What is it about winning that some people have to resort to winning at all costs? Don't get me wrong, I like winning, I HATE losing, I'm a really bad loser, but I would never resort to winning at all costs.
I posted recently the phrase "Show me a good loser and I'll show you a loser". There are those for whom winning is not as important as taking part. For me it's as equally important, but winning by using my skills in the game/sport/discipline. I draw the line at breaking the rules, cheating and even gamesmanship. I am pretty good at sports and games because I apply myself to learning how to do it properly, by watching, listening and practicing. But I have given up many of them because I'm not interested in losing to those who have to play outside the rules or not within the spirit of the game.
A few years ago I learned to play poker, when poker wasn't the boom it is today. I learned to play with skill (I hope). Then the boom came along and the skill went out the window. New players learned by watching it on television and by playing on the internet. And when you look at internet poker you could not find anything more rigged. There are multi-accounters everywhere and collusion is commonplace. But with potentially such big earning potential, there are always people who will resort to that kind of behaviour.
I used to play online pool on a site called www.poolcompsonline.com. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, that site closed down a few years ago. It was a superb site with very realistic pool. Multi-accounting wasn't a problem as there was nothing to be won; we just played for fun. In fact, there were instances where multi-accounts were recommended; we would make up teams to play other teams and each player would create an account to be used when representing that team. I've since found another pool and snooker site (actually 2 sites run by the same person). The gameplay is not as realistic as PCO, but it's the best I have found to date. These 2 sites use a ranking points system, you win or lose ranking points by beating or losing to other players. And even though there is no money to be won (at least I don't think there is), it's amazing how many people have multiple accounts just to start from a low ranking and to beat higher ranked players. Is it an ego problem or something? I just can't figure it out. then there are others (good players) who reset their rankings (not a clue why they allow this) and then go beating everyone again. For what reason???
And obviously we're seeing similar things here too. Why can't people just play the game as it's meant to be played, in the spirit it's meant to be played; don't be so greedy and let your ego look after itself. Maybe if WGT got rid of all the prizes, because lets face it there are only a handful of players who could contest the main ones anyway, and made it a fun-only game, we wouldn't be in the state we're in with sandbagging and the likes. If you wish, charge a monthly/annual membership fee. Would people pay? Well, they pay for other non-internet games so why not WGT? If it's a fun place to be, a place to enjoy oneself with a game of golf in the company of friends, then I think people would pay. But then get rid of all the payments for balls, clubs, avatars, etc and let people choose what they wish.
OMG! I'm starting to sound like Nick! Maybe it's time to leave... if I'm not kicked out first!