flatstick96: how is what he's describing any different from tierless ready-go or bracket tournaments?
you make some good points... but in regards to this …one difference as I see it... in tierless ready go's everyone signs up for the same wind and green speed... yes, those winds can still vary but everyone knows they are playing CB on T12 greens... this is NOT true in the showdown... one person may draw CB low winds and 9 greens while another may get CB heavy winds and T12 greens...
Do you think or feel both players are being offered comparable playing experiences... there simply appears to be a lot more randomness in the coin games/ showdown event.
while WGT may counter that everyone will experience at least one heavy wind round, I believe it goes without saying... all heavy winds on every course are in no way comparable... so it is entirely plausible for one person to have 3 looks at eagle whereas another may only get 1 or no looks at eagle while putting. That can be huge difference.
again, I am not saying the event is without merits... but there are some distinct issues that directly impact scoring - the disconnects and WD's being one... sometimes you are allowed to finish your round, but not always. at least not yet.
Also, in a RG... I can assess the event, wind, green speed and entry fee prior to signing up.. it falls on me when I choose the event. in the showdown, you go in dark...
In a RG on CB and heavy winds, I may play a different ball than I would if I played Bandon Dunes or Pebble Beach... sometimes knowing the course and condition allows you to setup your club/ apparel to give you better options... RG's you can make changes... you can't do that going in blind in a showdown.
Sometimes a 3wd with max distance is better than apparel boosting your iron distances. We can't make those changes in a showdown because you don't know what you get until you hit play. Ready Go's you can add a wedge or take out 3wd .. in coin games there are even more ways to tweak your clubs for optimal playability.
Sorry for rambling, but just wanted to point out a couple differences.