Bravopilot I doubt it really impacts your game, you are clearly straight and consistent and prove it is not the equipment. What about the COVID rules for handicaps/ No sand play, goofy things in the hole or not holes, just close enough? Did people count those scores? Similar to the team score of 48.
I think it would have an impact, just not sure how much. Hitting out of divots and crappy tight lies can add a stroke.
The guys I play with in VA don't have GHINs and probably don't know MOST of the (stupid) rules. Consequently we play 4-man scramble. If we all played our own ball, it would take 5+ hours. At one point, we didn't play the sand bunkers. It was barely golf. When I play individually there, I post my scores and adhere to the USGA book. Especially, when playing with SIL and grandson and SWMBO. 😉
