Happy 2017!

Happy 2017!

The calendar has turned another year, and we wait in anticipation to what lies ahead.  There will be many changes this year, and that's not even considering the political landscape.  (Since this is a golf-based blog, I won't touch those.)  

The new TOUR season begins this week at Kapalua.  Will Jason maintain his dominance ... in Nike clothing?  Will Tiger win again?  Will it be a major?  Will DJ win another major or two?  Will Jordan maintain his form after winning the Aussie Open?  What previously unheard of rookie will become a household name?

As I was looking through social media (Twitter, in this case), I found this article - "Should Golfers Push, Pull or Carry Their Clubs?".   I wish I had seen and known this information when I was a junior golfer lugging my Jones carry-bag on my shoulder!  Maybe I wouldn't have been suffering from back issues since I was 21.  My Johnny Miller-esque swing with the "reverse C" finish probably didn't help either. 

Oh well, no looking back, let's keep facing forward and make the most of what we have.  All the best for a great '17 on (and off) the course!

See you on the course!
Doug

Thursday, December 22, 2016

After being "off-line" for over three years, I am back.  Life and work (often one and the same) got in the way of my posting, and then I simply forgot about it.  But, I have just finished my 19th season with the MGA; hard to believe I've been here that long.  So, as the 20th is about to begin, I feel it's time to renew sharing my passion.

In looking back at previous posts, almost four years ago to the day I posted about the USGA's announced ban on the anchored stroke.  If you followed the news about the proposed ban, you would have thought the golf world was going to end on Jan 1, 2016. Guess what?  It didn't.  I think three years of discussion prepared people for what turned out to be nothing much.  Yes, a few still get close to anchoring.  Bernhard Langer has figured out how to keep his hands just far enough off of his chest to fulfill the requirements and still be a (the?) dominant player on the PGA TOUR Champions Tour.  Kuchar still putts with the handle resting against his forearm - below his elbow.  And Adam Scott has found a stroke with which he can win (WGC Cadillac Invitational).

In the MGA and USGA events I conducted in 2016, never once did I answer or deal with an anchoring question.  I received a few questions in the beginning of the year via phone calls or emails, but by the time the season rolled around, it was a non-issue.

The biggest controversy for 2016 centered around the DJ ruling at the US Open -- did he or didn't he cause the ball to move?  The referee in his group said no.  The USGA overruled their man and said yes.  But the real issue was the delayed notification, leaving DJ to play a few holes not knowing if he would be penalized, and those chasing him wondering if they were one stroke closer.  Despite being assessed the penalty, DJ made it a non-issue in the end by running away from the field, claiming (finally) his first major.  The issue, however, was not dead.

I believe the referee with DJ was incorrect in his ruling.  The rule was to be applied by looking to see if anything could have caused the ball to move, most specifically wind, water or gravity.  If so, then there is no penalty and the ball is played where it came to rest.  However, without virtual certainty that one of those factors caused the ball to move, then the player (DJ) would be "deemed" to have caused it to move.  After looking at the tape, the USGA ruled that the ball moved immediately after DJ placed his putter next to the ball, thereby ruling that he caused it to move.

In the fall, the USGA and R&A announced a new "Local Rule" that would prevent another DJ incident.  The Committee (the group in charge of the event) may adopt the new local rule that exonerates the player from penalty if he "accidentally" causes his ball to move when it lies on the putting green.  Gone from penalty is dropping your ball-marker, towel or putter on the ball.  Gone from penalty is inadvertently kicking the ball as you come up to mark it. Gone from penalty is inadvertently bumping the ball as you place your club behind it during the address procedure.  As long as it's on the putting green, no worries.  Unless, of course, what you did wasn't accidental, such as forgetting to mark the ball prior to lifting it or rotating it after you have lifted your marker to align that line you put on the ball.  Click HERE to view the Infographic that visually explains the new local rule.  To see complete information on the USGA website about the change, click HERE.

Personally, I think they went too far and would have liked a slightly different change.  I think the answer was to go to the player and ask, "Did you do anything to cause the ball to move?"  If the player says no, then no penalty would be assessed with the understanding that the Committee would go back to instant replay (for those that have it) and look at the tape.  If it is obvious the player truly hasn't done anything to cause the ball to move (rather than looking to see if anything else caused it to move), then there is no penalty.  But, if it shows the player bumping the ball with the club (for example), then a one-stroke penalty is assessed.  But ........... they didn't ask me, so all I have to do is to officiate what is written.  The MGA is following the lead of the USGA and R&A and adopting the local rule for play.  

Time has come to close this post.  Here's wishing you a blessed and joyous Holiday season.

See you in 2017!

Doug

Tigergate - By the Rules

This past Saturday morning, the worlds of golf and sport came to a collective standstill as the Rules Committee at the Masters decided the fate of Tiger Woods.  Would they?  Could they?  Did they dare disqualify him for violating a Rule that resulted in his signing an incorrect score card? 

There was a media frenzy with everyone having an opinion.  Social media was alive with theories.  Even the participants in the Rules Workshop I was conducting were buzzing with a renewed interest despite having to spend “Moving Day” in a hotel meeting room learning about the Rules.

It took Fred Ridley, Chair of the Committee, a considerable length of time to make a public statement after it had been announced Tiger was not disqualified but would be assessed a two-stroke penalty for having played from a wrong place when taking relief under Rule 26-1a the previous day.  After he spoke, it left many, including PGA Tour pro Ernie Els, Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee and two-time Masters champion and CBS analyst Nick Faldo, wondering how and why Tiger had not been disqualified.  Some, including Faldo and Chamblee, suggested Tiger should “man up” and withdraw to save the tournament and the game from public humiliation.  Others believe in a conspiracy theory – a behind the scenes agreement between the Masters, CBS Sports and Tiger.  Of course, some still believe LBJ had something to do with JFK’s assassination.

Yet, in the aftermath of the public outcry, once the facts were presented and studied came the realization that the ruling was correct.  Well, some have come to that point … others are still not convinced.  Allow me to revisit the facts to show the ruling is correct.  But, before I do, I will make two assertions:

#1:  I cannot explain how or why Tiger lost focus when taking relief.  He is known to be one of the more knowledgeable players when it comes to the Rules.  However, after many other well documented gaffes by his peers, and the bungled attempt by David Feherty to explain Tiger’s options, it goes to show that mistakes can be made.

#2:  I believe the Committee made an error in not speaking with Tiger in the Scoring Area when it had the opportunity Friday afternoon.  We will never know the reason for this.  Mr. Ridley said, after reviewing the tape, the Committee did not believe there was a breach.  Using 20/20 hindsight most will come to a different conclusion.

There is no doubt Tiger dropped and played from a wrong place; even Tiger admitted to that.  Rule 26-1 allows the player to drop under “stroke and distance” as one of the options.  When a player elects to make his next stroke from where a previous stroke was made, Rule 26-1a specifically states the players must drop “as nearly as possible” to the spot from which the original ball was last played.  This means where the ball must first strike the course – not necessarily where it ends up after the drop.  PGA Rules instructor Ed Hoard used to teach that “as nearly as possible” meant approximately 6”.  The penalty under Rule 26 for this breach is two strokes.

Someone happened to notice the possible issue, so they alerted the Committee, which in turn began its investigation.  While Tiger was playing the 18^th hole, the Committee reached the conclusion that there had not been a breach.  Therefore, it elected not to speak to Tiger about it in the Scoring Area.  This is critical.  By dealing with the question and reaching its decision, the Committee had, in essence, made a ruling – despite the fact the player didn’t even know.

After Tiger made his infamous comments during the interview later, the Committee took notice and elected to revisit the question.  It asked Tiger to meet them Saturday morning in order to ask questions.  During this interview, it was stated Tiger admitted to dropping in a wrong place mistakenly.  (While he may have said he “intentionally” dropped two yards away, he was mistaken with his ability to do so.)  Thus, Tiger had signed his card with a score of 6 for the 15^th hole, when it should have been an 8, a breach of Rule 6-6d that carries with it a penalty of disqualification.

However, the Committee had ruled on the issue the day before and had not elected to speak with Tiger in the Scoring Area.  While the Committee is not on record for using it, we can look to Decision 34-3/1.5 – “Committee Error and Scoring in Stroke Play” for guidance on such an issue.  Some key concepts in this Decision are as follows:

1.      “The player is entitled to act on such information in his subsequent play.”  This means, the player may proceed based on information the Committee gives him, even if incorrect.  In Tiger’s case, to sign the score card believing it is correct.

2.      “When a referee (Committee) makes a specific ruling that is contrary to the Rules in a specific situation, the player should be exempt from penalty.”  Tiger is exempt from the disqualification penalty for signing an incorrect card.

3.      “In these situations, the Committee should resolve the matter in whatever manner it considers most equitable, in light of all the facts and with the objective of ensuring that no player receives an undue advantage or disadvantage.”  By assessing Tiger the two stroke penalty for having played from the wrong place, it restored things to the way they should have been if they had discussed the issue with Tiger in Scoring.

Finally, Fred Ridley referred to Rule 33-7.  This is the Rule that permits the Committee to “waive, modify or impose” a penalty of disqualification in exceptional circumstances.  It is this Rule that allowed the Masters Committee to waive the disqualification penalty for Tiger.  (Reference had been made by the media to Decision 33-7/4.5 erroneously.  That decision is not relevant.)

 In my opinion, not only did Mr. Ridley and the Committee get the ruling correct, they took the more difficult option.  It would have been easy, and popular in the eyes of many, to disqualify Tiger, but he would have had every right to be angry at such an action.

By assessing Tiger the two stroke penalty and allowing him to play, despite the firestorm of negative publicity and the accusations of preferential treatment, the Committee upheld the Rules of Golf.

The following is a post from the USGA website regarding the cancellation of play at this weekend's Hyundai Tournament of Champions.  I think it is interesting as it focuses on why the scores were wiped out twice.

Wind Causes Cancellation Of Play

By John Van Der Borght, Manager, Rules Communications

Can you explain why first-round scores were nullified when play was postponed due to high winds at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Maui?

Weather conditions frequently interrupt play at golf tournaments, but this past weekend saw extreme weather conditions cause the PGA Tour to not only suspend play, but to cancel the play that had already occurred. This happened not once, but twice over the first three days of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at the Kapalua Resort’s Plantation course.

On Friday, the first groups teed off in high winds and rain. As they worked their way around the golf course, the winds continued to pick up. Golf balls were being blown across the greens and by the time the first group reached the ninth hole, the conditions were such that the PGA Tour Rules Committee decided that play needed to be suspended. Shortly after that, they reached the difficult decision to cancel all the play for the day and nullify the results to that point.

Rule 33-2d (The Committee – Course Unplayable) says that if the Committee considers that for any reason the course is not in a playable condition or that there are circumstances that render the proper playing of the game impossible, it may, in match play or stroke play, order a temporary suspension of play. It further gives the Committee, in stroke play only, the power to declare all play null and void and cancel all scores for the round in question. This is what the Committee chose to do.

Decision 33-2d/1 contains guidelines on whether to cancel a round. There is no hard and fast rule and the decision is left to the judgment of the Committee. The example given in this Decision is exactly what happened at Kapalua. It states “… if some competitors begin a round under extremely adverse weather conditions, conditions subsequently worsen and further play that day is impossible, it would be unfair to the competitors who started not to cancel the round.”

Had the first round been continued the next day in substantially better conditions the player who had played eight holes in almost impossible conditions would have been at a severe disadvantage over those who hadn’t started their rounds.

Unfortunately for the PGA Tour and the players, Saturday’s conditions were no better and play was never started. They tried for a third day on Sunday, but once again the winds became so severe that play was quickly suspended and again the first-round scores were nullified. The PGA Tour hoped to commence the first round on Monday, attempting to play 36 holes and possibly conclude the 54-hole tournament on Tuesday.

As Rule 33-2d states, play can never be canceled in match play. This is one example of the differences between match play and stroke play. Since the two sides in a match are playing in equally poor conditions, no player can be considered to have been placed at an unfair disadvantage versus his opponent.

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!!!!