 weeks left until we start the season end event. More details to follow soon on all of this.

I wholeheartedly agree. I am so thankful that you have allowed the Simulator option over the winter months. When the outdoor season closed, I moved indoors to work on my game and play scenic and challenging courses. Now I have added motivation to be able to continue to participate in MGS VCT. Thank you for this opportunity. It is greatly appreciated. 

[Cfhandyman]

1 hour ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

The alternative to this is not allowing a large portion of this community to not partake. Which is not what we are about. Period. 

The bonus points, especially for Old Mac at those tees which is extremely difficult is for the enjoyment of those sim players. 

Bottom line, if you want to do it even if you can play outside you still can. Nothing stopping you from playing a sim round if you like. However we are going to actively work to include and make the VCT available for as many golfers as possible. 

Thank you. Bonus points for playing pre selected courses and tees is a great idea. And some of these courses are not for the faint of heart. I.e. they are tough which forces you to think and play better. So well done. 

[Cfhandyman]

19 hours ago, GolfSpy SAM said:

Date	01/04/2024
Course Name	Celebrity Course - Indian Wells Golf Resort
Gross Score	84
Course Handicap	10
Gross Strokes over/under par	12
Net Score to Par	2
Net Score	74
Net Birdies or better	3
Longest Drive	291
SIM Round?

Oh man, what an absolute gem of a course this was. This was the third course in three days that we played, and by far the most complete and stunning. Every hole felt like an oasis of its own - I've truly never played a more beautiful course (which is saying something, because the day before we played Escena which was INSANELY beautiful). 

I managed an 84, but that includes two doubles and a triple - all three of which were because I tried to do something dumb, lol. 

Over the three days, managed to putt pretty well (especially Day 1), and chipped incredibly well - to the point where one of my buddies just outright complained that I'd gotten "too good" at chipping, lol.  I mean, I disagree, but it was just a great few days of golf. 

The biggest surprise of the whole trip was just how well I drove the ball, especially considering some of the tight fairways we played on.  I just kind of found a groove and managed to keep it going for most of the trip. 

I'll be putting together a little "highlight" reel of our trip, so be on the lookout for that.  In the meantime, I'm attaching some shots from all three courses just so you can see some of the beauty we were witnessing. 

I cannot recommend highly enough a trip to Palm Springs for any of you, but especially this time of year when everything is just absolutely pristine. 

Also, back to Celebrity for a second: I've never been treated better at any course. They're operated by Troon, and it genuinely felt like we walked into a private club where we were the founding members. Trackman at the range, unbelievable pro shop, and everywhere we went, every. single. person seemed to be only interested in making us feel like kings.  

(Eagle Falls, day 1 of trip)

(Escena, Day 2 of trip)

(Celebrity Course at IWGR, Day 3)

 

 

Pictures are fabulous. What a great looking course. Thank you for sharing. 

[Josh Parker]

1 hour ago, GolfSpy_BEN said:

You are correct in one aspect of your statement. I am encouraging folks to be a part of the VCT, in any way they are able to be. The SIM option was added this winter, mostly for the benefit of our Northern members. While there may be snow on their courses, or freezing (or worse) temps that prevent them from playing and contributing, this gives them a way to continue earning points. 

Limiting play to those that live in geographical areas that allow for year-round play also isn't equitable. As to the bonus points for playing particular courses, it seemed like a fun way to entice members who haven't joined us yet. As commissioner, I am exempt from earning said points, so a gross score of 82 this week takes the bonus points. Another thing to consider for the SIM players, is they aren't eligible for the additional points derived from the most net birdies or the long drive. There is also 1 badge that can be earned as a SIM player, rather than the 4 available to traditional round players. 

My apologies, if you feel slighted by any of my decisions regarding the VCT. I want the VCT to be inclusive of our entire community, so I will continue to strive for that goal. With that thought in mind, there will be changes for Season 3. As we are now nearing the end of season 2, there are roughly 8 weeks left until we start the season end event. More details to follow soon on all of this.

I didn't take it as a bash or hate on SIM rounds.  I think it was more based on the 300 additional points.  Is it total towards overall contest? ( ie I'm sitting in 38th and it would jump me 11 spots)

I'm not sure how the scoring works nor do I necessarily care as I just enjoy the friendly competition with everyone. 

It's all for fun and I'm glad everyone has the ability to play golf period. 

[GolfSpy_BEN]

   Week 40 Final Recap

With 28 rounds posted this week, our members made a good showing:

Low Net Round

        

By benefit of a net 5 under 67 & 66, @RoverRick and @Randall Robbins share the black jacket this week. Nice rounds!

Most Net Birdies

       

With 9 points for net birdies or better, @RoverRick earns another net birdie badge.

Low Gross Round & Longest Drive

      

Fresh off the boat from Norway, @Javs fired a 3 under 69 and 325 yard bomb to reclaim the low gross and long drive badges. Welcome Back!

Long Drive Honor Roll

@GolfSpy_APH - 316 yards

@Javs - 312 yards

@PeterHenric - 296 yards

@Javs - 295 yards

SIM Round Honor Roll (Sub 80)

@tw1ns - 75

@Cfhandyman - 76

@GolfSpy_BEN - 75

@GolfSpy_APH - 77

 

As mentioned in the Week 40 season long points update, there are 8 weeks left until the end of season event. Keep posting rounds and getting points, as the top 32 will be eligible to compete. Details soon!

[Josh Parker]

Congrats to everyone!  Some salty rounds!  

[Mr. Mushball]

31 minutes ago, Josh Parker said:

I didn't take it as a bash or hate on SIM rounds.  I think it was more based on the 300 additional points.  Is it total towards overall contest? ( ie I'm sitting in 38th and it would jump me 11 spots)

I'm not sure how the scoring works nor do I necessarily care as I just enjoy the friendly competition with everyone. 

It's all for fun and I'm glad everyone has the ability to play golf period. 

Thanks for the explanation @GolfSpy_BEN.  I didn't mean to bash on the SIM option, and was asking about the bonus points.  I'm stoked that the SIM option was opened up to keep people in competition throughout non-playable weather, and am all about being able to include as many people as possible.

I didn't understand that SIM rounds didn't qualify for LD or NB points, so the 300 bonus points for those rounds makes much more sense and adds equity there.