Squatch031:
First off, if the "player with less capable equipment" managed "eek out" a tie, then your remaining argument is likely moot as he has proven he can play.. Also, if he has less capable equipment, he is likely at a lower level and hitting from shorter tees. Lastly if eligible, everyone has the option to purchase better equipment. It appears to me that what you are pushing for is equity across all levels, and that is not realistic. Golf is not a socialist sport.
I'm only guessing you are replying to my post (even though no way to be sure since you didn't quote anyone specific) since you used the "eek out" a tie? If that's the case I used "eke" as in "manage with difficulty", not "eek" as in "I just saw a mouse". Not really relevant though.
Just a few points in response to your post:
1) Having lesser equipment is not a clear indicator of being a lower level, as some just can't afford the higher end clubs/balls, or just don't see the point in upgrading. I grant you, it can mean exactly what you are saying, but not written in stone.
2) The tee boxes used are decided by your Tier, not your Level, and some games don't even use this - they just go off the higher player's default conditions. Therefore, you can be a poor player skill-wise (lower Tier), but have accumulated enough XP to be a high level (potential for better equipment).
3) If a person with lower leveled equipment has managed to tie a player with better gear over 3/9/18 holes, then likely they either are: A) a more skilled player who is comfortable with their equipment, or B) someone who has played well above their current skill level during the "regulation" portion of the competition. In this case the odds just flat out favor the better player with better equipment. It's much easier for the person with more skills and better equipment to make par/birdie vs the person with with lesser gear who has been playing well above their skill level all along. Not saying it will always play out that way, but the odds are in their favor.
4) Player A has top end driver/irons. Driver goes 310 (without apparel) leaving a short iron/wedge into green. Player B has mid-level driver/irons. Driver goes 285 leaving a long/mid iron into green. Who would you say has the advantage in this situation?
The original proposal that I replied suggested to play the entire tie-break hole then use the Approach as a "sudden death" tie breaker. In both cases the advantage clearly goes to the player with better equipment. As explained above in #4, they will be hitting a shorter approach distance, with a higher lofted club, that will be in the air less to be effected by wind. So not only do they have the advantage to win the extra hole in regulation with par/birdie, but to win the CTTH sudden death shot since they will be hitting a much more manageable shot.
** And no where did I push for "equality" across all Levels/Tiers or claim golf should be a Socialist sport. I simply stated a response to a proposed idea and why I felt it put one side at a distinct disadvantage.