A Christmas Wish?

Okay, it is December 22 and I'm looking out on very white landscape from my window at the MGA office. Despite our receiving snow only six short weeks ago, it seems the golf season has been over for so long! Aside from a Tiger sighting on the leaderboard of the Chevron Challenge and some end-of-year, Top 125 intrigue at the TOUR's closing event at Mickey Mouse's Florida home, there hasn't been much golf to talk about. However, after the drama that Tiger lead us through last year, I would consider this a blessing!

This time of year - the vast golf-less wasteland between Thanksgiving and Christmas (anybody notice that there wasn't a Skins Game this year?) - can be the most challenging for me. It's not like I don't have anything to do but finding the initiative to do it can be the problem. Even this year as we are developing a volunteer area to our website and adopting a new, online entry procedure (both items of keen interest), keeping my focus has required some creative efforts.

For example, I find myself far more likely to read one (or more) of the golf magazines that get passed around the office monthly. Typically, I simply initial the sign-off sheet pasted to the front of each one to signify that I have had the opportunity to see it. Now, I may read virtually every article on every page, seaching for that something that keeps me going.

Today, I spied a book that piqued my interest, Beyond the Score: Relationship Keys for Golf and Life by Jim Sheard, PhD. The book focuses on what could best be summarized by two cliches, "Don't miss the forest for the trees" and "Don't forget to stop and smell the roses". Golf gives us many opportunities "beyond the score" to measure our golf games, and a round in particular, for success. And, Beyond the Score reminds us of keys that we should always remember in relationships, whether they be with golf partners, life partners, or new friends.

Expectedly, I found the sections entitled "Act with Integrity" and "Demonstrate Respect" particularly relevant. There are some quotes that attracted my attention, and they are just as applicable in my job as well as life.

"Following the rules is an indicator of a person's integrity."

"Knowing and following rules enhances trust in relationships, sports and life."

"Exceed Expectations; When you exceed expectations, you stand out from others and establish integrity and trust."

"Byron (Nelson) gave me his most enduring advice: It's not how (well) you play, it's how you conduct yourself and how you treat people." (From Tom Watson)

My Christmas Wish for 2010? To be ever mindful of the (potential) impact I have on the lives of others and to give more to them than I receive in return.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! See you in 2011-

Doug

The End of the Tournament Season -- Two months late

Well, nothing like writing my season-ending commentary two and a half months AFTER it actually ended! One would believe that, once the tournaments are finished, I would have plenty of time to compile, compose and publish some thoughts about the season just completed. But, I guess not. I could bore you with the details and litany of reasons why I haven't posted, yet that would require my trying to recall them. And, since I likely would not be able to do that, I would end up making them up (which might make for better reading).

Nevertheless, some of the (brief) late-season highlights include:

*An exciting finish to the Senior Four-Ball and overall season when Jon Empanger holed a 116-yard wedge shot for an eagle 2 on the 36th hole as the sun was going down (picture above) giving he and partner Gary Johnson a two-stroke victory. It would have been more dramatic had they been in the last group and he had been the last to play to the green, but.............

*The MGA Mid-Amateur had a great three days at Minneapolis GC and Burl Oaks GC. Troy Johnson took home the title with superb play that resulted in a 4-under par 212 total that was seven stroke in front of the next contenders, Larry Barnacle and Sammy Schmitz.

Despite Johnson's play, the talk of the tournament was a hole location on Burl Oaks' third hole. Cut too close to a quick slope, many players found their ball rolling tantalizingly close to the hole, only to have it come back to their feet some 25 feet away. Unfortunately, this occurred multiple times for a few players. It was one of those times that, as staff, you simply chalk up to experience.

From an administrative point, once players start going through the hole, there are limited things we can do. While Decision 33-2b/1.5 gives us five possible options, there was only one that offered any possibility without significant ramifications. Option (a) suggests: "Have play continue with the hole location unchanged on the basis that the conditions are the same for all players in the field." Thus, this is how we proceeded.

The fall golf season offered us some great weather .......... right up until November 10. The 6" of snow that fell that weekend, followed by temperatures in the 30s, signaled the official end to the 2010 season. At least I had Rosemount HS football to follow -- all the way to the Championship game!

Until next time (but hopefully not in another 2 1/2 months) --

Doug

The Gopher Invitational - 2010

The Gopher Invitational
Spring Hill Golf Club, Wayzata, MN

Today is Day 1 of the 2010 Gopher Invitational at Spring Hill GC. It is an absolutely perfect day - sunny, temps in the mid 70s, light winds. With players from 11 teams and 5 individuals playing a 36-hole marathon (that will take over 10 hours to complete), it is a good thing the weather is so benign!

We had an interesting start to the day. Gopher Jon Trasamar, starting on the 18th hole, hit his tee shot into the hole -- on the 16th hole!! What do the Rules say about this? Actually, Decision 16/7 comes the closest to this situation.

This decision has two parts. The first permits the Committee to cut two holes on each green for an 18 hole competition on a 9 hole course. The second part of the decision (the part most relevant to our ruling) classifies the status of the "other" hole as a hole made by a greenkeeper, or in other words, ground under repair. This takes us to Rule 25-1 for relief.

Under Rule 25-1, the player is to determine the "nearest point of relief" and then drop the ball within one club-length of that point. However, this point will be on the 16th putting green. Rule 25-3 (Wrong Putting Green), states that a player must take relief for a ball coming to rest on the wrong putting green. In this case, the player must again determine the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole, and drop within one club-length of that spot.

That is the beauty of the Rules -- as soon as you think you have seen everything, something new comes up.

Until next time-
Doug

MGA Four-Ball Championship & Mid-August Update

(Dateline: Wednesday, August 18, 2010, Grand View Lodge, Nisswa, MN)

I'm sitting in a beautiful 5-bedroom house off the 5th hole of the Lakes Course, drinking a cup of coffee, waiting to go to breakfast before today's Second Round of the 49th MGA Four-Ball Championship. Life can be really good sometimes!

However, I am coming to the quick realization that this season is coming to a fast end - almost as fast as it started. The signs? They are plentiful. I awoke yesterday morning to a temperature near 50*, the Twins are leading the AL Central and the pundits are already talking about who they will be playing in the ALDS, Brett Favre has (finally) decided to return to the Vikings, and I take my eldest son to move into the Evans Scholars House at the University of Minnesota one week from tomorrow. These are all exciting times when considered independently; however, it means the cold weather, and the end of the golf season, is not too far away. Ughh!

Yet, while I am bemoaning this fact, I can thank Dustin Johnson for giving me an opportunity to talk about the Rules of Golf. Unless one is completely oblivious to what is going on in the world of Golf (if you are reading this, then you are not one of these people), everyone knows about the unfortunate series of events from Sunday's final round of the PGA Championship.

While I don't need to completely restate the details, it was obvious that Johnson did ground his club prior to making his stroke. And, since the PGA of America Rules Committee had clearly stated and informed all competitors of the status of all the bunkers on the course (some 1,000 plus), then there is no question that Johnson incurred a two-stroke penalty under Rule 13-4: Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions.

But, this does bring up some questions. Should such areas be declared as "hazards"; after all, how many major tournaments typically permit spectators to walk through bunkers? Should a Rules Official be expected to inform/remind a professional golfer that the ball is in a hazard? Should a professional golfer be expected to read the Local Rules Sheet, or let off the hook for not doing so?

Of course, at least one of the questions I raise is ludicrous - a player who is playing for millions of dollars should be expected to know and follow Rule 6-1, "The player and his caddie are responsible for knowing the Rules."

Anyhow, it gives us (MGA officials) some leverage about knowing the Rules before starting play when talking to our players at the starting hole. And, I always welcome real-life examples when teaching the Rules. Thanks, Dustin!

Hopefully, with the season coming to an end, I should have more time to update this on a more regular basis. I'm sure you can hardly wait.

Until next time-

Doug

Halfway Through the 2010 Season?

Dateline: Monday, June 28, 2010, 11:00 pm, Country Inn & Suites, Owatonna, MN

No, it's not really halfway through the 2010 season yet - at least, not according to the calendar. The season didn't officially start until May 17 (only 6 short weeks ago) and won't end until September 28 (13 weeks from tomorrow). But with all of the events that will have been completed by this time next week, it will be more than half over in that regard.

Statistically speaking, by next Monday night (July 5), we will have conducted 20 state-level qualifiers, 4 USGA qualifiers and 6 championships. That leaves us "only" 5 USGA qualifiers and 10 championships on the schedule.

Currently, I am finishing up a stretch of three consecutive weeks, and four of the last five, of MGA championships. This week, I'm at the Owatonna Country Club in Owatonna MN (about 60 miles south of the Twin Cities) conducting our 20th MGA Mixed Team Championship. The field is a little smaller this week allowing us to do one wave (or block) of starting times and not starting those times until an unheardof 10:00 am. Wow, an opportunity to sleep in on a tournament day! This is a much appreciated respite from the 4:30 wake up time during last week's MGA Players' Championship at Spring Hill.

During these events, we have encountered some challenging weather, seen some superb play and had to "hang out" at some pretty special places including Interlachen Country Club. Interlachen, site of Bobby Jones' victory in the 1930 US Open (and infamous "lily pad shot"), the third leg of his Grand Slam that year, is a wonderful place. While I had all of my volunteers making sure our matches were going smoothly, I was engrossed in the multitude of historical memoribilia hung throughout the clubhouse. Some of the most interesting were the trophies of Jones' grand slam, a replica set of clubs that he used that year, and Patty Berg's Wilson clubs she used her last year on the LPGA Tour.

I also "had" to spend some quality time at Spring Hill Golf Club for our Players' Championship. Certainly, the club doesn't have the rich history of an Interlachen, but the golf course, complimented by the wonderful staff and service, makes any trip to Spring Hill a treat.

Once I finish with this event tomorrow, I take a break from my administrator's job to be on the other side of the scoring table, so to speak. I begin my career of senior golf on Wednesday by attempting to qualify for the US Senior Open at Mendakota Country Club, site of last year's MGA Amateur. One of only 26 attempting to qualify, we are aiming for the one spot into this year's event to be held at Sahalee Country Club in Washington.

Interesting note, this is one of three USGA qualifiers that are requiring the use of the new conforming groove clubs. However, under the agreement between the USGA and Ping, I am able to use my 1986 Ping Eye 2 irons. The waiver Ping agreed to back in April only allowed the USGA to prohibit the use of the pre-1990 Eye 2 irons for the US Open. So, I've been trying to get accustomed to using them again.

Another interesting note, one of the 26 players is Macalester College golf coach and former LPGA Tour player Martha Nause. She is the first woman to attempt to qualify for a non-women's USGA event in my 13 seasons with the MGA. Obviously, her game is still there as she qualified for the US Women's Open back in May. She will be playing in that championship at Oakmont CC in July.

Until next time -

Doug

P.S. Make sure you check out my rules segments on Golf Bound, Sunday nights at 11:05 pm on KARE 11.

Recent Happenings

Dateline: 8:45 pm, Thursday, June 10 @ MGA Office

Yes, I'm still at the office finishing up work for the Sectional Qualifying events for the 107th MGA Amateur Championship. I'm scheduled to play in the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am starting tomorrow and then it's on to our Senior & Mid-Players' Championships at Interlachen CC next week. If I didn't stay and do it now, it would never get done.

The past month has been extremely hectice. Since my last post (May 11), I have conducted: (1) qualifying for the US Open (unfortunately, none of our qualifiers made it to Pebble Beach), (2) the MGA/PGA Cup Matches (in which the professionals soundly defeated the amateurs), and (3) the MGA Women's Mid-Amateur Championship (with Amy Schintz of Duluth besting the field by a whopping 10 strokes, shooting a course-record 5-under par 69 in Round 1).

Today, I had to do the course set-up at Interlachen for days 1 & 2 of the Senior/Mid-Players' event. Actually, I didn't have to do much thinking about it. I am using the hole locations for days 2, 3 & 4 of the US Women's Open Championship (played there in '08) for my days 1-3, respectively. Interlachen is a real treat to be able to use and play. Unfortunately, "dotting" tee and hole locations takes time and today was really busy on the course, so we didn't play as much as we would have liked.

Tomorrow, I start the first of my two events of the year. The Tapemark Pro-Am gets started at Southview CC. It is a terrific tournament that has raised over $6.5 million dollars for charities that support families and individuals with developmental disabilities like mine. It's a highly competitive, yet feel-good, event that is in its 39th year. Congratulations and many thanks to the Klas and Cody families for their support over the years. The forecast doesn't look good for the weekend. Let's hope this is one of the (seemingly) many times the weather people are wrong! You can follow my progress on their web site.

As I said, I will be playing in (at least) one more tournament. I will be attempting to qualify for the US Senior Open through the Sectional Qualifying on June 30 at Mendakota CC. I am one of 26 players vying for the opportunity to tee it up with the best senior golfers in the world at Sahalee CC (WA) in late-July. I hope my schedule settles down before then!

Unfortunately, between now and then, I also have the MGA Players' Championship (@ Spring Hill GC, June 21-23) and the MGA Mixed Team Championship (@ Owatonna CC, June 28-29) to conduct. Hmm, and when will I be practicing??

You can check out all of the action from MGA events, and learn about other happenings in golf in Minnesota, at the MGA web site: http://www.mngolf.org/.

Okay, it's taken me 21 minutes to write this. Since my starting time tomorrow morning is (ugh) 6:40 AM, I guess I had better go home and take a nap! I'm afraid tomorrow's going to be a LONG DAY!

Oh, one last item. Golf Bound starts airing at 11:05 PM on KARE11 this Sunday night. Check it out - my rules segment might help you.

Until next time--

Doug

P.S. - Congratulations to my son Zach for graduating from Rosemount HS and earning an Evans Scholarship to the University of Minnesota!

May Update

In this edition, I thought I would give you a "behind-the-scenes" look at my schedule. Here it is - May 11 - and I'm so far behind with what has gone on thus far in this young season and have so much to do before it's June. Since I last posted, I have:

-finished conducting the Big Ten Men's Golf Championship at Windsong Farm. Illinois repeated for the team title and a Northwestern golfer claimed the individual title. My one lasting comment and memory from the event -- boy, are college golfers ever slow! It was often painful to watch how long it took to play shots. Yes, the conditions were difficult, especially Saturday, but still...

-went to Duluth and conducted two rules programs for members at Ridgeview Country Club. I had nearly 50 interested ladies on one night followed by over 60 men the next. While I wasn't teaching, I toured the course with manager Steve Anderson and superintendent Wes Salo to talk about course marking. In addition, I made a stop at Black Bear Golf Course (next to the casino in Carlton off I-35) for a site visit for our Players' Qualifying and Enger Park for a site visit for our MGA Amateur Qualifying that will be held there in May. Enger is the third busiest course in the state (in rounds played) behind Bunker Hills (Coon Rapids) and Braemar (Edina). I left Duluth last Friday in snow.

-conducted the Spring Meeting of both the MGA Tournament & Rules Committee and Tournament Volunteers (more on these in my next post) at Midland Hills Country Club.

And, if that schedule isn't busy enough, in just the next few weeks, I have:

-Monday, May 17: US Open Local Qualifying @ Hazeltine National Golf Club. We have the second largest local qualifing event in the country, behind only Cincinnati. The field of 150 (full) will be playing for nine (9) spots into the Sectional qualifying.

In order to get ready for that, I have to set up the course (setting tee and hole placements and checking course marking), create the Local Rules & Hole Location Sheet, determine volunteer assignments, create scorecards, make arrangements for breakfast and lunch for our volunteers, pack the truck, haul the score board and tents to the course and set them up. This all must happen BEFORE anyone hits a golf shot!

-In addition the the US Open qualifying, I have five qualifying events for our three MGA Players' Championships (Regular, Mid & Senior) that all need score cards, score sheets, Local Rules sheets, and other last minute touches that must all happen BEFORE Monday.

-In addition to those five events, I need to finalize the MGA Team for the MGA/PGA Cup Matches, set for May 25 at Rush Creek Golf Club and do the last minute planning details for that, including course set-up.

-And if those seven total events aren't enough to keep me busy, I have the assorted office details that must be accomplished ... immediately!!

And I've had people say, "Gee, your job sounds like fun. How can I get one like yours?" Yes, it's true, I do have a good job and one that is fun ... most of the time. But, at this time of year, I could use time to stop for about 3-4 days to allow me to catch up and I'm not talking about sleep (yet).

Until next time (if I make it)-

Doug

Interesting Ruling

Saturday, May 2 - Still Day 2 of the Men's Big Ten Championship at Windsong Farm. The wind is causing all sorts of playing problems, but my concern about a ball moving on the putting green has (thus far) been unwarranted. However, I just had an interesting ruling.

A player's third stroke became embedded just under the lip of the greenside bunker on the 9th hole. He called for a ruling to inquire as to his options. Under Rule 28, he has three options, all of which incur a one stroke penalty.

First, he may go back to the place from which he played his last stroke ("stroke & distance"). Second, he may drop behind the point where the ball is unplayable, keeping that point between him and the hole. Third, he may drop within two clublengths of the point where the ball is unplayable. However, since the ball was in the bunker, the last two options require the player to drop in the bunker as the only option that permits the player to drop outside the bunker is stroke and distance. Thus far, the ruling is straight-forward, but this is where it becomes interesting.

After electing to proceed under stroke and distance, he picked up his ball and started back. It turned out he had played the stroke from only approximately 75 yards away, and the bunker was on his line of play. While walking back, his fellow-competitor raked the bunker and improved the player's line of play. Under Rule 13-2, a player must not improve, or allow to be improved, his line of play by creating or eliminating irregularities of surface. Is he penalized?

Fortunately, Decision 13-4/35.8 deals with this exact situation. It states that if a player elects to proceed under the stroke and distance option (taking the ball out of the bunker), he is permitted to rake the bunker even if it is on his line of play. However, had he elected to proceed under either of the other two options, or if he had changed his mind and come back to the bunker, he would have incurred a two stroke penalty.

Until next time-

Doug

Big Ten Championship @ Windsong Farm

Saturday, May 1 - Day 2 of the Big Ten Championship is underway in extremely windy conditions. As I write this, winds are sustained at 25 with gusts to 35 and playing havoc with the players. Windsong Farm is a course completely open to such elements in all but a few spots. Everyone is in for a LONG day.

As the head Rules Official, I have emphasized to my on-course officials to pay attention to the likelihood of the ball moving on the green. This can cause great issues for the players. Under the Rules, if a ball at rest moves due to a natural force (wind, water, gravity), the player simply plays the ball from its new position. However, if the ball moves by any other influence, then it is replaced. A ball at rest on the putting green can be a little more challenging.

If a player has marked, lifted and then replaced the ball in its original spot and the ball moves, he again will play it from its new spot. This is still true even if he leaves his ball marker in position behind the ball. Many people believe that, since the ball marker is still there, then the ball must be replaced. Should a player lift a ball that has been moved by the wind, replace it on its original spot (next to the mark) and then putt, he has played from the wrong place. Under Rule 20-7, he incurs the general penalty of loss of hole (Match Play) or two strokes (Stroke Play).

The issue that seems to cause the most problems for the players, however, is when they have "addressed" the ball. Remember, addressing the ball occurs when the player takes his stance and grounds his club in preparation for the stroke. We often see players address the ball and then, fearful the ball may move in the wind, step back. Unfortunately, since he had addressed the ball, the ball remains addressed even if he steps away. Thus, should the wind move it, he incurs a one stroke penalty and must replace the ball (even though he wasn't close to the ball). Our starters are reminding the players about this fact and suggesting they remark and lift the ball, which is the only way a ball can be "unaddressed".

Of course, if the player does not "ground" his club and the ball moves, then he will not be penalized under Rule 18-2a.

For scores, visit http://www.golfstat.com/. For additional stories, visit http://www.gophersports.com/.

The Masters is Underway!

The Masters, arguably one of the greatest sports events each year is underway! Arnold Palmer, and for the first time, Jack Nicklaus served as the Honorary Starters and hit the first shots of what should be another great Masters.

Certainly the Tiger Woods story, both his on-going recovery from his personal problems as well as his return to professional golf, have received much of the media coverage thus far. Despite his absence from golf for nearly five months, one cannot overlook him as a possible champion. He has proven his ability to play the course better anyone else in the field (four victories in 16 starts) and, well, he consistantly amazes us with his ability to do the unbelievable.

However, Tiger should not be the only story. There are so many great players capable of winning. While this event tends to favor the more experienced players, this might be the year a younger player comes from the pack to "shock the world" (such as Zach Johnson a few years ago). It will be especially fun for me as I have been invited to watch it in 3-D on Friday afternoon. I'll report back on the experience.

Lastly, this has been such a great start to the golf season here in Minnesota. Not in my previous 12 seasons (springs) have we had such a positive and exciting start. People are really into golf as a result. This is just what golf needs in this area. Let's hope it continues throughout the year!

Until next time-
Doug

Pre-Season Golf Excitment

Wow, these last two weeks have brought two major announcements in golf.

First, on March 8, the PING company and its CEO John Solheim agreed to allow the PGA TOUR and USGA to waive the waiver, or in essence, to ban the use of PING EYE 2 irons. That means no more "Groovegate"! No more Phil causing controversy by using an EYE 2 wedge to make a point. No more of Scott McCarron accusing anyone of cheating. Special thanks go to Mr. Solheim for taking this step to get the news of golf back on to the players playing.

So, we have one week of normal golf until this past Monday when, at 10:26 am CDT, the announcement is released. Of course, if you are reading this, you know full well what I mean. Tiger is returning to golf in a matter of weeks at The Masters.

If you read his announcement, it was far shorter than his 13+ minute statement a few weeks ago. And, it really didn't give us much information other than this was the right time and place. However, what he didn't say has given all of us an opportunity to fill in for him.

While driving back to the Cities yesterday from Marshall and Dacotah Ridge, I listened to the PGA TOUR Network on XM radio. Callers, and the hosts of the two different shows (Fairways of Life and Teed Off!), had widely diverging opinions of Tiger's return and why he selected to return at The Masters rather than next week at Bay Hill or at some other tournament.

I believe he is going to get criticism for anything he does, and maybe that's warranted. Ultimately, everyone's going to come to his or her own conclusions if Tiger will ever be able to be forgiven. Those people that will be able to forgive him, or at least give him an opportunity to redeem himself personally, will be willing to accept him and welcome him back to the sport. The people that can never forgive him for what he did to his wife and family will also never be willing to accept him and welcome him back.

While there is no way anyone can condone his actions, and I certainly have lost tremendous respect for him as a man, he is just that...a man who is capable of making mistakes just like all of us. True, our mistakes may not seem to be as bad, but who is to judge that? I hope I can learn to respect him for his ability, not to hit a golf ball, but to overcome his problems and serve as a role model for others like him. I believe that can happen but time will tell if it does.

I am, however, looking forward to his playing in The Masters and being a part of the excitement on Sunday.

Until next time-
Doug

2010 Great Minnesota Golf Show Postlude

Another Great Minnesota Golf Show is over, and based on the comments of some of the exhibitors and my experience from Sunday afternoon, it appeared to be quite successful.

Personally, I don't recall seeing a Sunday afternoon that busy. Frequently, exhibitors were starting to take down their booths shortly after 2 pm but not this year. There were plenty of people wandering the halls, hitting balls and getting free lessons provided by my fellow Minnesota Section PGA professionals, and picking up last minute deals. Of course, I don't think Sunday's 64*, perfectly sunny sky did anything to deter people from coming. In fact, the combination of the later date and the perfect golf weather only increased everyone's desire to get playing.

In fact, I was even swayed to part with some of my hard earned money when lured into the Lyons Golf & Associates booth. The salesperson invited me to come in and make an offer, any offer, on any of their remaining inventory. Turned out, Lyons is owned by Jeremy Segal, a (former?) MGA player. I ended up purchasing a pair of $100 retail Callaway golf shoes for ... well, it was almost stealing!! Thanks, Jeremy -- I'll think about you every time I wear them.

And while we all know that more cold weather, and (ugh) snow, is still quite likely before the golf season gets into full swing (pun intended), yesterday saw the first course opening in MN with more to come in the next few days. What could be better than an early start to this golf season?

Until next time-
Doug

(Picture courtesy of Natalie Gille, MGA Associate Member from "Swing and Dine".)

The Great Minnesota Golf Show Preview

Sporting a new location and later date, the Great Minnesota Golf Show opens its doors to the public at noon Friday at the Minneapolis Convention Center and runs through Sunday afternoon. These pictures show what the space looks like before the action starts.

Sharing the Convention Center with the Auto Show, over 80 exhibitors, including the MGA, Minnesota Section PGA, Giants Ridge, the Brainerd Golf Trail, and Madden's Resort, hope to get the season off to a strong start. And with the long-range forecast for next week showing sunny skies and temperatures in the 50s, the timing may be perfect.

Golfers of all ages and abilities will find something to keep their interest and many reasons to spend their money. Some of the newest golf clubs will be available to demo at the range, and one can be fitted for a new set of Pings as well. In addition, some great deals will be available at the many retailers on site.

All MGA members should make a point to stop by the MGA booth to say hi. If you show your GHIN/MGA Handicap Card, you will receive a free gift.

Here's to hoping we have a quick start to a long golf season!

Until next time-

Doug

Definitions -- The Language of Golf (Cont'd)

In my last post, I stressed the importance of knowing the Definitions as they are the Language of Golf. At the very end, I mentioned there are only four parts to a golf course. While I had defined the term through the green, I feel it is important to go over the parts of a course so that you have the knowledge necessary to fully understand the Rules when reference is made to the course. Here is an article that I have written that explains the course.

Definitions – The Language of the Game

Have you ever attempted to read the Rules of Golf and become frustrated? It’s likely most of you have experienced that frustration. Why? In most cases, it’s a result of the language. Not only is it often hard to follow, but it also includes terms with which are not familiar. After all, the definitions are the fundamental building blocks to understanding the Rules.

Since you are reading this blog, you are probably an avid golfer – playing more than just a few times each year. I bet you believe you know the different parts of the course pretty well, but do you? Did you know there are only four (4) parts to any course? Let’s look at some of the terms relating to the course.

The Course: Before we can discuss the four parts of a course, we must first define “the course” itself. It is the whole area within any boundaries established by the Committee. In other words, the area in which play is permitted (the old definition).

Now that we know what the course is, we can talk about its parts…..

#1 – The Teeing Ground: This is the starting point for the hole you are playing. It is a rectangular box, two club-lengths in depth, with the front and sides determined by the front and outside edges of tee markers. The two club-lengths are determined by whatever club you wish to use for your stroke. If you use a long putter, your teeing ground is bigger than mine.

It does not have to align with the intended stroke to the fairway or green. In other words, if it points you 30 yards right of the fairway, it still remains a rectangle defined by the tee markers.

Also, when you are playing a hole, for example the 16th hole at Hazeltine National, there is only ONE (1) teeing ground for that hole. True, there may be other teeing areas (or tee boxes), but your teeing ground is defined by the tee markers from which you are playing that day. In addition, the “teeing ground” that you will use on #17 isn’t a teeing ground when playing the 16th hole.

#2 – The Putting Green: This is the hallowed ground of the hole you are playing. It is the location for the ultimate destination – the hole. You know that it is the “ground of the hole that is specially prepared for putting…” However, there’s more, “…or otherwise defined as such by the Committee.” This means a temporary green created because the real green, that is under repair or covered, fulfills the definition of putting green, no matter what club you might need to use to get the ball in the hole.

Also, when is the ball considered to be on the green? When any part of it touches the putting green. What about all of the other putting greens? They are considered “wrong putting greens” but they are not THE putting green.

#3 – Hazards: Hazards, by definition, include not only water hazards but also bunkers. Unfortunately, we all are far too familiar with both of these hazards.

Of course, a water hazard is any sea, lake, pond, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature on the course. That appears to be good news – that water hazards don’t exist off the course – but if we’re off the course, then we’re OB (not good!).

There are a two other points that must be made about water hazards: (1) a ball is in a water hazard when any part of it touches the water hazard, and (2) the margins of the water hazards extend vertically both upwards and downwards. So, that ball stuck in a bush or tree overhanging a water hazard is IN the hazard.

A bunker is NOT a trap! Traps catch little rodents. By definition, a bunker is a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like. However, grass-covered ground bordering or within a bunker is not part of the bunker (think about the “church pews” at Oakmont).

Like the water hazard, a ball is in the bunker when it lies in or any part of it touches the bunker. But unlike the water hazard, the margins of the bunker do not extend vertically upwards, only downwards.

The last point about hazards is this – notice I did not use “The Hazards”? This is because all hazards on the course are hazards irrespective of what hole you are playing. The water hazard adjacent to the green on #7 at Hazeltine is a hazard just like the water hazards or bunkers on the 16th hole.

#4 – Through the Green: This is everything else within the boundaries of the course not previously mentioned, including all other putting greens, teeing areas, practice areas, fairways, long rough, etc.

Why have I spent so much time discussing the parts of a course? Because, in many instances the location of the ball is necessary information in order to properly answer a rules question. And, the rules will give different answers depending upon the location of the ball. For example, under Rule 16 (Putting Green), the player may mark and lift the ball, and clean it, without penalty as long as the ball is ON the putting green. However, the player doesn’t have the same opportunity if the ball lies in a hazard or through the green.

Until next time-
Doug

The Definitions -- The Language of Golf

In my last post, I was somewhat harsh toward CBS analysts Ian Baker-Finch and David Feherty for not understanding the term "Dormie". As a result, I had some who asked about the derivation of the term. Here's what I discovered - and maybe some of my criticism wasn't completely warranted.....

According to About.com: Golf, "Dormie comes from the word 'dormir,' which shares a French and Latin origin. 'Dormir' means 'to sleep.' 'Dormie' means that a player has reached a match-play lead that is insurmountable - and so the player can relax, knowing that he cannot lose the match. 'Dormir' (to sleep) turns into 'dormie' (relax, you can't lose)." It goes on to say, "At least, that's what the USGA Museum says." The definition as it applies to golf is that the player is as many "up" as there are holes left to be played.

Baker-Finch made the comment that since each match was to be played until a winner was determined (such as the Casey-Villegas match), dormie wasn't applicable. His point being that there would not necessarily be a set number of holes left to be played. Or, applying the historical derivation, the player would never be able to relax as he could lose in extra holes.

Also, in fairness to Ian and David, I also must be critical of the announcers on the PGA TOUR NETWORK on XM Radio (#146). While I truly enjoy listening to their broadcasts while in my truck, I cannot tell you how many times during their coverage of the Accenture World Match Play Championship I heard them refer to a ball that went over the green as the ball went "through the green". And, this is not limited to just them, many people who cover golf have made the same mistake.

Unfortunately, this creates confusion in the average golfer. As a result, when that golfer attempts to proceed under the Rules, he may do so incorrectly since (believing the information he heard on the radio or TV to be correct) he doesn't understand the Language of Golf - the Definitions. It is imperative that anyone closely related to golf, whether they be an announcer, tournament player, or simply passionate about golf, know the Definitions within the Rules. After all, Rule 6-1 tells us that "the player and his caddie are responsible for knowing the Rules." Yet, how can one reasonably expect to be able to follow the Rules if he doesn't understand completely the language in which the Rules are written?

So, what exactly does the term "through the green" mean? It is the whole area of the course except: (a) the Teeing Ground and Putting Green of the hole being played; and (b) all hazards on the course. By the way, these four are the only parts of a golf course.

Until next time-

Doug

Match Play and TIOs

Today's coverage of the Accenture Match Play Championship has included two interesting situations that warrant mentioning.

The first came at the opening of the coverage. Ian Baker-Finch and David Feherty were discussing some of the relevant points of match play versus stroke play. They were doing an excellent job - right up to the time when Baker-Finch attempted to explain the phrase dormie. He stated that, since in this event a match had to be played to a conclusion and could not end in a halved match (tie), you could "throw dormie out the window". Unfortunately, this is not a correct use of the term. Dormie is a good thing for a player - it means the player is as many "UP" as there are holes to play. For example, if the player is 4 Up with 4 to play, he is dormie.

The second came in this afternoon's semi-final match between Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia. Poulter had played his second shot way left of the green with the ball coming to rest immediately behind/under a small bush. However, in his "line of play" was a television tower. Since this is there as part of the tournament, it is called a TIO (temporary immovable obstruction). A player is entitled to relief from a TIO should he have interference from stance, lie of ball, area of intended swing (just like a standard immovable obstruction) and line of flight if he played directly toward the hole. However, it must be reasonable for him to play that direction.

Poulter (who just closed out Garcia 7&6) claimed that he was entitled to relief. Yet, the first official denied his request saying that it was unreasonable due to the ball's lie behind/under the bush. Poulter called for a second opinion (his right) and this official ruled in his favor, giving him the opportunity to take a drop.

The area in which he would be required to drop is determined by using one club-length from the outer-most edge of the TIO. After measuring the first club-length, he must then drop within the second club-length. When Poulter started looking at his options, he was going to be dropping into a bush. Thus, he ended up playing the ball as it lay.

Too bad today's play has been bothered by the rain and "cold" (hey, that's relative), although the sun had returned. Tucson is a beautiful place and great part of the country - not to mention it is home to the University of Arizona (my alma mater).

Until next time-

Doug

Interesting Updates

It appears the groove issue is starting to (thankfully) die, and Tiger's "press conference" Friday will make it last decade's news, but Golf World had an interesting quote from Padraig Harrington. After he was told the new groove rule was announced way back in August 2008, he quipped, "It wasn't announced to me." Maybe Padraig should spend some of his quiet time as he flies across the Atlantic re-reading the Rules of Golf (better yet, he can download the new Rules of Golf iPhone app) and start with Rule 6-1, "The Player and his caddie are responsible for knowing the Rules."

On the heels of the Mickelson-McCarron-Groove Rule controversy and reconciliation comes another set of interesting rules tidbits from last week's AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

According to Teemaster.com's weekly electronic newsletter TeeMail, it seems Bill Murray (think Caddyshack) was penalized two-strokes under Rule 6-3a for being late to the tee. Under that rule, a player is required to be on the tee and ready to play at his scheduled starting time. Apparently Murray was being interviewed by CBS analysts Gary McCord and David Feherty while the professionals in his group, Minnesota's own Tim Herron (his partner) and Rocco Mediate, played away thus making him late and subject to a two-stroke penalty. Fortunately (or unfortunately), it didn't matter as the Herron/Murray team missed the cut.

This is particularly interesting considering the article that appeared this week in Charlie Walters' column in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The article featured Hollis Cavner's (Tournament Director for the Champions Tour 3M Championship) experiences while playing with Phil Mickelson during the final round of the same Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Cavner, who partnered with K.J. Choi, is quoted as saying "There was a lot of b.s. going back and forth; we chatted and joked the whole time," he said. "Phil would help you with shots, show you things, 'You need to do this.' He'd look at your clubs and go, 'This is too upright for you.' He was reading putts. You couldn't ask for a nicer guy. It was just a fabulous day."

Hmm, if Cavner was saying that Mickelson (while in contention for the professional title) was helping him, this is in direct violation of Rule 8-1, which states "During a stipulated round, a player must not: (a) give advice to anyone in the competition playing on the course other than his partner, or (b) ask for advice from anyone other than his partner or either of their caddies." The penalty for a breach of this rule is two strokes in stroke play.

Until next time-
Doug

The New Groove Rule and What It Means for You

Unless you have been up on the International Space Station or in a coma for the past few weeks, as a golfer you have to be aware of the controversy on the PGA TOUR regarding Phil Mickelson, Scott McCarron and the new groove rule. Unfortunately, much of what we have heard on television has done little to concisely inform the general golfing public what the new groove rule will mean to them. Thus, I hope this will answer most of your questions.

Beginning in 2010 – The new groove rule is adopted by organizations conducting qualifiers and championships at the very highest level for professional-only and “Open” competitions, such as the three USGA and R&A Open Championships (Men’s, Women’s & Senior) and the major tours. It will be considered as a “Condition of Competition”. Other non-major tours (i.e. Gateway, Futures, etc) may elect to adopt the rule.

Manufacturers may continue to build clubs that do not meet the new groove specifications through the end of this year (2010); however, all clubs built after 1/1/2011 must conform to the new groove regulations.

Beginning in 2014 – This is the earliest the new groove rule will begin to impact amateur golf on a general scale – but (again) only at the highest level. It will become a standard “Condition of Competition” for the highest “amateur-only” competitions, including all USGA amateur-only championships. The Committee of any competition for “expert players” may choose to adopt the rule; however, it is not mandatory.

On a local and state-level, this would be the year the MGA and the other allied associations within Minnesota would begin using the rule – if desired. The MGA Tournament & Rules Committee has already begun the discussion as to whether the rule will be adopted. The Committee did not take any action but will continue discussing the issue.

Beginning in 2024 – This is the planned year for adoption of the rule that will impact the remaining golfers. Prior to this year, golfers may play any golf equipment that was ruled to be conforming under the Rules. As is the case in 2014, the adoption of this rule is at the discretion of the Committee (the group or organization in charge of an event or in charge of the course) and will not be mandatory.

Interesting note to the establishment of this date, consumer research revealed that that only 2% of all iron sets are in use more than 15 years. This rule was written in 2008 (2008 + 15 years = 2023; thus, the year 2024).

If this does not answer your questions, or for complete information on the new groove rule, visit the USGA web site – www.usga.org – or click here.

Until next time-

Doug

USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop - Final Update

(Apple Valley, MN) - Friday, Jan 22

It is now three days since the USGA/PGA Rules Workshop concluded, and I finally have time to summarize the trip, albeit on a Friday night (some exciting social life, eh?).

I have returned to "normal" and have adequately decompressed after another mind challenging three days of study followed by three and a half hours of a "reverse flow of information" exercise (a.k.a. the RULES TEST) on Tuesday. This was my 10th workshop since 1990, my 9th since 1995 and the 9th time I have taken the test. Yet, I still had those anxiety butterflies prior to starting the test.

Having attended so many workshops, it is rare that I come away having learned any big, major concepts - especially during a non-Rules change year, but I must admit that I did learn some new things. For example, I had confirmed to me that if a player damages a club in the normal course of play (such as denting the shaft), he may use the club for the remainder of that round (presuming it is still usable) but it becomes non-conforming for subsequent rounds. And, should he use that club in a subsequent round, he is disqualified.

Also, if two players start a singles match (using handicaps), and both players overstate their handicaps and that affects the number of strokes to be given, then both players will be disqualified. There were a few others, but I'll save you the trouble. If you would like to know more, make plans to attend one of my Rules Workshops in April. (For more information, click here.)

How did I do on the test, you ask? My effort to make that elusive perfect score once again slipped through my hands. Despite answering the first 74 questions correctly, I missed both 75 & 95 to score a 98. My best (two years ago) was a 99, and this is my third 98. Unfortunately, I didn't stay for the review, so I don't know exactly what I missed. I just hope I don't have one of my players ask me for a ruling in either of the two situations! However, all is not lost - I figure this justifies my going to another workshop in two years (a rules change year) in a warm climate during the middle of winter. Maybe I shouldn't make that 100 after all......

Until next time-
Doug

Day 2 of USGA/PGA Rules Workshop

(Scottsdale, AZ) - Sunday, January 17

Day 2: Today was the long day as expected. We covered both Rules 20 and 13 - two of the longest to teach and most challenging to grasp.

It was interesting to see that the USGA has moved up Rule 20 so that it is taught prior to virtually every other rule that deals with actually playing the game. Why? The reason I believe is for the reason that I have been using in the teaching of my workshops...the Game of Golf is extremely simple if the player touches the ball only to tee it up and not again until it is picked out of the hole. Once the ball gets in the player's hand, it becomes far more complicated. Rule 20 tells us how to get the ball back onto the course and to keep playing. No matter how many times I hear this Rule taught, even having taught it many times myself, it is worthwhile as it is SO important.

Tomorrow is a shift from past workshops. It used to be that we would go for an outdoor session after lunch; however, that has been eliminated - for what reasons I am not sure. It was always one of the best, and most enjoyable, parts to a workshop. Yet, we will finish up with the basic rules and deal with the "boutique" rules (those that deal with the more unique form of play).

Tonight is a night of discussion and study for Adam, Max and me. Fun, eh??

Until later-
Doug

(Scottsdale, AZ) -- Saturday, January 16, 2010
Day 1 of the USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop

Today was a good start to the Workshop. Our instructors are Jeff Hall, from the USGA Staff, and Larry Startzel, from the PGA of America National Rules Committee. In addition, we have Ralph Bernheisel from Rancho Santa Fe, CA, as the coordinator and Jim Ferrel, USGA Regional Manager, as Technical Operations guru. Also in the record-setting largest crowd ever to attend a workshop is M.J. Mastalir of Colorado, a former chair on the USGA Rules of Golf Committee.

A few other notables in attendance include MGA Volunteer Max Horn (who has scored 100 on the test), US Girls' Junior Representative Julie Lenertz from Bloomington, MN, and Tom Schmidt, Executive Director for the Wisconsin State Golf Association and the new Assistant Tournament Director for the WSGA, Geoff Pirki. Lastly, Adam Loch, MGA Tournament Manager, is here with me.

It's always great to have instructors the caliber of Jeff and Larry, but one of the disadvantages to attending a "regular" workshop (as opposed to the Advanced) is the number of seemingly basic questions from the newer attendees. I applaud their patience with the many questions. Yet, it's a great experience for the "newbys", and I applaud their effort and interest to attend.

One of the greatest challenges, having attended the workshop nine times previously, is to remain focused so that I don't miss anything. It can be so easy to "tune out" and end up missing something that I need to know for the test.

Well, I've studied enough for tonight - time to go to bed for much needed rest to prepare for tomorrow. Day 2 often is the longest and most grueling day.

Until next time -
Doug

USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop

Thursday, Jan 14, Edina (MN) -
Here it is - a mere two weeks into the new year with still over 12" of snow on the ground and temperatures struggling to get to 30 - and I'm already deep into the Rules of Golf. Yes, tomorrow starts what has become a bi-annual tradition for me - attending a USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop.

While most people here in the upper-Midwest are wearing their purple #4 jerseys and speaking only about whether this will be the year the Vikings finally win the Super Bowl, I've been trying to convince myself that I should be focusing on the new and revised Decisions just released as well as spending time at USGA University going through 0n-line rules tests. Coming off doing relatively nothing, at least related to golf competitions, for the past two months, it becomes a struggle at times to delve back into what my wife has termed "the most boring book ever written." Yet, it must be done!

After all, in only two months, I will be conducting rules clinics for the high school golf coaches on behalf of the MSHSL. Not only must I conduct them, I am responsible for creating the PowerPoint presentation that is used. And, I must have this presentation in its final form for a meeting with the other clinicians on Feb 12 - leaving me only 30 days from today!

And, thinking beyond the coaches clinics, I am conducting seven clinics for the MGA in April, so I had better know everything about the Rules! Then, only a few weeks after the last MGA clinic, the tournament season starts with the US Open Local Qualifying at Hazeltine National on Monday, May 17. Before I know it, I'll be waist-deep in the MGA Championship Season with everyone looking to me know the relief options for a ball stuck in a tree overhanging an environmentally-sensitive area that also is marked as a lateral water hazard. Phew, I'm tired even thinking about it!

Well, life isn't all bad. While I will spend my time inside from 8-5 on Saturday & Sunday and 'til 12 noon on Monday before going to the "outdoor" session, I will be in Phoenix doing this. Of course, I will leave early enough tomorrow morning to get in some golf with MGA Women's Senior Player of the Year Claudia Pilot at her club, Arrowhead CC in Glendale. And, I will see first-hand the newly renovated Papago Park GC in Phoenix on Tuesday.

I'll update on the golf as well as the sessions, so look for more posts!

Until then-
Doug