Hiya,
If the idea is to replicate a real course, then shouldn't tourneys replicate real life too, where you even the playing field by players having a handicap?
Some players are just far too good to play against in a tourney and while the counter might be that they have played a lot more, it doesn't provide a great playing experience for those who can't play as much.
Obviously handicaps would open the system up to abuse by good players starting again, but it would make the experience in general a lot more fair.
Perhaps real tourneys could offer both a pro division and a club division where handicaps are used.
Tim