[Yardbird]

I assume that the "three other players" reference is for events that use one scorecard for the group to record scores in lieu of individual scorecards for each player.

IMHO, the use of one scorecard for the round is the way to go for many reasons.

1) A more efficient way to record scores during the round.

2) Easier on the TD to transfer scores to the Event Scoreboard.

3) It encourages players to turn in their round scores and more data is better at determinings round ratings. If a player's score is really that bad, it won't be used anyway. And with that, the player's score won't be used in their individual rating. So, the player with the bad round just needs to accept the fact that they didn't perform as expected and move on to the next round.

From what I've seen, the players that willfully withheld thier round scores, did so to either protect the almighty "1000+" player rating (Pro), avoid seeing a sub 900 round rating (Am), or to avoid getting slack from their peers.

Ratings are just a number and a general representative of a player's performance for a given number a rounds (player rating) and a standard to use compare individual rounds (round ratings).

Ratings are a great tool to use in comparing performance levels of players (ratings) and courses (SSA) over a given amount time. Scores aren't a good representation of a player's performance level. Course layouts and conditions change over time. A score of 58 at Seatac Park isn't the same as a 58 at Lakewood.