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