In our forums, we talk a lot about players who remain in a tier longer than abilities warrant or advance artificially then seek refuge in new accounts.  I have no personal knowledge of this, but if this is happening, it could be because our Scoring Averages are based on the honor system.  This may seem admirable on the surface, but unlike a real Handicap Index which is based on peak performance, is supervised by a club, and takes slope and course ratings into account, our tiered system actually encourages manipulation of this fine game.  Complicating matters, there can be a 10 stroke difference between players within each tier.  I am not sure we will ever see a real handicap system in other than scratch competitions, but implementing some of the following ideas might go a long way.        

1.  First, use all scores in determining a players Scoring Average…even in rounds that are not completed.     
2.  The Scoring Average, would reflect peak performance, not an average, with little or no weight given to average play.    
3.  As mentioned in other posts, award better prizes in the Master Tier as an incentive to move up and for encouragement.          
4.  Since prizes would not be an incentive in other tiers, place players in the tier equal to their abilities even if this means sending them back of a lower tier for a while.     
5.  Use our Scoring Average for tier placement only.  There really is no need for anyone else to know this number.

There are improvements needed in our quasi handicap system and it is important to know how the tier system works so you can survive around here.  In a real handicap index, players who are an 18 can compete right along side a 7 and both have an equal chance to win.  Now, for example, take our Pro Tier...all players participate against one another, whether you are at the high end of that division, hence not as competitive, or close to becoming a Master...and unlike a true handicap index, there are no allowances for the large gap in scoring averages.  This can be frustrating, but it can also give you the motivation to get better.      

The good news, and I have only been here since May, is there have been lots of changes...and some even for the better (0;\  Many changes, I am sure, have come at the behest of people who make their thoughts known...that is what these blogs and our forums are all about.    

Who knows, maybe someday we will have some true handicap competitions...that is, where any player can play against any other player and actually have a chance to win (wink).  For now, it is what it is...as always, the guys who know their way around are the ones who win and more power to them.