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

IAGA Conference

Well, I'm at the IAGA conference at The Woodlands (Houston), TX, along with fellow MGA staff members Tom Ryan, WP (Warren) Ryan and Lisa Overom. The IAGA stands for the International Association of Golf Administrators. This annual conference is where staff from the local, state and regional associations gather to share information and have educational sessions that help us make our respective associations better.

As you might expect, I attend the sessions for Rules and Competitions Directors. During these meetings, all of my fellow Rules and Competitions people meet and share ideas about what we do so that all of us can improve. One idea that was shared dealt with getting the permanent trophies out so that more people can see them. The idea was to take the Amateur trophy (for example) and put it on display at the host site approximately one month before the Championship. This can help to raise awareness and excitement about the event coming to that club. Another idea I picked up was about a new database manager (CRM) that would be able to merge all of our existing databases into one that also talks to GHIN so that everyone in the office will be using the most up-to-date information.

The conference started yesterday (Sunday) and continues through Tuesday. We had a tournament today on the Tournament Course at The Woodlands (former home to the Shell Houston Open) to crown the Men's Gross and Net Champions and Women's Gross Champion. I shot a 1-over par 73 for 35 Stableford points and finished in a tie for first. Unfortunately, ties were broken by following the recommended USGA procedure when a scorecard playoff is used, leaving me saying "if only...". MGA E.D. Tom Ryan finished third one stroke (and one point) behind me. And, MGA Communications Director WP Ryan finished second in the Net Division, one point behind Florida State Golf Association E.D. (and IAGA President) Jim Demick. A pretty good showing for the MGA Staff!

I return home Wednesday - assuming American Airlines can get me there! After two delays totaling over 9 hours in getting to Dallas (Thursday) and Houston (Saturday), I'm not real comfortable in my schedule. Well, they can't get any worse.............or can they??

Until next time-

Doug

MGA Staff Actually Play Golf!

DATELINE: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, Edina, MN

MGA STAFFERS SEEN PLAYING GOLF!

As evidenced by these pictures and video acquired from an anonymous source, we have verifiable proof that some of the staff of the MGA actually do play golf. Caught playing at the local Edina CC were MGA Executive Director Tom Ryan, Communications Director WP Ryan (no relation), Regional Affairs Director Joel Comstock, Tournament Director Doug Hoffmann, Tournament Manager Adam Loch, PJ Boatwright Jr Intern Robbie Little, Meeting and Events Manager Anne Colehour and Administrative Assistant Karen Spruth.

Unfortunately, the group was forced to retreat to the safety of the fire-warmed Pub when a nasty, cold wind ladened with not-so-liquid precipitation hit the area while they were playing the 15th hole. Upon retrieving the scorecard from the trash receptical, it appears the team of WP Ryan and Hoffmann held a two-up lead over the team of Tom Ryan and Comstock after 15 holes. Hoffmann was leading the way with a two-over par score, yet Comstock was the only player to record birdies for the day (#4 & 8).

MGA Annual Meeting Day

Wow, it truly must be the "slow season" if I am making my second post within a week!

Yesterday, the MGA officially closed it's year with the Annual Meeting and celebratory Awards Dinner. It is a day to review the MGA's business for the year, elect new board members, congratulate the Players of the Year and pay tribute to a person who has made a difference in golf in Minnesota. You can read the accomplishments of the players by visiting the MGA website at http://www.mngolf.org/.

Our Warren J. Rebholz Distinguished Service Award this year went to Jim Manthis. In talking to him about it, we decided that the only award he's lacking is the Nobel Peace Prize. However, having served successfully as a head professional for over 30 years like Jim, he should be deserving of that, too!

One of the traditions on this day is for the MGA Tournament & Rules Committee to meet for their fall session, and yesterday was no different. As you can see by the picture, we had a great turnout (17). Representatives from the MWGA, MWPGA and MPGA, as well as a varied group of people representing the MGA, all met to discuss the MGA tournament business, including the policy on DMDs (Distance Measuring Devices) and player points. The MGA is very fortunate to have such a committed group of individuals who all share a concern for the MGA.

Until next time-

Doug

"All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray...."

My last post was from the sunny and warm PGA Championship a mere two months ago. Since that time, we had a record heat in September, and boy was it nice! Perfect for golf, baseball (too bad it was inside - oh well, next year), and marching bands. My last tournament ended on Sept 23, and I think that may have been the last truly nice day.

As you can see with the first picture, we've already had 3" of snow (Oct 12) that stopped my playing Hazeltine in the Trans-Miss Foursomes fundraiser. At least I was able to get out there a week later and enjoy it (from only 6700+yards). It was still in great shape. I'm excited as we will be using it for the US Open Local Qualifying next May. Darn the luck, I'll have to go out and check it out as well as set it up. I know......it's a tough job but someone has to do it!

Today, I went out to take some pictures of our scoreboard trailer for the upcoming IAGA conference in Houston. Bill Linneman (Wisconsin GA) must be having a difficult time looking for discussion topics to use our trailer as one! So, as I'm taking the pictures, I notice that someone has STOLEN one of the two front "legs" of the trailer. Look closely at this picture and notice that there is not one on the left. Go figure; I wonder what they want with the support? Can't be worth too much -- until you try to have one made.

Since my tournament season ended, my job has become an indoor job. I've spent a lot of time on securing sites for the future. While we have some great clubs willing to host, it still takes time. It's great to be able to give our players some of the best courses in MN for our events.

I'm off to Texas in a week for the IAGA Annual Conference at the Marriott Waterway in the Woodlands (Houston). My plans are for three rounds of golf on the trip - one in north Dallas while I'm visiting my mother, one at the Carlton Woods in Houston the day we arrive, and the third during the conference. I hope the weather is good as they may be the last golf of the year for me.

Until next time-

Doug