Duck Golf #1 - Raptors Knoll (MA2/MA3/MA4/FA2/FA2/FA4) - Supported By Innova

I might as well get the discussion started. First of all thanks for putting all of this together. U ... show more ›

I might as well get the discussion started. First of all thanks for putting all of this together. Unfortunately, while I see the point of limiting divisions I completely disagree. First I don't see why there should be a difference between limiting AM divisions while not limiting Pro divisions. As am MA60 player I really enjoy playing with others who are in a similar age bracket. We like it. So do I need to call myself a pro just to play with players of my age? That does not seem fair at all. There seems to be a current trend in BC to not provide options for more senior players. This is unfortunate. I would argue, for example, that the difference between and MA60 player and an MA50 player is greater than say an MA50 and an MA40 player. Give us MA40 and MA60 if offering all 3 are "too many divisions". Now we in the MA60 or MA70 divisions (there are quite a number of us) will have to guess as to what division to play (MA3, MA4?) just so we can feel like we have a chance at competing. That's my 2 cents. As someone who has played Duck Golf for at least 10 years I am not happy with this direction.

Since the Pro divisions are organized by age, we decided to maintain this structure. In contrast, th ... show more ›

Since the Pro divisions are organized by age, we decided to maintain this structure. In contrast, the Amateur divisions have clearly defined rating categories: MA1: 935+ FA1: 825+ MA2: <935 FA2: <825 MA3: <900 FA3: <775 MA4: <850 FA4: <725 For example, if your current rating is 865, you would be classified in the MA3 division, which provides a competitive environment. This setup focuses on grouping players with similar ratings, without factoring in age. It's worth noting that the divisions were previously named Advanced, Intermediate, Recreational, and Novice before being updated to M/FA1, M/FA2, M/FA3, and M/FA4. Personally, I believe that players should reach the level of MA1 before moving into age-protected divisions. However, there is some ambiguity, as the PDGA does not specify how amateur ratings may drop with age, unlike the Pro divisions. If we consider potential rating drops similar to the Pro divisions, we might suggest the following: MA40: <935 MA50: <900 MA60: <850 MA70: <800 These are just estimates, but they generally align with the divisions currently offered. It's important to remember that age-protected divisions are typically intended for players who have reached MA1 status and then move through the age-protected categories as they get older. We often see newer players entering these divisions because they want to compete with others their age, even though starting in MA4 might be more appropriate. While my perspective may not change any decisions, I hope it offers some insight. I've previously run a ratings-specific event where players had to compete within their ratings. This format received both positive and negative feedback leading up to the event, but ultimately, most participants enjoyed the experience of playing in larger pools where every stroke counted. John G-T (This would probably read better if I could format DGS comments)

Thank you, John for the well explained answer. I understand. I don't agree but I understand. In my ... show more ›

Thank you, John for the well explained answer. I understand. I don't agree but I understand. In my experience those of us of a particular vintage prefer playing with those of a similar vintage. There is a camaraderie and social aspect to this that appears to be less understood by those of a younger vintage. Some prefer larger pools of competition (even within our vintage) and some prefer the social aspect over the size of the pool. Be that as it may, we all appreciate all the work that goes into these and we all appreciate what you do. Thank you.

This is to address the issues Duck Golf has with divisions being too small and not competitive. We h ... show more ›

This is to address the issues Duck Golf has with divisions being too small and not competitive. We had to limit the number of divisions for the series, and this was a way to do that and make the remaining divisions more competitive at the same time.