So, I'm coming very late to this thread… mostly because I'm still in shock!
The loss of such a fine player, and such a fine person, as Hans to this community is truly saddening. I had the honor of playing against him just once (and was very pleased to take it as far as the 16th hole, lol!), but I've witnessed his extraordinary generosity, willingness to teach others, and all-round contribution to this community. He ran the premier event on WGT IMO, the Ryder Cup, a phenomenal achievement of organization; he's stepped in to help moderate the forums when WGT was short-staffed; and he's demonstrated time and time again, the kind of clear thinking and sensible suggestions that would make a huge difference to WGT.
As a player, his skills are legendary: he has shown his ability to win tourneys not only with the fancy clubs, but has dominated our Tough-It-Out starter club events, and is our reigning champion. I can only hope he'll come out of retirement to defend his titles! What about it, Hans?
I can't really comment on the whole cheating question, but if a player of Hans' integrity and standing in the community, is so concerned about the cheats, and is ready to give up the game in part because of them, then something is seriously wrong. I don't participate in the high-stakes tourneys, but I can only imagine the frustration of top-level players giving their best and not being certain whether or not they are being legitimately beaten or not.
I've read with interest several people commenting on uneven lies, and how they offer one way to reduce the chance of cheaters dominating. Hans has been a strong supporter of uneven lies, and an advocate for more top-level tourneys using this format, and I couldn't agree more.
On the topic of a yearly Tour to retain interest-levels, how about addressing both concerns together. Now that there are 12 courses, including BoF & BoH, what about a monthly high-profile uneven lies tourney, along the lines of the Nation Merion Challenge (with an unlimited 1st round, and a single-play 2nd; or much better, 3 or 4 single rounds!) at a different course for a 2-3 week tourney each month, with Tour Standings to follow throughout the year, and prizes as Hans suggests.
A couple of uneven Ready-Go's, after all the excitement of the Invitation Challenges, and the Nation Merion event, seems a poor return on all the investment that's gone into uneven lies.
I wonder, if WGT don't want to go down this route, whether there'd be enough energy within the community to create a year-round Tour along these, or similar, lines?
I'd even suggest that if we were to run an event like this (which could be played in pairs to verify playing conditions, and as a protection against 'cheats'), that perhaps it be played with starter balls only. Would WGT take notice of all these concerns if a cadre of top players stopped buying balls for what could become one of the high-profile events; in effect, it would be like a break-away Tour (hey, isn't that what happened with the PGA way back when…?)
Anyway, idle musings aside… I want to wish Hans all the best, and fondly hope that he will return soon, and that the improvements he has so eloquently suggested come to pass.
Corwyn
P.S. Sadly, I'm juggling childcare duties right now, or I'd be all over your alt-shot invitations! Hope you all enjoy the golf!