Thank you Mati!
Yes, sadly the issue with the restricted clubs is still around... and apparently, not likely to get fixed.
From what we were able to learn in volunteer tests done last month with Shoe prior to the Congo event, when the Restricted Club programming was first done (1.5 years ago IIRC), it was done in a seemingly bizarre way that opened up a loophole.
I find it extraordinary that it was programmed this way in the first place, and worse, that WGT don't appear willing to invest further time to make what should be minor modifications (that should have been spotted with some basic QA initially). When engineers put in time to create a feature, but then leave it incomplete and flawed, it negates all the effort put in the first place: with fixes, this could be an outstanding addition to the game, and open up possibilities for all kinds of events beyond just starter-gear competitions.
With regard to the TIO tourneys, players here are putting in a lot of time and effort, and generous sponsorships, to support these fun events, and I for one, don't want to spend energy policing whether or not entries are legitimate.
I hope no-one is tempted to exploit the problems in the programming. We didn't want to draw attention to them, but Chris' post and the fact that the event is in the Game Client now, means I need to be a bit more transparent.
I fear that having the event in the game client list may actually undermine the event in the long run... we'll see how this tourney turns out.
@Chris: I don't believe WGT have a way of looking retrospectively to see what equipment was used for a round. It would be very useful if they did!
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To repeat this message from the opening post:
Please do remember to take care equipping your bag properly ahead of play (i.e. before clicking on the link to enter):
This tournament is only to be played with the full Starter Club set:
Starter Driver,
Starter 3W,
Starter 3H,
Starter Sand Wedge,
Starter Lob Wedge,
Starter Iron Set,
Starter Putter,
and Starter Ball.
P.S: Just in case it isn't obvious to everyone: FocusBoost has no place in a Tough-It-Out event.
The whole point of these tournaments is that we are all experiencing the same conditions, with the same clubs, balls... & the same challenging meter speed.
I hope and trust that no-one will try and use anything other than the prescribed clubs or use FocusBoost in these events. Sponsors will reserve the right to withhold prizes if they have concerns. Thank you!