As 2017 comes the lists will be flying. If you can think of a topic, then a list will be created. I thought I would get my golf list in before you are inundated with white noise. The list I am presenting is not pet peeves or complaints, but unwritten rules I follow to make my round of golf pleasurable. They would follow into the category of etiquette in some cases, but I think you will get the gist. They work for me and I think they will work for you, so grab a coffee, sit in a comfy chair, and enjoy! Continue reading
divots
Caring For Your Golf Course
Many of you lucky golfers are joyfully swinging away at your favorite course. Some of you are a bit rusty, but the joy of playing eclipses any self doubts. Unfortunately, this rust may pose a potential risk to the health of the tee boxes, fairways, and greens. As the season is early for us northerners, it is important to remember that caring for your beloved playing field is so very important.
Tee Boxes. Many players have a misconception about tee boxes. They may not understand that care of the tee box is as important as the green or fairway. Most players do not try to take divots on the tee box unless they are using an iron. Regardless of where, it is important of replace your divots or fill the hole with a sand/dirt/seed mix. The familiar green box on the teeing area is usually a great sign that the superintendent wants us to fill the hole. It is really very easy; grab the scoop and fill the hole so it is slightly higher than the ground; then smooth. The little extra mix will make sure that the hole remains filled after it settles from the rain or watering. Tee boxes are important to every golf course – the better we take care of them, the better we enjoy the game.
Fairways. Care and maintenance of a fairway is a no brainer. Every golfer has heard, seen, or understands that replacing their divots is important. Normally, there are signs all over the golf course. However, some course superintendents would rather players put a sand/soil/seed mix in the hole because it helps promote grass growth. Not fixing your divots can have a negative impact on your game!
Greens. Fixing ball marks on the green are a pet peeve of mine. How many times have we walked to the green to realize that most of the players at your course have bad backs. You know this because of the multiple unfixed ball marks on the green. The green is the most delicate part of the course and extra care is required! In case you do not remember how to fix divots, check out the above image!
With the golfing season upon us I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning. However, I must remember that to fully enjoy the season, it is important to look after the course from the beginning.
As a golfing fanatics, it is our duty to lead by example!
I am the grateful golfer! See you on the links!
It is a New Record!
Today I set a new record on the golf course. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, I saw a cool turtle and I golfed with some great friends. As the day unfolded, we teed off at 6 am and cruised around the course. The mosquito population seemed to dwindle over night and the wind was cool and refreshing! Does this not sound like an awesome day on the course! I am so grateful to have decided to hit the links this morning!.
I guess you are wondering about my new record? Yup, you guessed it, I fixed 45 ball marks today and 15 divots. I realize that many players have bad backs and cannot bend over to fix or replace damage to the course, so I decided to help them out today….ok I will stop.
But seriously, golf is a fantastic game. We all love to see a ball land and hold on a green from 125 yards. Usually, such a shot makes a divot and a ball mark. It is important that all golfers take pride in themselves and the course they are playing by repairing their own blemishes. I generally try to fix mine and another ball mark on the green. It keeps the course in great shape all summer and helps the maintenance crew keep the course lush and enjoyable for everyone.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 