USGA

The US Open – Is it Worth the Wait?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

The 114th United States Open Championship is scheduled for June 12–15 at the No. 2 Course of the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina.  This is one of eight courses on the resort and is famous for hosting the US Open two other times since 1999.  This majestic course is a Par 72, 7495 yard creation of Donald Ross that has been host to six other major championships through the years.  This course has a rating/slope of 76.4/141 – all I can say is ouch!

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The US Open Golf Championship is, in my opinion, the third most coveted tournament in the golfing world.  Personally, I prefer The Masters, then British Open, but that discussion is for another day. However, The US Open is by far the most difficult of all the Majors. The course is extremely long and the setup is unfair at best.  When comparing toughness of courses the comment I hear the most “Well at least it is not US Open rough!” Winning scores have ranged from -16 to +5; all due to course setup and weather conditions.  The drier the course the more challenging.

Choosing a course is no easy feat, but the USGA does have certain criteria they use during the selection process. “The following list of 14 factors impact overall U.S. Open course set up. The mix of these factors varies from course to course, year to year. Evaluation of course set up should not focus on any single element but consider the composite result.

  1. Length, variation and playing characteristics of individual holes;
  2. Length of overall golf course relative to total par;
  3. Teeing ground locations (i.e., angles of play, variation of distance day to day);
  4. Fairway width and contours;
  5. Fairway firmness and speed;
  6. Green speed relative to percentage slopes and contours of the putting greens;
  7. Putting green firmness;
  8. Rough height, density and stages of severity;
  9. Bunker preparation (i.e., create challenge of recovery);
  10. Green surrounds (e.g. closely mown areas -vs.- primary rough);
  11. Hole locations (relative difficulty, balance in location of left-vs.-right, front-vs.-back, anticipated wind, anticipated length of approach shot);
  12. Risk and reward options;
  13. Anticipated weather conditions; and
  14. Pace of play.

There is no USGA target score for a U.S. Open. While the final score at some U.S. Open sites will be at or near par, the USGA does not try to formulate a course set up that will only produce a winning score of at or near even par.”

So the course is extremely tough, the best players in the world will be ready to play, and the media hype is starting to going crazy! The second Major of the year is more often than not a war of attrition verses skill! In one round, a player can be out of the tournament. Does this really seem fair? With Tiger Woods likely not able to play with the tournament hold the same meaning?

Through all of this, my question remains – Is the US Open Worth the Wait?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links…..soon!

New Golf Rules

/ The Grateful Golfer / 10 Comments

Announced today are decisions about the rules of golf for 2014 and beyond. According to the USGA and R&A, “decisions” are updated every two years and the actual Rules of Golf are updated every four years.  The ability to change the rules of golf to adapt to its evolving nature is extremely important.  Most weekend golfers are less concerned about the real rules, but if you have a wish to play in any competition, knowing or not knowing the rules will affect your score.

 

This year, some of the decisions address important aspects of the game and some of the more trivial areas. I will let you decide.  All decisions below taken from the tsn.ca website. The first decision deals with those who analyse video and call into the tournaments to report a rules infraction. Decision 18/4 outlines that a player will not be penalized when “enhanced technological evidence” shows that a ball moved, it will not be deemed to have moved if not “reasonably discernible to the naked eye at the time.”  The ever-increasing involvement of arm-chair golfers forced this decision.  This is a good rule, because it puts the onus on the player to be his own referee – exactly where it should be!

Storm CloudsDecision 14-3/18 allows players to use smart phones to access weather reports. The new decision also clarifies that players are permitted access to information on the threat of an approaching storm for their own safety.  This rule is more for the amateur than the professional.  Being caught many times in questionable weather that turned into a storm makes this decision a smart idea.  Actually, I did not know it was against the rules…go figure.

Decision 25-2/0.5 was revised to clarify when a golf ball is embedded. Officials have noticed an increased in tour players asking for relief, and a debate on whether the ball has broken through the soil. The revised decision will be accompanied by illustrations.  Ok, I am sure there will be many who suggest that is really not an issue, however, if you hit the ball hit like the pros and play on soft courses, embedded golf balls does pose a problem. Not 100% sure this decision will fix the issue, but time will tell.

Decision 27-2a/1.5 was revised to allow players to go forward 50 yards without losing their right to return to play a provisional ball.  Okay, I know Phil Mickelson walked 120 yards to the green, fixed the pin and almost jugged it, but really.  You know someone is going to count the steps and determine the yardage by the players gait and…..well I think you get the point!

The rules of golf are ever evolving.  It is good for the game to keep up with new technology and course design. I am not convinced that some rule changes are driven by the golfing industry, but that is a discussion for another day.  A great website on the rules of golf is found at http://www.rulesofgolf.ca/.

What do you think of the new decisions?

I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links!

Are You a Professional Golfer?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 13 Comments
Canadian Armed Forces National Golf Tournament

Canadian Armed Forces National Golf Tournament

Have you won more than $750 playing golf at your local club in a skins game?  Do you use golf as a primary method to make a living?  Are you receiving financial gain from golfing? Are you the local golfing sensation whose likeness is used to promote a local charity golf event? Do you compete at the elite level regularly?  If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be considered a professional golfer!

Determining whether a player should be a card carrying professional is important.  It is safe to say that it is easy to distinguish between a professional and an amateur. Or is it?

Lyndia Ko is a perfect example of a 16-year old phenom amateur who has won four (2 LPGA and 2 International) professional tournaments.  How does she maintain her amateur status and still compete in at the elite level?  The last amateur to win a PGA event was Phil Mickelson in 1991.  He turned pro 1992 and has won 42 professional tournaments, including five majors.  Did winning this PGA event push “Lefty” towards an amateur career sooner than expected?

By definition, an “amateur golfer”, regardless of whether he plays competitively or recreationally, is one who plays golf for the challenge it presents, not as a profession and not for financial gain. (R&A, USGA)  Is it really that simple?

One major distinction about being a professional golfer is “golf skill or reputation“. Generally, an amateur golfer is only considered to have golf skill if he:

  1. has had competitive success at regional or national level or has been selected to represent his national, regional, state or county golf union or association; or
  2. competes at an elite level.

Golf reputation can only be gained through golf skill and such reputation is deemed to continue for five years after that player’s golf skill has fallen below the standard set by the Governing Body.  This statement is very important to most amateurs.  Basically, local heroes with fantastic reputations would not be considered professional golfers.  It takes much more than having a scratch handicap.

Other aspects of maintaining your amateur status are important. A recent change to the hole-in-one prizes is significant.  Traditionally, if you won more that $750 for a hole-in-one during a fun tournament, you lost your amateur status. Fortunately that has changed because Kurt Kramarenko of Dimondale would be a professional golfer today after winning ten thousand dollars in a charity golf tournament on 13 September 2013.  It may have been a life time dream, but one awesome shot does not make a professional golfer.

Another major change important distinction on a player’s status deals with subsistence expenses. An amateur golfer can receive subsistence expenses to assist with general living costs provided the expenses are approved by and paid through the player’s national golf union or association.  (R&A, USGA)  This new rule allows amateurs to keep their status while in school, compete at the elite level and prepare for a professional career.

What about the local player who travels within a three-hour radius of his house and consistently wins prizes in tournaments?  What if this local player participates directly or indirectly in a “sweepstake” or “calcutta” auction and receives money from the person who purchased their team? Or, he likes to enter tournaments that offer cash prizes because he has enough golf stuff; does this effect their amateur status? The short answer is yes. Every time a player wins money during a tournament, even non-optional skins games, the prize money goes towards the $750 limit regarding their amateur status.  A prize such as golf equipment does not appear to count towards the $750 limit.

In 2012, the USGA and R&A joined forces to make one set of governing rules to clarify the difference between professional and amateur status.  This was a good move for the overall health of golf.  Bloomburg.com suggests that golf is a 69 billion dollar industry. Amateur versus professional status is important.  The following R&A video outlines the new changes and the importance of understanding if a player is considered a professional golfer.

New Amateur Status 2012-2015

So, are you a professional golfer?  Most likely, the answer is no.  However, for some, it is a great dream.  As the golf industry continues to grow, more pressure will grow on the governing bodies to ensure an even and fair playing field. There is so much at stake that making poor decisions early in an amateur career could have detrimental, long-term results.  Being a professional golfer may not be the life-long dream of most players, but for some it typifies expertise in a sport they love.

I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links!

Golf Initiatives That Improve The Sport

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Smiling golf BallPlaying golf is for everyone!  Golf has the unique ability to bring together people from all walks of life and make them equal.  Everyone has access to the same clubs, attire, balls, and accouterments.  Everyone has access to the same training videos, local pros for lessons, being self-taught and places to practice our skills.  The golf industry entices people to play golf and to actually enjoy the game.  As part of their efforts, the various golf associations have started various initiatives for the good of the game.

“Data collected by the World Golf Foundation indicates there are 27 million people who have an interest in wanting to play golf, but don’t play the game,” Bob Barrett, CEO of Honours Golf said. “Imagine if we could get just 10 percent of those people playing the game?”(AL.com)

TEE IT FORWARD helps players identify their limitations and speed up play.  Something that makes the golf fun for everyone.  Read TEE IT FORWARD for full details.

Offering playing opportunities to young children in the US is First Tee.  The First Tee‘s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instil life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Since 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its positive values to more than 3.5 million young people in 50 states, four international locations and over 3,400 elementary schools.

What makes The First Tee effective in building positive character traits in young people is The First Tee Life Skills Experience™, a teaching curriculum developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and delivered by caring coaches. Through this experience, participants learn to transfer the positive values of golf to everyday life.

In addition to the parallel learning opportunities available for participants and coaches, The First Tee University provides formal training for Chapter management, staff, board members, and others. Training goals include assisting Chapter leaders in creating sustainable youth development organizations, and to enhance program quality and impact.

Participants learn to

  • Appreciate diversity
  • Introduce themselves
  • Manage emotions
  • Plan for the future
  • Resolve conflicts
  • Set step-by-step goals

Coaches

  • Empower youth to make their own decisions by thinking about the consequences
  • Build rapport and establish positive relationships
  • Nurture golf and life skills development
  • Promote a fun learning environment

A some what similar United Kingdom initiative is Golf Foundation’s Grass Roots. The Foundation’s ‘HSBC Golf Roots’ programme in schools is gathering significant momentum in 2013, as 39 out of 46 County Local Organizing Committees have selected an HSBC Golf Roots competition for the current academic year as part of England’s School Games curriculum. This high proportion is second only to athletics, and ahead of traditional school sports such as football, cricket and netball.

An additional United Kingdom program is Get into golf.  “Golf is one of the best sports you can play to improve mental and physical well-being whatever your age, background or ability. Indeed, Golf’s powerful combination of stress-busting exercise, fresh air and camaraderie make it an excellent activity for promoting long-term heart health.  There is no better sport for bringing people together – whatever their age, gender, background or ability. With plenty of time for conversation and fun, golf is the perfect way to make new friends and grow closer bonds with people you already know.”

All the above initiatives, and many more, are really designed to make golf FUN! That is the bottom line.  These programs are structured and provide excellent ways to improve the game of golf for beginning duffers.  For those a bit more adventurous, Golf Digest suggests 18 less conventional ways to enjoy the game of golf.  Although they are not national initiatives, they do suggest ways to shake up the game to achieve the same result….having FUN!

Golf is fun.  It is an activity that allows anyone to escape reality by playing a game that empowers the player to determine the result of their time on the links. Regardless of what the golf industry lauds, golf is fun!  Golf is a sport that offers opportunities abound and I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links!

TEE IT FORWARD

/ The Grateful Golfer / 15 Comments

With a goal of improving Canadian golfers’ overall enjoyment of the game, the Canadian PGA and Golf Canada support the TEE IT FORWARD initiative.

“TEE IT FORWARD is aimed at helping golfers have the best possible experience on the golf course by playing from a set of tees best suited to their abilities. The initiative encourages all golfers to play the course at a length that is aligned with their average driving distance.” (Golf Canada)

Driver Distance Recommended Yardages to play:

  • 275 yards 6,700 – 6,900 yards
  • 250 yards 6,200 – 6,400 yards
  • 225 yards 5,800 – 6,000 yards
  • 200 yards 5,200 – 5,400 yards
  • 175 yards 4,400 – 4,600 yards
  • 150 yards 3,500 – 3,700 yards
  • 125 yards 2,800 – 3,000 yards
  • 100 yards 2,100 – 2,300 yards

This not just a Canadian initiative, the PGA and USGA are supporting partners as well.  “When you TEE IT FORWARD, you hit more lofted irons into greens, putt for birdies and pars more often and play faster and score better!  Many amateurs are regularly hitting approach shots on a par-4 hole from 185 to 205 yards. The fact is, most bogey golfers only hit approach shots generally with any accuracy from within 170 yards. When you TEE IT FORWARD, you have the potential to hit approach shots from 145 to 165 yards.”

TEE IT FORWARD received great feedback in 2012 from golfers nationwide (USA) who reported:

  • 56 percent of those who used TEE IT FORWARD played faster
  • 56 percent indicated they are more likely to play golf more often
  • 83 percent hit more lofted clubs into greens
  • 85 percent had more fun
  • 93 percent continue to TEE IT FORWARD
Turtle1

Coming Through!

The TEE IT FORWARD program is great for golf and last nights round is a perfect reason.  My friend and I were playing behind a twosome of women, who in turn were playing behind a threesome of men.  The threesome of men were very slow.  So slow that the women played two balls each and were still waited on every hole.  The men in front had several holes open in front of them and would not let the women play through.  The most frustrating aspect of this entire ordeal is that the two of the men rarely hit the ball further than 150 yards!  In stead of playing from the whites, they should have moved up to the golds.  It makes a difference of about 30-50 yards a hole.  It would definitely have sped up play.  For those who may be asking, we did join the women and still had to wait!

TEE IT FORWARD is a great program for golf!  It will definitely improve the pace of play and the enjoyment for those on the course.  I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links!