What is the role of the WIPP-Sec? The person who decides to interact between a club and WIPP is the key factor in the success or failure of WIPP. (S)he will inform the players; work with the club’s Sports Committee to organize the competitions and send the results; send information to WIPP on the winners and on the course; etc., etc. They may not always be available, so they should work with another person, also registered with WIPP and ready to replace them at any time.
Why have player categories? It is true that P&P is open to all, without distinction of age or gender, and that all players are limited to 3 clubs and play from the same tees. However, as there are no prizes, players can compare their result with the scores of others in their age or gender group. This also enables WIPP to see which groups are most interested in the sport.
What is the logic behind the 6-Max rule? One advantage of P&P over golf is the time factor; if a hole is exceptionally, (maybe unfairly), difficult it will slow play. Also, when the players know they can pick up their ball and score 6 after five unsuccessful shots, beginners are less likely to get discouraged. Good players rarely need to apply this rule.
And the overall 89? If one month you can’t play, you score 90; if you do play, the most you can score is 89. This ‘rule’ helps beginners and makes it easier to manage the order of merit.
Some courses are much easier than others, so their players are at an unfair advantage. True, but for the moment we just have to accept this. Over time and by comparing results, we may be able to invent some form of “slope score” but for now we’ll just have to admit that in love, war and P&P. all is fair!
Can professional golfers compete? This is P&P, not golf, so why not. No money prizes are involved, and we would be more than honored to have some professionals in our competitions. They may find it discouraging to be beaten regularly by mere amateurs but that would be their problem.
How many players will compete? We have no idea but WIPP is ambitious and we are fixing a target of atleast 10 000 after three months and 100 000 by the end of the year. If we achieve that, then any player in the top 100 will be a very good player indeed.
WIPP Council? An ad hoc body consisting of all the national WIPP-Secs. One country – one vote.
Who runs WIPP? You! A group of players in France experimented the format and it was so successful that they decided it might work on a larger scale; and it will, if you play your part in our joint venture. During this experimental phase the Council will approve all changes
Why have a WippIndex? We see P&P as a great sport in its own right but many players who start playing P&P go on to play golf. Accordingly, we insist on applying R&A/USGA rules and we encourage our members to train newcomers using golf standards for rules and etiquette. For the moment, WIPP uses only “gross” scores but clubs or national associations may wish to use “net” scores to encourage beginners and we think it is useful for all players to be familiar with handicapping. The WippIndex should only be used for WIPP Rounds and should never be confused with a golf handicap.
What if a club or a player cheats? No money or prestige is involved so there is not much point in cheating. Should WIPP be informed of serious misconduct, the players or club concerned will be excluded from competing in the future.