I marvel at watching some of the players easily (relatively of course) navigate a course set up by the USGA. The US Open is known for its dangerous rough, lightning fast greens, and manicured fairways. This year at Shinnecock, the USGA has made the course a beast that gives professional golfers fits of anxiety. For an amateur, watching the best golfers in the world seem mortal can be unsettling. Yet some of the players appear to have solved the puzzle and score relatively well. I wonder what their secret is, do you? Continue reading
US Open Golf – Local Rules In Effect
The rules of golf can be modified locally by any committee. For example, on smaller courses, the managers or the superintendents create them. It is their prerogative to make their course easier or more difficult to play. For the 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills, the USGA implemented a local rule that changes how players interact with stones in the numerous natural bunkers. If you’re curious as to why then I recommend you read on.
The Grateful Golfer’s US Open Predictions
The US Open has started. I am a few days behind in my writing, but I thought I would throw my hat into the ring and offer my views on who is going to walk away with the second Major of the 2018. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is not an easy track and depending on what the USGA does this year, it could be a real beast. Unfortunately, I think the USGA’s setups up this Major to the level of “ridiculous”, but apparently this makes for some great golf viewing. But, I lament on something I cannot control. Anyway, back to my predictions. Continue reading
Lucky Bounces… or Not!
Golf is a game where an inch here or there makes all the difference. As a golfer, we call these lucky or unlucky bounces. They can bring elation or despair depending on the results. It is impossible for me to count the number of wayward shots that resulted in positive results and, conversely, the same for negative results. Call it karma, divine intervention or a fluke, these bounces are a part of golf. And yesterday on the 9th hole at Osprey Links Golf Course is a perfect example of what I am talking about. Continue reading
Do You Use All Your Wedges or Just Carry Them?
The rules of golf allow each player to carry 14 clubs. Because of this limitation, selecting the right clubs for my game is critical to low golf scores. Repeatedly, I have espoused that my short game is where my scoring resides and I believe that is the same for everyone. Therefore, years ago, I chose to take out my 5 wood and replace it with a 60º gap wedge. It is a decision I do not regret. This resulted in carrying 4 wedges when I play, but more importantly, I consistently use all 4 wedges. Do you? Continue reading
