To Ban or Not to Ban...

After not "going public" for an entire week after the announcement, I have decided to share my opinions on the proposed ban on an "anchored" stroke.  Here are my comments I posted to a Golfweek.com page.

As a PGA member for nearly 27 years, a Master Professional certified in Rules and Tournament Operations and the tournament director for a state association, I have an interest in all facets of this ruling. Originally, I was not in favor of a ban as there was no evidence to suggest anchoring generated better results. However, after hearing the case presented by the R&A and USGA, I have come to a different conclusion and support the ban for the following reasons.

1. I do see this as "preventative." Yes, it has been going on for decades, but it was only those players who had the yips or bad backs that used the long putters. However, we are now seeing players of all ages and abilities use the method. And, we are seeing it being used for strokes with other clubs from off the putting green. If left unchecked, where will it end? As Achenbach stated in this article, golfers are an ingenious bunch.

2. Why now and not 30 years ago? Like I said above, I don't believe anyone ever imagined this becoming what it has become. If the Rules of Golf committees for the R&A and USGA could have seen this 30 years ago, I have a hard time believing they would have allowed it. Just because it has been going on, doesn't mean it shouldn't be stopped. After all, if a person has been smoking for 30 years, it doesn't mean they shouldn't stop once it is obvious it is not in their best interest.

3. Like it or not, golfers, while generally playing by the Rules, ultimately play by the Rules they wish to adopt within their normal group. I'm talking about casual, recreational golf here; not high-level competitions (club championships, Member-Guests, state championships, etc). Does everyone putt out in their normal group? Do people play "winter rules"? Do people carry more than 14 clubs? Do courses play wooded areas as lateral water hazards when the closest water is 60 feet straight down? Of course. And, this ban will not change that at all. I see people continuing to use this method within their groups once it takes effect. I can tell you many other rules are not followed because players don't make the effort or take the time to learn them. Thus, I don't see it making a significant impact on participation.

4. As Mike Davis (USGA) stated on the Golf Channel, we have been playing this game for centuries and putting this way for only the last 30 years. The growth of the game back in the 80s and early 90s was not due to anchored putting. The growth of the game worldwide (excluding the UK and USA) is not as a result of anchored putting. There are far bigger problems with growing the game - cost and time to name just two.

5. To address Mark's comments, "Tee It Forward" is a program that encourages golfers (men) to put their egos aside and play from the set of tees that best fits their ability level rather than feeling they have to play from the "Regular" or "Championship" tees. The typical male player with an 18 handicap (average in the US), plays a course from 6300-6700 yards. If everyone enjoys shooting better scores, then moving up and playing from 5900-6200 yards would allow them to shoot better scores and have more enjoyment. Yet, we men let our egos get in the way. "Tee It Forward" simply tells us that it is okay to play a shorter course.

6. For Scott, as for the actual "proposed" rule (although, I do agree with Achenbach that it is a "done deal"), the putter touching the shirt, sweater or jacket is not a problem. The issue is whether the putter (club) is anchored, eliminating a full freedom of motion of the entire club. Even Kuchar's method (which was specifically approved) of resting it against his forearm has the entire club moving during the stroke. The information provided at www.usga.org/anchoring is very good - videos, graphic depictions, etc. Thus, I don't believe anchoring is difficult to define.

7. While the subject has not come up here, I do not believe "bifurcation" is a solution. There is no other sports stage of which I can think where amateurs compete equally against professionals at the highest level. Yet, I would also refer back to #3 above. So to say we need two sets of rules does not solve anything.

8. Lastly, it doesn't appear anyone is arguing the point that an anchored stroke is consistent with the way the game has been and should be played. Like Tiger said, he makes a swing with 13 clubs, why shouldn't we require a swing with the 14th club?

Obviously, these are just my opinions. However, I believe I have a large stake (larger than most) in this industry from many sides. Does that make me right? No, but it is a perspective from an insider.

Please let me know your comments.  I would love to hear what you have to say.

Until next time-
Doug

Tuesday, Oct 16 -- Fergus Falls, MN
Today was a glorious day - sunny and low 70s!  Perfect day to play two rounds of golf!

The first was at Thumper Pond Golf Resort in Ottertail. The picture is from behind the 18th green.  The 18th fairway is to the right with the 9th fairway to the left.

Cut out of a pine forest, Thumper Pond is a very playable yet challenging course.  They are constantly looking to make it more "friendly" for the higher handicap player but it will offer a good test for players trying to qualify for the MGA Amateur Championship in 2013.  The condition was good despite being one week from closing, and since it's pine trees, we didn't have to contend with the multitude of leaves.

Many thanks to PGA Professional and host Dave Sadlowsky for his gracious hospitality!

My next stop was to Balmoral Golf Course in Battle Lake.  Built in 1961, the course offers a quaint, comfortable feel.  Nestled amongst thousands of trees, the course winds its way through the gently rolling land.  PGA Professional and owner John Young joined me as we went around, walking most of the way.  It was an easy course to walk.  Unfortunately, most of the leaves had left the trees so not only did I miss seeing the course in the splendor of the fall colors, but we had our challenges finding golf balls.  The picture is of their "signature hole" -- the 178-yard, par 3 16th hole.  I'm sure it was an awesome site with the trees filled with leaves of many colors.

 

Wednesday, I'm out to see Pebble Lake Golf Course in Fergus Falls, Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course in Elbow Lake and Eagle Creek Golf Club in Willmar.  Unfortunately, the weather forecast does not look very good.

 

Until then-

Doug

Dateline: Monday, October 15, 2012, Ottertail, MN
I am making a trip up US-10 and I-94 to the northwest part of MN to see some courses I have not seen in my previous 14+ years with the MGA. Today, I had the opportunity to play Perham Lakeside Golf Course for the first time today with the head professional Nick Anderson and an MGA tournament player and long-time Perham member Bob Cavanagh.  We had a great day, albeit it was not very sunny or warm.

Perham provided a friendly yet challenging test of golf.  The Maple and Oak nines are part of the original course.  The Pine nine was added back in 1999.  It is well worth the effort to play if in the area.

 

Bob seemed to make birdies as though he had been playing the last 40 days although he said he hadn't, including three in a row and four in five holes.  Bob earned the medalist honors for the day, as a result, with his 71.  Yet, I managed to hole a 112-yard wedge shot for an eagle 2 on the par 4 3rd hole of the Oak nine enroute to a respectible 1-over par 74.

 

While playing, I couldn't help but notice that I was constantly hearing the horns of trains passing through town.  When I asked Bob about this, he said there are approximately 96 trains that pass through daily.  So, I couldn't help but take this picture.  I parked next to the crossing and had to wait less than 5 minutes before the next train came by.  This BNSF freight was moving at nearly 60 mph when it passed by -- which is rather exciting until I realized that if it jumped the tracks, I would be toast.

 

After leaving Perham, I ventured south to Thumper Pond Golf Resort in Ottertail where I am staying the night.  The water park is closed today, so no super-slides for me.  Instead, it was cajun walleye, "smashed" potatoes and an adult beverage to wash it down.  I play here in the morning before heading south 12 miles to Balmoral Golf Course for the afternoon.  The weather is supposed to be perfect, so I'll fill you in on the details tomorrow night.

 

Until then-

Doug

2012 - IT'S A WRAP!

The season is officially over - 4 months and 18 days after it started. This day often comes with mixed feelings.  On one hand, I am ready to slow down the pace as (often) the last six weeks of the season can be the busiest.  On the other, it means the end of warmer weather and playing golf is coming and replaced with cold, snow and dark days.  (The picture is of the 18th at TPC Twin Cities, site of the 11th MGA Team Championship, and taken the morning of the last day of the season - Sept 25.)

Overall, the season went well.  Weather wasn't a factor for the most part, except in mid-June when rain disrupted play during both the US Senior Open Qualifying at Edina and the MGA Players' Championship at Windsong Farm.

 

Since the season ended, the US managed to lose the Ryder Cup at Medinah, Tim Herron finished in a T-10 last week in Las Vegas, Tiger defeated Rory in Turkey, the USGA has not yet banned the long-putter and/or anchoring and we are still being bombarded by political ads.  It is said you should never wish your life away, but I'm ready to get past Nov. 6.

 

My life has changed from being out at courses conducting events to in the office and doing "site acquisition."  I am trying to fill open spots on my "Future Sites Worksheet" as close as next year and as far out as 2019.  This is often the most challenging part to my job - trying to talk clubs into giving up their courses for free for two-three days in the best part of the short golf season.  Fortunately, we have many great clubs here in MN willing to do just that!

 

Next week, though, I will be heading up US-10 and I-94 to see some golf courses that I have not seen in my 15 seasons here in MN.  I will see and play (weather permitting) Perham Lakeside GC (Perham), Thumper Pond GC (Ottertail), Balmoral GC (Battle Lake), Pebble Lake GC (Fergus Falls) and Eagle Creek GC (Willmar).  It will be fun to visit new places.  Hopefully the weather holds; otherwise, it will be miserable (which is not uncommon for October golf in Minnesota).  Pictures to come!

 

Until next time-

Doug

Monday, September 10 -- The Gopher Invitational, Spring Hill GC (Wayzata)

While I'm waiting for today to start, I thought I would update my blog.  In re-reading my last post of 6 months ago (ugh!), I thought it appropriate to review my comments.

The weather has been terrific, albeit warm (even hot), for golf.  Aside from an occasional suspension due to weather, we have had little to interrupt our season.  The best was the "Chamber of Commerce" weather we experienced at the end of August up at Northland CC during our Senior Championship - and what a place to get it!  (The picture left is of Lake Superior from aside Northland's 13th green.)  Fortunately, the bug problem has not been as bad as it could have been.

From the perspective of the golf business, the weather is just what we needed.  Virtually all courses have been in great shape and seeing a level of activity that hasn't been seen for years.

Looking at the TOUR, Rory has astounded us with his play.  An eight shot victory at Kiawah in the PGA was only the beginning.  He's now won the last two FedEx Cup playoff events (Barclays & Deutsche Bank) and there appears no stopping him.  From an American perspective, it's good he can play in only five matches during the Ryder Cup later this month.

Tiger's resurgence - three victories and in the mix seemingly every time he plays - has brought renewed interest in Golf.  Will he be able to close the deal on the weekend again? Only time will tell.  He should be a force at the Ryder Cup.  My prediction - it will be a Tiger-Rory single match on Sunday at Medinah.

Phil has been somewhat mediocre this year.  It makes one wonder if he is back to full health, although he played well and had a chance to win at the Deutsche Bank.  The US really need him to play well if they hope to reclaim the Ryder Cup.

As for me acquiring that new driver, not just yet.  I hope to get fitted for the right one and get it in my hands before going into winter.  And, I put off transitioning to a longer putter.  That might have been a good idea in light of the much predicted ban of anchoring the putter.  The USGA is supposed to make an announcement shortly.  My solution - practice.  What a novel concept!

Oh, and I managed to cash one check from my tournament play this year!

Until next time-
Doug

Spring?!

Wow, what a start to Spring and the 2012 Golf Season! If I didn't know better, I would think I'm still in San Diego. Near 80* in March, in Minnesota?!

After a non-existant winter, Spring has sprung very early with record temperatures statewide. International Falls has set five (5) record highs this week alone, while Winona recorded a statewide record of 75* on Wednesday this week. If this is global warming, I can get used to this part of it.

However, as Minnesotans, we have to be wondering if "the other shoe is going to drop." Even as a non-Minnesotan, I have seen 90s on the first Monday in April only to have 7+ inches of snow the following Monday. And, what will the allergy and bug seasons be like? We may have the worst mosquito and biting fly seasons ever. But, we'll worry about that when it happens.

I am ready for golf, probably more so than ever in my previous 14 seasons with the MGA. Why? Don't know really, other than I wasn't really ready for last year to end.

The TOUR has gotten off to an exciting start. Rory's played spectacular golf to ascend to the #1 position. (Probably would have happened sooner had he not brushed sand off his line of play and not on the green in Dubai, causing him to finish second by one stroke after the two-stroke penalty.) Tiger has been a factor and causing excitement with his play. Bubba's bombing it and fun to watch. Phil is ... well, Phil -- great one week, not so great the next. And, the Masters is in three weeks!!

Personally, I'm hoping to find that new driver that will give me the extra 15-20 yards the manufacturers promise. And, I may have to consider a new set of irons that will allow me to qualify for the US Senior Open. Of course, the excitement of what a belly-putter can do for my frequently shaky putting game is helping. (That is, until the USGA bans them.) Dreams of playing well, and cashing some checks in the few events I play, always gets me going. This will be the year ...!

To modify a beloved Minnesota saying -- LET'S PLAY GOLF!!!!

Day 2 @ USGA/PGA Rules Workshop

Day 2 of the USGA/PGA Rules Workshop in San Diego is over. This is always the longest, but thankfully they have been giving us plenty of breaks. This is important so that we can stay focused on the material.

Today we covered the "Status of Ball" definitions and Rules 15, 20, and 23-28. These are some of the basic relief rules that officials handle frequently. While there haven't been any changes to them in this set of revisions, it is always important to review them.

One of the changes that is of concern for me is the much publicized change regarding a ball being blown by wind after address. Under the old rule, if a player addressed the ball and it then moved, the player was "deemed" to have caused the ball to move and incurred a one-stroke penalty. However, with the new Rules, if it is "known or virtually certain" that the player has done nothing to cause the ball to move and the ball moves as a result of a gust of wind, the player is not penalized. But, that's not all of the story.

The problem with all of this is that everything being published regarding this change is focusing on the "known or virtually certain that the player has done nothing to cause the ball to move" aspect. Unfortunately, unless one reads Decision 18-2b/11, they will not know that gravity is not one of the elements NOT considered if the ball were to move.

In other words, if a ball is precariously perched on a slope on a slick putting green and the player grounds his club immediately behind the ball, and then gravity takes over and causes the ball to move, the player will say that he has done nothing to have caused the ball to move -- and that is likely to be true. Thus, the player will play the ball from its new position. However, this Decision states that gravity is NOT an element to be considered and since wind did not cause the ball to move, the player will be deemed to have caused the ball to move. And, this requires the ball to be replaced and the player add one penalty stroke to his score. Yet, this is not likely to happen.

We shall see how this turns out, but fortunately this is the most (potentially) controversial changes for this year.

Well, dinner on Coronado Island awaits, until next time-

Doug

USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop 2012

(Dateline: Sun, Jan 15, 2012, San Diego, CA)

The 2012 PGA TOUR season has started in Hawai'i and preparations for the MGA season are well underway, too.

This week, I am in San Diego, CA, attending my 10th or 11th USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop. With me are MGA volunteers Bill Casey, Ward Johnson and David Senner.

This is an important year to attend a workshop with the changes that were made to the Rules effective January 1st. By attending, I will be able to conduct my rules education programs for the MGA and make sure my presentations are up-to-date with all of the rules. In addition, Bill, Ward and David are showing their commitment to maintain excellence with the rules for the benefit of all MGA and USGA competitors.

Our instructors for the week are Jeff Hall (USGA) and David Price (PGA), and we are off to a good start after Day 1. The presentation has been re-worked by the USGA so that the rules are being presented in a more logical manner for learning. No longer is it the Definitions, Rule 1, 2, 3, and so on presentation. While this is a change for many of us in attendance (there are about 100 total students and probably half have attended 8-10 workshops or more), it will help to keep us paying attention.

After the first day, there is always a reception so that we can get to know each other better, to catch up with fellow "rules geeks" we haven't seen since our last workshop, or to ask those questions that we dare not ask during class. Tonight, David Senner and I were fortunate enough to visit with David Price and ask some questions. Of course, the conversation turned to the 2010 PGA Championship and Dustin Johnson. Needless to say, speaking with the person walking with Johnson as the referee that fateful day at Whistling Straits was fascinating from our perspective.

One of the nice opportunities for me in my bi-annual attendance at the workshop is the chance to play golf on green grass and in warm weather, and this year was no different. Thanks to my counterpart Mike Sweeney at the Southern California Golf Association, Bill and I were able to play La Jolla CC on Friday with two members, both of whom are past presidents of the SCGA. Yesterday, we were graciously hosted by Dave Podas, head professional at Belair CC and formerly of Minneapolis GC. The picture is of the three of us in front of the 18th green with the suspension bridge in the background. The bridge is how you get from the 10th tee over to the 10th green.

Two more days of workshop lie in store for us followed by "the Test" on Wednesday and then a return to the frozen north. Once I return to the MGA, I will be extremely busy getting everything ready for the 2012 season. This time between New Year's Day and the unofficial start of the season - Monday, April 2nd (the opening day for tournament applications) - always goes by very quickly.

Wish me luck as I continue preparing for the "reverse flow of information" (a favorite quote of Jeff Hall's) and as I get ready for the 2012 MGA Tournament Season.

Until next time-

Doug