470 replies to this topic

[Koufax]

It's time.

Actually I have played golf all winter and have no rust at all. Between the great local weather and my recent 5-day trip to Florida (7 rounds in 5 days), I am in mid-season form.

I am 63 years old with a low 20s handicap. Getting under 20 would be quite the accomplishment.

I live on the North Shore and would be happy to join up with those up here who play public courses. My favorite local couse is the Meadows at Peabody, but I travel to southern Maine, Plymouth, Connecticut, and Rhode Island during the course of a summer.

I am playing with 15 year old Big Bertha irons and see no need to change, but maybe I should think about it. Are irons any different today?

What's up with you golfers?

[Freddy Linn]

It's time.

Actually I have played golf all winter and have no rust at all. Between the great local weather and my recent 5-day trip to Florida (7 rounds in 5 days), I am in mid-season form.

I am 63 years old with a low 20s handicap. Getting under 20 would be quite the accomplishment.

I live on the North Shore and would be happy to join up with those up here who play public courses. My favorite local couse is the Meadows at Peabody, but I travel to southern Maine, Plymouth, Connecticut, and Rhode Island during the course of a summer.

I am playing with 15 year old Big Bertha irons and see no need to change, but maybe I should think about it. Are irons any different today?

What's up with you golfers?

The heads of your irons are fine, but I would bet the shafts you are using are too stiff for your needs. If you are slicing the ball or pushing it right this is one of the causes.

[Koufax]

Thanks for the tip. In fact I would say that pushing the shots to my right is a problem. So maybe it is time for senior flex shafts. Pretty humbling, but the truth hurts.

[FL4WL3SS]

Most people are playing shafts that are too stiff for them, so don't feel like you're a minority here. Fun fact, there are a few guys on tour that use Regular flex shafts. Not everybody needs X-Stiff shafts. I don't think you'll regret replacing your shafts. I'd spend the $50 and go get fitted for some shafts - they'll put you in a shaft that will give you the proper ball flight and spin rates and you'll notice a huge difference.

I've been out twice in the past couple of weeks and shot a pair of 83s from the tips of a couple pretty tough courses. Considering the first course still had aeration holes and I haven't practiced my putting all winter, I was ok with the 83. Played yesterday in gorgeous 65 degree weather - 3 triples, 1 birdie, 4 bogies and 10 pars, pretty up and down day.

It's going to be in the 70s all week here in Columbus, there might be a sick day or two coming.

[FL4WL3SS]

Oh and I got my first 4-putt of the year out of the way already. Can check that one off the list.

[Papelbon's Poutine]

For the first time in probably 3 years I'm pretty excited to hit the links again this season. While I used to play 2-3 times a week and was down to a 12, I haven't played more than 15 rounds a season in 3 years and don't even bother keep a handicap anymore and am lucky to break 90 anymore.

For as long as I'm around this season, I'm going back in full bore this year and this week I've been slapped in the face by how little I've played the last couple years. In preparation for my anual Hilton Head trip with my dad, he me asked about various things he's tuning up before we go and my answers were embarassing.

"I'm getting my clubs regripped, do you want me to bring yours?" - I was embarrassed to realize that the clubs I bought three years ago still have stock grips. Fail. I have a new set of Lamkins being put on right now.

"If you stop by dick's sometime this week, I need spikes for my shoes." - Again, shoes are 3 years old and still had original spikes. Not in terrible shape, but had to actually drill them out to remove them. Fail. New Black Spiders put in today.

"Did you get a new bag? I thought you liked your bag?" Actually dad, I bought the old one 5 years ago, hated it since the day I bought it but never cared that much since I barely played the last three years.

Plus I had a recent conversation at work with a guy about drivers where I had to admit to still weilding a TaylorMade r7 Superquad that is about 4-5 years old, as he told me about his Titleist 910 d2. I used to buy a new driver literally every two years, if not every season. When you are embarassed to be unable to change your loft or lie angle at a whim, it's time to put up or shut up.

I'm rededicating myself this season...I think I have been inspired by the return of the yellow and orange balls (Srixon, Titleist, Bridgestone, etc.) which has, for no good reason, made me giddy - brings me back to my youth of slapping around a bright orange Pinnacle.

Edited by Papelbon's Poutine, 12 March 2012 - 10:07 PM.

[jercra]

I've been looking forward to this thread. Anyone have any new equipment for the season? I live in Oregon where we just have wet season and dry season and no off season but handicap posting just started on 3/1 so it's gear up time. I just got a new Mizuno MP R12 60 degree wedge and just got home from getting custom fit for a putter (Scotty Cameron California Coronado) that I can't wait to take to the course once the rain lets up a bit.

[Plantiers Wart]

Just got an email that my club - Wampanoag in West hartford - is opening tomorrow. At least three weeks ahead of time. But I think i played more this winter than I ever have. Played Thanksgiving day, New Years Day, three times in February. It was on a short (mostly) par 3 course, but at least i was swinging. And took my 12 year old son with me, which has ruined his baseball swing. (First hitting lesson last week, to get rid of his rust, the instructor watches him swing twice, turns to me and says "does he golf? He needs to lose that takeaway...")

And at age 49, maybe it is time to lose my superstiff shafts..

[Doug Beerabelli]

Golf season is back. Meh.

Played an executive course when visiting FL a couple weekends ago, used Wilson 1200 GE irons from late 80s and various scattered woods. Scored about the same as I would midseason with my regular clubs, a couple ticks below bogey golf. I did break out the driver for the 255 yd par 4, first driver swing of year, and lands on front of the first hole tee. Luckily no one was hurt. It was certainly a bad idea, but a fun one.

Really should get out there more this year and actually try to improve things, rather than continue to inhabit the bogey golf zone. Looking forward to playing a charity tournament with Clears Cleaver at Baltusrol this summer. May also play the Ocean Club in the Bahamas this Spring whilst at Atlantis.

[FL4WL3SS]

Golf season is back. Meh.

Played an executive course when visiting FL a couple weekends ago, used Wilson 1200 GE irons from late 80s and various scattered woods. Scored about the same as I would midseason with my regular clubs, a couple ticks below bogey golf. I did break out the driver for the 255 yd par 4, first driver swing of year, and lands on front of the first hole tee. Luckily no one was hurt. It was certainly a bad idea, but a fun one.

Really should get out there more this year and actually try to improve things, rather than continue to inhabit the bogey golf zone. Looking forward to playing a charity tournament with Clears Cleaver at Baltusrol this summer. May also play the Ocean Club in the Bahamas this Spring whilst at Atlantis.

One of my good friends is the Assistant Super Intendant at Baltusrol. He gets us out on both courses each summer, it's quite an experience.

I like the Upper course for it's scenery and the Lower course for it's toughness.

[Deathofthebambino]

I'm dying for the email that says my club (Andover CC) is open. Should be in the next week or so. My big golf trip this year is heading back to Ireland to play Old Head in Kinsale. Went last year, and I defy anyone to find me a better piece of golf property on Earth. This year, got invited to their member guest which should be incredible.

Edited by Deathofthebambino, 13 March 2012 - 04:46 PM.

[cshea]

Has anyone played golf in Hawaii? I'm spending a week there (Oahu) in June for a wedding, and I've been contemplating bringing the clubs with me for a round or two.

[Bob Montgomery's Helmet Hat]

Has anyone played golf in Hawaii? I'm spending a week there (Oahu) in June for a wedding, and I've been contemplating bringing the clubs with me for a round or two.

Played last month in Maui, which is undoubtedly no help to you if you're just going to Oahu.

[Freddy Linn]

Has anyone played golf in Hawaii? I'm spending a week there (Oahu) in June for a wedding, and I've been contemplating bringing the clubs with me for a round or two.

Check out anything NBC's Mark Rolfing has to say about golf in Hawaii. He has lived there for decades and is generally considered to be the guru of Hawaiian golf. He says about Turtle Bay, "the Palmer course is the best course on Oahu" and according to Golf Digest, it ranks among the top 100 public courses in America.

[Duende Roomer]

Played all winter, first time ever. I think we had two weeks off for snow. At this rate my Newton Commonwealth season ticket will have paid itself off by the end of March.

Still playing like crap, though. Went from bad winter bounces to the ground being way too soft in a couple of days.

[Bongorific]

Can anyone recommend some solid instruction books? I shoot bogey golf and my game is entirely about feel. I played on my high school team years ago, but the coaching was mediocre at best. When I play frequently I find things that work and stick with it. Sometimes I'll see a tip in a golf magazine when I'm in a waiting room and try it out. However, with many things in life, I'd like to learn how to play certain shots correctly. I also don't mind rebuilding my swing and feel if it'll help long term. I'd like to increase my understanding of the golf swing, ball flight, specific shot approaches, etc., so that I understand why I hit a good shot or what probably went wrong on a bad shot.

What would be good reference material to start with?

[jercra]

Can anyone recommend some solid instruction books? I shoot bogey golf and my game is entirely about feel. I played on my high school team years ago, but the coaching was mediocre at best. When I play frequently I find things that work and stick with it. Sometimes I'll see a tip in a golf magazine when I'm in a waiting room and try it out. However, with many things in life, I'd like to learn how to play certain shots correctly. I also don't mind rebuilding my swing and feel if it'll help long term. I'd like to increase my understanding of the golf swing, ball flight, specific shot approaches, etc., so that I understand why I hit a good shot or what probably went wrong on a bad shot.

What would be good reference material to start with?

I would highly recommend spending some time on YouTube looking for instruction. Seeing video of a golf swing is usually much more helpful than static text. This guy seems to have a bunch of instructions based on things like grip, chipping, aiming, posture, etc. It's just a start but there are tons and tons of great instructors who've put stuff up on YouTube.

Edited by jercra, 14 March 2012 - 02:03 PM.

[barbed wire Bob]

Check out the Best Instruction Book Ever! by Golf Magazine. They also have books on the short game, putting and how to hit every shot. My favorite golf instruction book is the Fundamentals of Hogan by David Leadbetter. Basically, Leadbetter analyzes Hogan's swing and compares it to modern swing theory.

Take this FWIW, but, honestly, the best way to improve your game is find a golf instructor you like and get a series of lessons. Odds are that what a golfer thinks is happening during the swing will be different from what is actually occurring. Hogan is a classic example of this. In many areas, what Hogan wrote in Five Fundamentals of Golf 's is inaccurate when it is compared to films of him hitting the ball. If you have no desire to seek out an instructor then get a video camera so you can analyze your own swing.

[FL4WL3SS]

No one tip is ever going to make you a better player. These tips in Golf Digest or on The Golf Fix give some insight into swing fundamentals, but are not meant to make you a good golfer.

If you truly want to be a better golfer, you need to learn the golf swing and practive proper fundamentals.

[Deathofthebambino]

Got the email yesterday, back nine at Andover opens tomorrow. First matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday already. Unfortunately, I'm opening the season at an 8.3 index, which means I'll lose a ton of money between now and May 1st as it climbs to around 13. But then, I'll hopefully win it back and then some as i come back down at the end of the year. It's my annual ritual, given that I don't swing a club from November to April.

[FL4WL3SS]

Just got great news - a friend of mine got me hooked up with a guy looking to fill 20 member spots at a club here in Columbus. The dues are typically $250/mo for Junior Exec membership, but with the 20 guys, they knock it in half for full membership. So for $124/mo I'll be getting full club membership with pool and fitness access, GHIN handicap, locker and range all included. This seems too good to be true, this place is beautiful.

[Koufax]

Makes me want to move to Columbus. Congrats, that sounds like a great deal.

[yeahlunchbox]

So my backstory: 31 years old, started golfing spring of Junior year in high school. I've never had real instruction, never broken 100, and after just not enjoying the game much and not really having the money to play too much I put golfing on the back burner for the last several years. My irons are an old generic brand and frankly they're not in great shape.

My plan for this season: I'm looking to take lessons early in the year and hit the driving range a ton throughout the summer. I live right around the corner from New England Country Club and they have an unlimited driving range membership for about $400. In the fall or for Christmas, once I hopefully have a better swing, I'll be looking to buy a new set of irons.

Does this sound like a decent plan of attack? Should I look to replace my irons sooner or would I be better off waiting like I plan? What should I be looking for when I seek out instruction?

[barbed wire Bob]

So my backstory: 31 years old, started golfing spring of Junior year in high school. I've never had real instruction, never broken 100, and after just not enjoying the game much and not really having the money to play too much I put golfing on the back burner for the last several years. My irons are an old generic brand and frankly they're not in great shape.

My plan for this season: I'm looking to take lessons early in the year and hit the driving range a ton throughout the summer. I live right around the corner from New England Country Club and they have an unlimited driving range membership for about $400. In the fall or for Christmas, once I hopefully have a better swing, I'll be looking to buy a new set of irons.

Does this sound like a decent plan of attack? Should I look to replace my irons sooner or would I be better off waiting like I plan? What should I be looking for when I seek out instruction?

I'd suggest you get fitted with a new set now. That way you will know when you hit a bad shot, that it is you and not the clubs. As far as the instructor, find a guy that you are comfortable with and who fits in with your learning style.

Edited by barbed wire Bob, 16 March 2012 - 12:27 PM.

[FL4WL3SS]

I'd suggest just the opposite. If you're a 20+ handicap, the clubs aren't going to matter much right now - learning swing fundamentals will be much more important to your progression than throwing down hundreds on a new set that you'll probably have to replace next year anyway.

If your objective this summer is to get better and not shoot scores, then go get your lessons first and get that swing more in tune, then get fit for clubs. Getting fit for clubs makes a big difference, but only if you already have a dependable, repeatable swing. If your swing is going to look much different now than it will at the end of the year, I'd suggest to wait. You don't want to have to get fit again next season.

EDIT: To be clear - if you weren't showing an interest in taking lessons and improving, I'd suggest to go get fit now, but since you want to change your swing and get better then waiting is the better option in the long run.

Edited by FL4WL3SS, 16 March 2012 - 01:21 PM.

[Freddy Linn]

So my backstory: 31 years old, started golfing spring of Junior year in high school. I've never had real instruction, never broken 100, and after just not enjoying the game much and not really having the money to play too much I put golfing on the back burner for the last several years. My irons are an old generic brand and frankly they're not in great shape.

My plan for this season: I'm looking to take lessons early in the year and hit the driving range a ton throughout the summer. I live right around the corner from New England Country Club and they have an unlimited driving range membership for about $400. In the fall or for Christmas, once I hopefully have a better swing, I'll be looking to buy a new set of irons.

Does this sound like a decent plan of attack? Should I look to replace my irons sooner or would I be better off waiting like I plan? What should I be looking for when I seek out instruction?

Why not demo different sets of irons from the club all summer? I think that would be kind of fun, and you can figure out what appeals to you. Then go on Ebay and find the exact same specs. They will definitely rip you off.

Edit: to be precise, if you get extensively fitted you should buy from whomever spent that more than a nominal amount of time specifically analyzing your swing with monitors and the like. If you don't take significant advantage of someone's expertise, then find the best price, because the difference can be huge. I have gotten great clubs off of Ebay for a fraction of the comparable new club.

Edited by Freddy Linn, 16 March 2012 - 01:52 PM.

[barbed wire Bob]

I'd suggest just the opposite. If you're a 20+ handicap, the clubs aren't going to matter much right now - learning swing fundamentals will be much more important to your progression than throwing down hundreds on a new set that you'll probably have to replace next year anyway.

If your objective this summer is to get better and not shoot scores, then go get your lessons first and get that swing more in tune, then get fit for clubs. Getting fit for clubs makes a big difference, but only if you already have a dependable, repeatable swing. If your swing is going to look much different now than it will at the end of the year, I'd suggest to wait. You don't want to have to get fit again next season.

EDIT: To be clear - if you weren't showing an interest in taking lessons and improving, I'd suggest to go get fit now, but since you want to change your swing and get better then waiting is the better option in the long run.

I'm not suggesting that he should go to TMP Labs. Instead, I thas thinking about a basic club fitting at someplace like Dicks or Golfsmith, especially if he is looking at purchasing new irons. I'm also assuming that since he played golf in high school, he already has a semi-repeatable swing. At the very least, he knows some of the basics. Still, it's sort of a chicken or the egg question and your point of view has sme merit. Freddy's suggestion about demo-ing some different club sets is a great idea

[FL4WL3SS]

I'm not suggesting that he should go to TMP Labs. Instead, I thas thinking about a basic club fitting at someplace like Dicks or Golfsmith, especially if he is looking at purchasing new irons. I'm also assuming that since he played golf in high school, he already has a semi-repeatable swing. At the very least, he knows some of the basics. Still, it's sort of a chicken or the egg question and your point of view has sme merit. Freddy's suggestion about demo-ing some different club sets is a great idea

I was thinking the same thing - it's a tough question to answer and there's no right answer. I tend to err on the side of caution and get fit when you feel comfortable with your swing, but there's merit to getting fit and having the right clubs for your current swing. He's just gotta weigh the differences.

Edited by FL4WL3SS, 16 March 2012 - 02:10 PM.

[jercra]

I was thinking the same thing - it's a tough question to answer and there's no right answer. I tend to err on the side of caution and get fit when you feel comfortable with your swing, but there's merit to getting fit and having the right clubs for your current swing. He's just gotta weigh the differences.

I don't know that you need to get fully fitted for things like shaft frequency, sole grind and such but even for beginners it's important to know what flex shaft and weight you need and what length shaft you need. Getting existing clubs reshafted is the cheapest way to gain improvement from an existing set. That being said, chipping and putting lessons are almost sure to improve your game way more than anything you could do with equipment if your a high handicapper.

[Freddy Linn]

I don't know that you need to get fully fitted for things like shaft frequency, sole grind and such but even for beginners it's important to know what flex shaft and weight you need and what length shaft you need. Getting existing clubs reshafted is the cheapest way to gain improvement from an existing set. That being said, chipping and putting lessons are almost sure to improve your game way more than anything you could do with equipment if your a high handicapper.

Reshafting clubs can be expensive if you don't do it yourself - per club, cost of shaft + $15-$25 for labor. Up to $400. I'd buy a new set rather than fork that over.

[jercra]

Reshafting clubs can be expensive if you don't do it yourself - per club, cost of shaft + $15-$25 for labor. Up to $400. I'd buy a new set rather than fork that over.

Yeah, maybe. I reshaft my own clubs so I guess my perspective is skewed. It's really, really easy to reshaft a club so I can redo my whole set for ~$200 for premium shafts (just bought KBS c-tapers for 4-P for $210). Generally I buy my clubs on e-bay then re-shaft/re-grip them myself. I get exactly what I'm after for about 50% of retail.

[Freddy Linn]

Yeah, maybe. I reshaft my own clubs so I guess my perspective is skewed. It's really, really easy to reshaft a club so I can redo my whole set for ~$200 for premium shafts (just bought KBS c-tapers for 4-P for $210). Generally I buy my clubs on e-bay then re-shaft/re-grip them myself. I get exactly what I'm after for about 50% of retail.

I've never had to do a shaft but I would love to.

If anyone pays to have grips put on they are a sucker. Want a game improvement idea? Put on new grips, and do it yourself.

Edited by Freddy Linn, 16 March 2012 - 10:18 PM.

[jercra]

I've never had to do a shaft but I would love to.

If anyone pays to have grips put on they are a sucker. Want a game improvement idea? Put on new grips, and do it yourself.

I feel the same way about re-shafting. The whole process is this:

• Take a propane torch to the hozel of the existing club until the shaft comes out
• Cool the head under water
• Drill excess old epoxy out of hozel
• Mix epoxy (it comes in a tube with 2 sides so all you have to do is push a plunger down)
• Put epoxy on new shaft and in hozel (put a bezel on the shaft first if you care about looks) and let dry overnight
• Cut to size. I use a pipe cutter meant for plumbing but a hacksaw works just fine too.
• Grip
  
• Put on grip tape
• Put on solvent (acetone) on the grip tape and inside the new grip
• Put on grip

That's it. It takes me 10 minutes to put a new shaft in a club. This is very useful whether you like tinkering with new gear or have the occasional run in with the occasional oak tree/cart path/knee.

[FL4WL3SS]

I'd love to reshaft all of my own clubs, but I don't have the space or equipment to do it.

Do you spine your shafts?

[jercra]

I'd love to reshaft all of my own clubs, but I don't have the space or equipment to do it.

Do you spine your shafts?

I think I spend too much time in RMPS since my first reaction is "your mom spines my shaft"...

No. I've never really seen a need since I'm probably not good enough to notice the difference (1-4 handicap during a season). You really don't need a lot of space. If you have a driveway you have plenty of space. The only equipment you need is a propane torch, a drill and a pipe cutter. All of those could fit in a small drawer in your kitchen.

[FL4WL3SS]

I had my driver spined and I could definitely notice a difference - my shot dispersion tightened up. I didn't notice a difference in distance, but I definitely felt like it helped with the accuracy. Plus, I figure it can't hurt.

[jercra]

I had my driver spined and I could definitely notice a difference - my shot dispersion tightened up. I didn't notice a difference in distance, but I definitely felt like it helped with the accuracy. Plus, I figure it can't hurt.

Damn. It was an option for $10 a shaft on all the new shafts I just bought. I should have done it even just for the placebo effect.

[Deathofthebambino]

Didn't end up playing yesterday, but got out today for the first round of the year. Haven't swung a club since November, and thought I'd be a complete mess, but actually played pretty well. I'm opening up as an 8.5 (10 on the home course) and my partner today was a 4 (Home course), and we played against a 4 and a 6. I won the first hole with a 5/net 4, and then made par, double (OB off the tee), par, birdie, par (#1 stroke hole). I went double, bogey, bogey coming in for a 42 and felt great. Started the back side par, par, par, bogey (5/4) and my partner shot a 76 and we ended up crushing them for 6 ways. I fell apart completely after 14 though. Just got exhausted and started feeling like I was swinging lead pipes and finished with a 44 on the back for an 86.

Man, does it feel good to be back out there. It was gorgeous today. Gonna try and get out for a couple rounds during the week and then play 36 next weekend if the weather continues to hold. My goal is 75 rounds this year (played 64 last year, not including scrambles and charity events).

[yeahlunchbox]

There's some great info in this thread, but I have a golfing emergency that hopefully you guys can be as helpful with. I took today out to golf, planning to just play a par 3, but now some tee times are down to 29 at New England. I know my game isn't ready for that course, but I'm not sure I can turn down that deal. Is there anything such a poor player can reasonably do to speed up their game to not ruin the experience of people they're paired with and not hold up groups behind?

[cshea]

I dont think you''ll have much of a problem, but just be willing to pick your ball up if you're having a bad hole. Whatever you do, do not try and rush through shots simply to keep things moving. That will only make things worse.

I'm not sure where you are, but if you're looking for a cheap round today, I saw this weekend that the pins are in at Fresh Pond in Cambridge. Cheap (I would think you could hop on for less than $20), 9-hole muni. Nice and easy course, it's good for beginners and getting that first round of the year under your belt.

[jercra]

There's some great info in this thread, but I have a golfing emergency that hopefully you guys can be as helpful with. I took today out to golf, planning to just play a par 3, but now some tee times are down to 29 at New England. I know my game isn't ready for that course, but I'm not sure I can turn down that deal. Is there anything such a poor player can reasonably do to speed up their game to not ruin the experience of people they're paired with and not hold up groups behind?

We use a pretty simple rule in my groups. Double par means you're done. 6 on a par 3, 8 on a par 4 and 10 on a par 5. When I'm playing with beginners and they hit 2 or 3 very bad shots I have them pick up their ball and come play the next shot from where someone whose in a good position is. It not only speeds things up but it gives them a chance to hit from places they normally wouldn't. There are some other pretty simple steps to take too. Ready golf is #1. Go right to your ball unless it's dangerous or very distracting to do so. Have a club chosen and be ready to hit when it's your turn. Read your putts at the same time others are reading theirs. Play everything as a lateral unless you're in a tourney or posting for a handicap. Searching for a ball for 5 minutes to save a 9 isn't really doing much for your score anyway. Have a simple pre-shot routine and execute it the same way every time (1 practice swing then go, or something to that effect). If you do have a handicap and you reach your ESC then you're done for that hole.

Honestly, skill really has very little to do with speed of play. Some of the fastest people I play with are some of the highest handicappers and at least 2 scratch golfers are the slowest. Just be ready to play when it's your turn and your skill level won't matter. You'll be able to relax on the course a lot more if you're not worried about holding up the group behind you and you'll probably even play better golf.

[Koufax]

My 30-second rule for lost golf balls is a real time-saver.

[FL4WL3SS]

I agree - if you're losing a lot of golf balls and you find yourself thinking that you have to find the ball because golf balls are expensive, then you're probably playing balls that are too expensive for your skill level. Otherwise, just let it go.

[Freddy Linn]

That two-footer for a 9 isn't that important.

Ready golf on the tee - there is no honor among duffers.

If you are a 20, don't go out of your way to look around for yardages, especially outside of 150.

Put your bag in between the green and the next tee when you are putting.

Let groups go through if it makes sense, don't if it is all stacked up.

[PaulinMyrBch]

If you're playing with a cart, do this on every hole.

From inside of 130 or so, and you'll undoubtedly have several shots from that distance in per hole. Take 3-4 clubs from the cart and walk that distance in to the green.

So grab putter, SW, PW, and 8 or 9 iron if you pitch and run shots near the green, and walk in from 130 or so, meeting the cart at the green. You'll probably be in your own little duffers world and the honor won't matter much if your 30-40 yards from the hole. Play up at your pace and meet the cart and others at the green.

Nothing worse than hitting a shot and having to wait for the cart to get the club you need, that slows everyone down, especially if you hit a shot you don't expect on the next shot, needing yet another club. This is especially important on courses where they may only allow the carts out with a 90 degree rule, but still saves a ton of time either way.

Edited by PaulinMyrBch, 20 March 2012 - 07:20 AM.

[leithbones]

Oh and I got my first 4-putt of the year out of the way already. Can check that one off the list.

4putting is like jacking off:
you're ashamed you did it,
you hope like hell nobody was watching,
but you know damn well you'll eventually do it again.

As always, bring your rules questions here. I know my stuff (experience as Rules official for PGA, USGA, Senior Tour, NEPGA etc.).
Shit, they wrote the first set of rules at The Links of Leith. A manly drinking port town right on the edge of Edinburgh, hard by the Firth of Forth.
Some fun new twists in the 2012 recodification (http://www.usga.org/...-Rules-of-Golf/) -- a surprisingly "kinder, gentler" USGA.

[FL4WL3SS]

4putting is like jacking off:
you're ashamed you did it,
you hope like hell nobody was watching,
but you know damn well you'll eventually do it again.

That's hilarious.

I turned it around last weekend - played a round with only 24 putts.

[jercra]

As always, bring your rules questions here...

During a recent round one of our foursome had to hit a provisional ball. He declared it was provisional but did not declare what type of ball the first one was or the provisional was. One of the other guys said that he had to declare what number and type of ball he was hitting. I think he's wrong. Who's right?

[PaulinMyrBch]

You are, it is courteous to do so, but not a rule. Gentlemans game..

[FL4WL3SS]

"FOUND MY FIRST ONE" is the most skepticle statement in golf.