Cerino and Corwyn,
I want you to consider this seriously, because as we all know putting is the most vital part of the game: and I am not saying this from any other point of view than to preserve my putting stroke. It has taken me 3 months or so to get it right with this Level 71 Nike putter and I do not want to mess it up by playing with a starter putter.
I was at the last event of this kind using a 'beginner' putter and was doing it 'off ding style'. I was very very good at it, but now I have the Nike, my style has changed completely , in that I move the aim marker and judge the break, and pretty often ding the putt. I am without any false modesty, pretty damned good at this new method.
As I said earlier the 'starter' putter is a different beast and I have never used it. A hack or amateur will have the advantage over me if we have to use starter putters, so your argument above is not valid.
I urge you to consider this seriously. You can only 1 putt every hole at best , so what is there to be gained by preventing players to use their normal putter.
And one last point :- over the 4 different courses I imagine you will set 4 different green speeds, so there is enough of a challenge in that alone.
My argument here is/was not about improving my chances of winning anything, because I have no desire or expectation in that regard, I like the competition and meeting new people.
Nice offer Hans. I quite fancy winning / not winning that