2020 Golf Thread

PedroSpecialK

Comes at you like a tornado of hair and the NHL sa
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Dec 12, 2004
27,164
Cambridge, MA
The Claw (USF's course)
It's an Audobon sanctuary and is beautiful

Eagles. 36 holes (Forest and Lakes courses).

TPC Tampa is, not surprisingly, pretty awesome but $$$
Thank you good sir! We decided on the Forest course at Eagles, Pine Barrens, and Southern Hills Plantation (latter being the absolute crown jewel, IMHO).

As an aside - it may be the strain on my left ankle ligaments speaking, but I believe I'm far too upright in my swing. I'm a not-light person - about 6'1 230 - and have historically been able to drive the ball consistently 270-285 with a slight cut. However, my iron distances have atrophied significantly over the past couple of seasons - I've adjusted for the new distances, but I'm encountering a ~20 yard haircut on my irons when all's said and done.

Are there any swing tips folks have used to better get distance out of their irons? Or even to stay lower? My primary concern is keeping my head on the ball, as I'm able to dial in my desired trajectory, but any changes I've tried to make on the fly haven't quite taken. I think a lesson's likely in order, but I'm also wary of screwing up my swing for what is working right now.

I’m also interested in a write up. Fittings are always a lot of fun.
Oh lord, he's on the board now?
 

The Needler

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Dec 7, 2016
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I guess it will be interesting to see what the new handicap system does since it's no longer intended to reflect potential but average.
I’m not sure what gave you the idea the new system was not intended to reflect potential; it’s the opposite. While the multiplier has been eliminated, the system now uses only the best *eight* scores out of the previous 20, rather than the previous 10 out of 20, which means there is more weight placed on your best scores than on your average.

Optimistic evaluation

While many current handicap systems currently count a player’s 10 best scores out of his/her 20 most recent rounds, the WHS will count only the best eight scores in a 20-round span. This means your number could soon shift by a few decimals without any additional scores, as good rounds will receive more weight and a player’s handicap will more closely reflect his/her ability on a good day than an average one.
 

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
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I’m not sure what gave you the idea the new system was not intended to reflect potential; it’s the opposite. While the multiplier has been eliminated, the system now uses only the best *eight* scores out of the previous 20, rather than the previous 10 out of 20, which means there is more weight placed on your best scores than on your average.
Yeah, I read that entirely transposed when I read it back in the fall. I thought it said reflect an average day, more than a good day. Reading comprehension is obviously not a strength.
 

Bosoxen

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I'd argue that if you play a lot of fourball - I'd much rather be a 10 handicap that makes doubles and triples and a bunch of pars than a guy who makes 7 pars and 11 bogies....My blowup holes now end up being mental errors more than physical ones - if I don't lose my mind I can usually save bogey on everything but the par 3s.
I'm still to the point where I make both kinds of mistakes - though the mental ones are slowly creeping up to being the majority - so to this 17 handicapper (unofficial) the bolded sounds like a pretty damn good day.
 

Light-Tower-Power

ask me about My Pillow
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Jun 14, 2013
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First day of the 2020 season today! Going in blind - haven't swung a club since the end of November. It probably won't go well but it'll be great to get back out there.
 

4 6 3 DP

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Oct 24, 2001
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One on one net match play is very different than fourball in my opinion. I play off an 11 right now. I have rounds in the 70s and the 90s on my card. The reason is pretty simple - My swing is a little over the top but Ive always been blessed with good hand eye coordination and timing - on days the timing works, especially with driver, there's good golf in there. On days it doesn't, not so much. Usually I get very streaky in rounds - will play 8 holes in one under but shoot 84 or something like that...So in four ball if you put me with a 5 handicap, we are usually dangerous because my 8 good holes in net we might play in 8/9 under and the good player gets us in the rest at around scratch.

In singles net match, the pressure of the good player kills me because Im probably getting three a side, but making a par is a lot harder for me than the low capper. So I absolutely agree in singles the edge is to the low guy every time. They'll be on the green in two much more often.
 

Doug Beerabelli

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If I read the new system corretly, a low score will easily affect your handicap lower, but it'll be difficult for a bad score (or even a bunch of them) to affect your handicap higher.

Got an email that our south central CT course may be open soon, including greens. I'm not sure I'm mentally ready for that yet. The local GolfQuest outdoor facility in Southington installed a nice tracking system in all bays, and with the good weather, my son and I have been doing that about once a week. He's a freshman this year, and it going to try out for the golf team, so he's been doing a weekly lesson this winter in addition to the range.

I can feel that stupid late March storm dropping a foot of snow coming, but I hope it'll melt quickly if it does.
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
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Feb 22, 2004
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The Paris of the 80s
I’m mentally ready. Sunday is looking like a good day to hit the driving range to get some first swings in. I’m pumped

I have spent some time rolling 5’ putts while watching TV this winter (and seriously paying attention to setup) so hopefully that translates to a couple more dropping this year.
 

yeahlunchbox

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Jan 21, 2008
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I hit the indoor range once and the outdoor range twice in the last month and a half or so, opening day for me will be Monday. I can't convince any of my friends to ditch with me so this will be my first time playing my own shots in I don't know how long. Normally we're all so bad that we play scramble even when not in a tournament.
 

Light-Tower-Power

ask me about My Pillow
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Jun 14, 2013
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I hit the ball very well for about a 5 hole stretch today. It got really cold and raw by the end but still a good first round. I still can’t hit my driver for shit which is making me seriously consider expensive lessons. I used to be able to pound 275 yard drives and have low irons or wedges into the green pretty consistently. I need to find a way back to that.
 

Zomp

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What do you guys plan on doing this season to combat the virus? My buddy and I are going to still play, but we joined the push cart mafia this winter so we’re not worried about carts. I’m going to keep hand sanitizer in my bag and use it after holing out, leaving the pin in on every hole.

Aside from that I would think Golf is one of the safer activities.
 

TFP

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Dec 10, 2007
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What do you guys plan on doing this season to combat the virus? My buddy and I are going to still play, but we joined the push cart mafia this winter so we’re not worried about carts. I’m going to keep hand sanitizer in my bag and use it after holing out, leaving the pin in on every hole.

Aside from that I would think Golf is one of the safer activities.
I’m hoping the courses stay open but this is what I plan to do as well for these reasons. You could go a whole round without touching anything or anyone.

I got word our course is scheduled to open 3/27. Hopefully that still happens, but I could understand if they don’t out of concern for the staff.
 

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
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Jul 31, 2006
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What do you guys plan on doing this season to combat the virus? My buddy and I are going to still play, but we joined the push cart mafia this winter so we’re not worried about carts. I’m going to keep hand sanitizer in my bag and use it after holing out, leaving the pin in on every hole.

Aside from that I would think Golf is one of the safer activities.
Pre/Post round fist bumps over handshakes seems like a good idea as well. Maybe touching the flag with gloved hand or just always leave it in? Seems like all of that together would create the lowest possible risk entertainment.
 

FL4WL3SS

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Played yesterday and it was business as usual except we stayed away from each other a bit more and we did air high fives and elbow bumps.

I rarely take a cart, so not really worried about it.
 

jercra

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Played yesterday and it was business as usual except we stayed away from each other a bit more and we did air high fives and elbow bumps.

I rarely take a cart, so not really worried about it.
I will say, as a public golfer without a club, there may be some big differences between club and public golf. Clubs could really close down the whole clubhouse since they don't need to collect greens fees and guest fees can be charged to accounts. They also have a much more limited set of people they could come in contact with. In other words, I may renting a house near you and be your most frequent guest player.
 

FL4WL3SS

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The clubhouse isn't operating any differently at this point. They aren't putting any settings on the tables so they can clean thoroughly after every guest and sent out an email that they are doing extra cleaning of common areas.

I'm sure people are staying away from the locker room, but I don't normally use it anyway.
 

Phragle

wild card bitches
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Jan 1, 2009
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What do you guys plan on doing this season to combat the virus? My buddy and I are going to still play, but we joined the push cart mafia this winter so we’re not worried about carts. I’m going to keep hand sanitizer in my bag and use it after holing out, leaving the pin in on every hole.

Aside from that I would think Golf is one of the safer activities.
What push cart did you get?

I'm not doing anything differently. I might spot making out w my cartner, but otherwise I'm just going to enjoy faster rounds.
 

jercra

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What push cart did you get?

I'm not doing anything differently. I might spot making out w my cartner, but otherwise I'm just going to enjoy faster rounds.
No you're not. We're 3 deep in the tee right now. No one has anything else to do and golf is about as safe as you can get for activities right now. Add in bunches of closed courses and you get loooong rounds.
 

jercra

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Jul 31, 2006
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It’s not gonna matter. Courses are gonna close.
I'm playing with an agronomy guy who works at a closed course. They're still doing maintenance and greens keeping, so at least the courses may be in good shape when they open.
 

Phragle

wild card bitches
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Jan 1, 2009
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No you're not. We're 3 deep in the tee right now. No one has anything else to do and golf is about as safe as you can get for activities right now. Add in bunches of closed courses and you get loooong rounds.
Yeah idk, maybe it's just here but I can get on pretty much any course as long as it's not too warm. But you're right the worst part about all the cancelled sports is that everyone is out and about spreading their cooties
 

Doug Beerabelli

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This is where being a member of club could be a little bit of an advantage. Its possible to play
18 without having to closely interact with another human.

They will likely shut down the restaurant, but there’s hope the courses will stay open. One of the few things left to look forward to, alas.
 

Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat

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I barely played in 2019 because of a new job that had me commuting out of town. So my game is rusty, although the few times I did play, I did surprisingly well. Probably fewer swing thoughts in my head.
Anyway, last week my friend who lives at Desert Mountain invited me back to his Member/Guest, the same one I went to two years ago. I think it's the biggest in the country. I've played some amazing golf courses over the years, I've made a hole in one, but I think that event was the greatest golf experience of my life. Everything is just completely first rate, from the organization to the formats to the food/drink to the swag. So while it's a considerable time commitment(basically Tues-Sun), I just can't pass it up. I'm very excited, but damn, I have to find a way to get some practice in before the end of April.
Postponed.

Selfishly, it would be great if they re-scheduled for the Fall.
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
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Feb 22, 2004
12,958
The Paris of the 80s
Email from my course:
  • Course opening this week.
  • Pro shop closed (soon after members collect bags)
  • No bag storage going forward
  • No carts or caddies
  • No rakes
  • Driving range closed until further notice.
  • Instruction to not touch pins
 

TFP

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Dec 10, 2007
20,380
Email from my course:
  • Course opening this week.
  • Pro shop closed (soon after members collect bags)
  • No bag storage going forward
  • No carts or caddies
  • No rakes
  • Driving range closed until further notice.
  • Instruction to not touch pins
What course is that (so I can tell my friends we still have hope)?
 

FL4WL3SS

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4 6 3 DP

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Understood. I just meant for winter golf. Played there a couple weeks ago. Great old Ross design. You should all play it once if you haven't.
 

TFP

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Understood. I just meant for winter golf. Played there a couple weeks ago. Great old Ross design. You should all play it once if you haven't.
Haha sorry, was just using it as an aside, not trying to refute your post or anything.

I’ve heard it’s an amazing track.
 

terrynever

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Triggs in Providence is open. Restaurant not accepting diners but will provide food and drink for golfers.

You can pay for your greens fees through a window. Or go inside. And leave the pins in the holes.

The Governor of Pennsylvania, where I once lived, has recommended golf courses be closed in the four counties surrounding Philly. Golfers unhappy.
 

FL4WL3SS

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Jul 31, 2006
14,913
Andy Brickley's potty mouth
My course implemented a strange rule:

We have set all cups high to prevent balls from entering the hole.
-To “sink” a putt, your ball must hit the raised cup AND remain within a putter length of the hole. Please do not touch the cup or flag for any reason.
I see some handicaps going down o_O
 

TFP

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Worcester. Not a ton of members, and I bet the no cart/caddie thing significantly reduces the volume of those who are capable of using the course since a big chunk of the membership is older.
Oh sick - my brother plays there a ton, his boss/friend has a corporate membership.
 

doldmoose34

impregnated Melissa Theuriau
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Faxon was on No Laying Up a while back talking about 'saving the club he grew up on'

Just read the articles about the sale, his group sounds like bigger assholes then the guy in Tenn buying up all the hand sanatizer
 

Leon Trotsky

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Jul 18, 2005
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I played there last year. Fun, interesting course, but not surprising they could not keep it going. There are a lot of once great courses in the PVD area that just seem like they are barely hanging on. Agawam Hunt Club nearby, for example.
 

Doug Beerabelli

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Latest from my course: No flags - hole in center of green. No rakes. Gas carts available, but only one person per cart. They will wash/disinfect after each use. Clubhouse and locker room closed. Bathrooms in building but closest to outside only ones open. Get your clubs by tomorrow from the storage area if you want em.

Hope it sticks.
 

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
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Jul 31, 2006
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Latest from my course: No flags - hole in center of green. No rakes. Gas carts available, but only one person per cart. They will wash/disinfect after each use. Clubhouse and locker room closed. Bathrooms in building but closest to outside only ones open. Get your clubs by tomorrow from the storage area if you want em.

Hope it sticks.
Holes in the center of the green is going to beat the crap out of that part of the green if this lasts more than a week or 2. They should take a queue from places that play all year but with frozen greens and cut 3 cups and cover 2 with the foam thingys. That lets you rotate holes with just a single member of the grounds crew touching it. Rotate "pin position" 1, 2 and 3.
 

Doug Beerabelli

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Holes in the center of the green is going to beat the crap out of that part of the green if this lasts more than a week or 2. They should take a queue from places that play all year but with frozen greens and cut 3 cups and cover 2 with the foam thingys. That lets you rotate holes with just a single member of the grounds crew touching it. Rotate "pin position" 1, 2 and 3.
Point taken, and that's a good idea! If the email goes out in 2 days that they changed hole locations, you avoid some of the wear problem. Let's see if that happens. Amount of play these days is minimal during work week, I'm sure.
 

88 MVP

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Dec 25, 2007
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My club in Western New York just announced that it is closing both the clubhouse facilities and the course until further notice.

The clubhouse/dining closure certainly makes sense, but the membership seems ready to riot over the course closure. The grounds crew is continuing to work, and members can otherwise manage to play without coming into close contact with each other.

I’m bummed out. I walked 18 this past Sunday and was looking forward to getting some periodic respite to get outside and play even as this situation continues.
 

thestardawg

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Jul 30, 2005
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I’m hoping the courses stay open but this is what I plan to do as well for these reasons. You could go a whole round without touching anything or anyone.

I got word our course is scheduled to open 3/27. Hopefully that still happens, but I could understand if they don’t out of concern for the staff.
Might be looking for a new course. Just received an email that they terminated the majority of their staff. Wonder if the courses are even going to open this year.
 

TFP

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Might be looking for a new course. Just received an email that they terminated the majority of their staff. Wonder if the courses are even going to open this year.
Yup just got that too. What a shitty day.