Tag: golf Page 3 of 10

How To Drop a Golf Ball (The Right Way)

On September 1, 2018

If you play enough golf eventually you’re going to have to drop a ball. Whether you hit your ball in a hazard or another unplayable surface, knowing how to drop a ball is one of the most important rules a golfer has to know. Unfortunately, dropping a ball isn’t as simple as you might think it; which is why we wanted to take a few moments to talk about just how you should drop a ball during your next round.

But before we talk about the drop itself the first questions we should ask is, “When do you have to have to drop a ball anyway?”. As you may or may not know, there are actually quite a few situations where a golfer has to drop a ball. As a rule of thumb, if you’re not playing the ball as it lies you’re likely going to have to drop it. A couple examples of this are:

When you hit a ball out of bounds or can’t play it out of a hazard
When your lie is unplayable
When your shot is impeded by a man-made obstacle or your ball is resting in ground under repair

Proper Drop Technique

According to the USGA, there is actually a very particular way that a golfer must drop the ball. In fact, failing to drop the ball the correct way can result in a one-stroke penalty unless you realize your mistake and re-drop immediately.

In order to avoid this potential penalty, focus on these four simple rules for the perfect golf ball drop:

You must be the person to drop your ball, not a playing partner or caddy
Stand straight up when you drop a ball
Drop your ball from shoulder level
Hold the ball in front or to the side of you, an arm’s length away from your body

That’s it! While this might seem like common sense to a golfer that’s played competitively, it’s incredible how often this simple rule is broken during casual rounds of golf (I’ve even mis-dropped a few balls before during my rounds).

Although most of us don’t want to think about having to drop a ball during our next round, knowing how to do so properly might save you from another penalty stroke and help get you back on track towards playing great golf. So until next time golfers, keep those four points in the back of your head and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with mastering golf’s most broken rule.

Slope vs. Course Rating: Two of Golf’s Most Confused Numbers

By Sully

On July 15, 2018

In Golf Tips

While frequently unused by new or casual golfers, slope and course rating are two of golf’s most important, and most commonly confused numbers. These two numbers might be a seemingly random arrangement of numbers on your scorecard, but in reality, they are two of the great equalizers in the game of golf. Not only do these numbers give golfers an idea of the difficulty between different tee boxes at their favorite course, they also allow players to compare the relative difficulties of a course to others that they have played. This is what I would like to talk about today.

What is a Course Rating?

Image result for course and slope rating

This scorecard shows the course rating (first number) and slope rating (second number) for each set of tees at a course.

So what is a course rating anyways? The simple answer is, a course rating is a number that indicates what a scratch golfer (a golfer that averages par for a round) should shoot on this particular course. So, while the par for a particular course might be 72, a course rating of 70.1 would indicate that a scratch golfer should be almost two under par on average. This indicates that the course is actually easier than an average course and allows the player to factor this difficulty into their handicap (and their ego).

What is a Slope Rating?

While the course rating indicates the difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer, the slope rating, by contrast, indicates how difficult the course should be for a bogey golfer (or someone who averages +18 for 18 holes). Also unlike course rating, slope values can range from 55 to 155 with 113 being the average.

Now, although you might be thinking that slope ratings work similarly to course ratings, you are actually falling for one of the most common misconceptions regarding these ratings. Slope ratings, absolutely, do not provide the same information as a course rating. So what do they tell us then?

While course ratings are a measure of the difficulty of a course, slope ratings are a measure of how much more difficult a course is for a high handicap golfer versus a lower one.

For example, if you have two courses that each have a course rating of 72, they should be the same difficulty for a scratch golfer. However, if bogey-golfers on course A averages a score of 90 while bogey-golfers on course B average a score of 95 the slope rating for course B would be higher than for course A; indicating a higher level of difficulty for higher handicap players.

If you’re interested in calculating your handicap for a particular course, multiply your handicap by the course rating divided by 113. This will adjust your handicap to the difficulty of the course.

Why Have Two Numbers?

As you may have figured out already, golf is a difficult game and contains a very wide range of golfers, each with very different levels of skill. In the mid 80’s the USGA started to catch on to this big divide between scratch or professional golfers and mid to high handicap golfers.

It turns out that that statistically, no matter how easy or hard a course is, scratch golfers will almost always shoot in the high 60’s to low 70’s. While this might not seem like a big deal, having a very narrow spread of scores even on courses that are much easier or harder than average ones creates a rating that underestimates changes in course difficulties for the rest of the golfing population. However, they also realized that this phenomenon was the exact opposite for mid-high handicap golfers. While one course might only play slightly harder in the eyes of a scratch golfer, less proficient golfers might find their scores to be significantly higher on this new, harder course.

As a result, the course rating designed for scratch golfers was largely irrelevant to anyone over a 5-10 handicap. This left a large majority of golfers without any way to compare the difficulty of courses accurately and presented an opportunity for the USGA to implement their new slope rating system. With the current two rating system, a course rating provides the information about a course’s difficulty for scratch or low handicap golfers and the slope rating provides information about how much harder the course is for high handicap golfers. Regardless of your skill, the USGA has figured out a way to find the right handicap for you, which I personally think is great for the game.

Ratings and Updates

Changes in green roll, topography, or other obstacles can dramatically change the difficulty of a hole or course.

While the course and slope ratings of a golf course are unlikely to change dramatically, they are usually re-evaluated every 4-5 years. This is mostly due to the fact that courses change slowly over time. While small trees may have been planted when a course opened, as they continue to grow they can start to affect play on the course in different ways. Similarly, additional features such as new sand traps or even a change in topography to make room for a new cart path can all be sources of a change in difficulty for a golf course. While these three examples came to mine right away, the USGA website contains a complete list of the things they consider when rating a course.

In addition to physical change, course and slope ratings also change as frequent players learn the ins and outs of the new course because ratings are heavily based off of player scores. For example, while you might not know that a creek bed is dry most of the year during your first round on a new course, after you have played it for a few years you might opt to be more aggressive with an approach shot, knowing that you won’t have to worry about a penalty stroke if you fall short of your target.

These two factors of change, both physical change and increased experience, frequently work against each other and often times nearly cancel out most changes in ratings, however, the possibility is always there. Although many of us spend very little time considering the ratings of courses we play, looking at courses through a different lens, such as how a scratch versus bogey golfer might play a hole, is actually a great way to improve your course management skills.

Wrap-Up

Although it might not be the most pressing matter for some golfers, understanding how course and slope ratings work is sure to only help you understand the game better in the long run. At the very least, it’s something to think about while you’re comparing the different courses you’ve played throughout the year; hopefully, you’re looking back at some low scores on a really challenging course. So until next time golfers, keep track of those ratings and enjoy your summer golfing season.

The Art of Don Ross – Discovering the Architect Behind Legendary Golf Courses

By Sully

On February 20, 2018

In Golf Discussions

People are drawn to golf because of the challenging rules and stunning courses that add surprise and delight to this traditional sport. Geographic factors like the natural landscape and weather patterns also come into play.

Because golf provides such unique venues, the golfing experience can vary drastically. Thus, after designing 400 golf courses over his career, Donald Ross represents one of the chief architects of the American golfing experience.

Although Donald Ross passed away in 1948, he remains an architect of more than just golf’s many venues. He is the creator of countless memorable golfing moments for professionals, spectators, and the casual player.

Image result for old course st andrews

Scottish-Born Ross Follows His Destiny to America

Born in 1872 in Dornoch, Scotland, Don Ross was drawn to the game of golf from a young age. Eventually, he put his enthusiasm to work, undertaking an apprenticeship at St. Andrews Links under Old Tom Morris—a revered Scottish golf enthusiast. Ross absorbed a significant breadth of knowledge and inspiration from Morris, at least until he felt compelled to make his own mark on the game.

In 1899, Don Ross followed the waves of Europeans migrating to the U.S. He managed to secure a job at the Oakley Country Club in Massachusetts, in part due to the help of Harvard professor Robert Willson.

While this was the first stepping-stone in manifesting Don Ross’s blueprint for golf, it wasn’t until Ross earned the position of head professional at Pinehurst Resort that he got his big break and began designing golf courses for the first time.

Ross also managed a moderately fruitful golfing career. While his name is enshrined in the annals of golf for his work as an architect, he won a handful of tournaments and had top-10 finishes in two majors. He was no golf hobbyist.

Ross Starts Designing Courses

After working at Pinehurst Resort and designing four preliminary courses, Ross began focusing full-time on golf course design. When Ross launched summer offices in Rhode Island, Donald J. Ross and Associates was born.

Donald J. Ross and Associates designed and landscaped American golf courses until 1948, employing thousands of workers at the height of Ross’s design prowess. While Ross retained his standing in professional golf, his fame began to grow in relation to his architectural exploits.

Ross remains most well-known for designing some of golf’s preeminent venues: Pinehurst No. 2, Oakland Hills, Seminole Golf Club, Inverness Club, Hope Valley Country Club, and Oak Hill, to name a few. Several of these courses have such steep natural hills and sprawling fairways that utilizing a golf cart becomes a necessity.

Architectural Style

Ross subscribed to one cornerstone philosophy when approaching design. The function of a championship course was to test a golfer on all parts of his game and every type of shot.

While many architects tailored their designs to reward specific parts of the game—such as long holes with wider fairways, or short holes that require precision—Ross’s philosophy ultimately attempted to cultivate the complete, all-around golfer.

A renaissance man of golf himself, Ross hoped to foster a similar mentality of holistic dedication for those who played his courses. According to the legendary Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus, “His stamp as an architect was naturalness.”

Ross is known for retaining the natural contours of the land, creating challenging holes while excavating little terrain. He drew inspiration from nature itself, rather than past architects, attempting to mold nature without making it blatantly artificial. The golf course was meant to be a thing of beauty, a game played while surveying the grandeur of the land.

Pinehurst No. 2

Ross routinely employed trademark features in his courses, including severe run-up shots with trouble at the back of the green. He also incorporated infamous “turtleback” or crowned greens—the notorious design utilized by Pinehurst No. 2.

The turtleback greens are highest in the center and fall away on the sides. It was on Pinehurst No. 2 that Ross revolutionized early greenkeeping practices, transitioning the greens from oiled sand to Bermuda grass in the 1930s.

Pinehurst No. 2 would go on to host more golf championships than any American venue, and the turtleback greens definitely added to the challenge of the course.

Death and Honorary Recognition

Ross eventually became a founding member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, a society first established at the Pinehurst Resort in 1947. While Ross was the first president of this golf institution, he passed away only a year later, and golf lost one of its greatest visionaries.

In 1977, the global golfing community recognized Ross’s significant contributions to the game, admitting him to the World Golf Hall of Fame. This honor was rarely bestowed on anyone who is not a player, making this level of recognition a singular distinction.

tga pic 2 Over the years, many of the courses Ross created underwent renovations to help restore Ross’ original designs. This is a delicate process, however, one in which renovators often take the liberty of implementing subtle changes. For skilled Ross renovators, evaluating original photographs and blueprints represent merely the starting point. These individuals must begin to think like Ross to reimagine his courses. Anything short of complete attention to detail jeopardizes Ross’ many lasting works.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Ross created the foundational backbone of golf’s many landmark courses. By designing hundreds of courses throughout his career, Ross facilitated unique playing experiences for millions.

Without the influence of this Scottish architect, who first migrated to the U.S. with only a minor apprenticeship under his belt, golf would not be what it is today. Moreover, the golfing community continues to celebrate Ross’s achievement with each round it plays at his courses.

Today’s article comes from Bobo at DIY Golf Cart. DIY Golf Cart is an industry-leading golf cart retailer for both cart parts and entire vehicles. If you’ve ever thought of purchasing a golf cart for your home or business be sure to check out their website by following the link above.

How to Practice: During the Winter

By Sully

On January 29, 2018

In Golf Tips, Practice

It’s awful, isn’t it? You practiced throughout the spring, perfected your golf game in the summer, and really found a groove in the fall only to lose all of that hard work once the snow starts to fly. It happens every year and somehow we never really figure out a way to fight back.

I know that no golfer likes to admit it, but we all get rusty during the winter. We don’t get a chance to play golf while there’s snow on the ground, and the 20-degree weather doesn’t exactly make you jump off your couch to go practice either. So how can we try to keep some of the improvements that we made during the summer months for next year without hating every moment of putting on a small synthetic green in the basement? Join us today as we share some of our favorite ways to get your golf fix during the winter months.

Chip, Putt, and Swing at Home

Even though the weather outside might not be great, that’s no excuse to not work on the parts of your game that don’t require as much room to practice. One of the best things you can do for your game during the winter is just maintaining the feel of your short game by hitting a couple putts either on a putting mat or just at a water bottle. It might seem boring, but it’s a great way to keep a smooth stroke during the winter and pass the time during all those long hockey match commercial breaks.

Along with that, putting, chipping and swinging a club are also great ways to practice at home. While it might not have the same feel as chipping off grass, chipping some whiffle balls into a cup or bucket is a great way to simulate contact with a ball and it’s still one of the ways I like to practice with my dad during the winter months.

Similarly, if you have the space to do so, simply swinging a club without having to hit a shot is a great way to engrain a swing fix that you implemented during the last season. It’s also a great way to get in the 100 swings a day that Hank Haney recommends to help put a swing into memory.

Now, while these may not be the most glamorous ways to practice during the off-season, every little bit helps, and taking 15-20 minutes a few times a week is almost guaranteed to help you shake off the rust quicker once the weather warms up.

Golf Ranges and Indoor Simulators

Low roofs and short distances to walls are problems that plague indoor driving ranges.

Another great (and much more exciting) way to work on your game during the winter is to practice at an indoor driving range. Although they may not be that common, if you live near a metropolitan area there’s likely at least one within driving distance. Indoor ranges are great not only because you get to actually hit a physical ball, but also because you get to feel the full swing of the club and contact with the ball which more closely simulates a real golf shot.

Driving ranges do have their limitations, however. While it is nice to be able to hit a real ball and take a full swing, the shots you’re hitting at the range are not incredibly comparable to an actual course.

For starters, you can’t take a divot at an indoor driving range which can really mess with your irons if you’re used to taking a sizable chunk of grass out with each swing. Along with this, driving ranges almost never have obstacles to hit around or wind and other elements, which means the experience is not incredibly similar to playing a round of golf on a course.

One great way to combat this, however, is to play a round of golf on a simulator. While you might not get to track the ball flight of your shot the same way you would at a driving range, using a golfing simulator is a fun way to get your golf fix in during the winter. Simulators are constantly improving and many now have wind, rain, different lies and ways to track the spin you put on your shot with pinpoint accuracy in order to provide you with a reasonably authentic experience.

These simulators can be fun and entertaining but they are also expensive to rent out or buy and that makes them less of a practical option for consistent practice during the winter.

Go South or Play Real Golf

Our final way to practice during the winter is one of the most obvious and also one of the best options golfers have to keep their game together during the winter. You must simply find a way to play.

Easier said than done!

Although it maybe tough to play during the winter, it’s not impossible, and one great way to get some golf in during the offseason is to a take a trip to a more hospitable golfing climate. Whether this means leaving your state or leaving your country, taking a golf trip can be a great way to enjoy a weekend with friends and keep your golf game in check while you wait to the weather to warm up back home.

There are dozens of golf trip planning websites and many golf courses offer special “stay and play” rates for hotel rooms and golf rounds for those of us looking to take a small vacation. While this option might take a little more planning than the others, it’s almost always a great experience to go golfing somewhere warm during the winter months.

Finally, your last option is to just head out and play golf back home. While this doesn’t necessarily have to be on a course, Golf Digest has determined that a golfer can play a perfectly enjoyable round as long as temperatures are above 35°F. Though this might be a little farfetched at this time of the year, in a couple months spring will be on its way and we may very well get some weather that’s nice enough to squeeze in an early round as we prepare for the 2018 season.

So there you have it, a couple easy ways to keep your game going during some of our colder months. Personally, I love going to indoor driving ranges but I’m sure some of you might have different preferences. What is your favorite way to practice during the winter? And how guilty are you of slacking on your golf game once the weather goes south? Let me know down below and wish me the best of luck staying warm here in chilly Wisconsin.

Will Technology Make or Break the Future of Golf?

By Sully

On January 25, 2018

In Golf Discussions

We love golf for the friendships it helps build and for the memories it helps create; for the proof that hard work will transform into talent sooner rather than later and for the unbeatable feeling you have when you pull off that impossible shot. It’s important, then, to know that technology will never eradicate those things from the game. New devices and contraptions may change elements of it, but as long as new technology preserves and enhances the already great parts of golf, I believe that they should be welcomed into the golfing community with open arms.

In this post, we’re going to look at the innovations that we believe will change golf in the future, along with what we think may never change.

Golf image 1

The advent of microchips and the ability to shrink amazing technology down to the size of a crumb means that tech can be put in golf balls without affecting the weight and flight of the ball too much. These microchips in the future could pair up with a smartphone app to help you locate the balls you lose track of, meaning no more 10-minute long rescue missions in the middle of games. They might not make it easier to get them out of a bush or from the bottom of a lake, but they should speed up regular rounds of golf and save you some money – in the long run, at least.

The virtual reality boom has some industries still shaking, we could only be a short spell away from this changing the game of golf too. You may already aware of the Trackman technology, which measures your swing and ball flight to make improvements and analysis of your swing easy. Imagine this, but with a virtual reality headset included – you’d be able to hit balls with realistic detection and movement in a generated landscape.

You could play countless holes of golf while barely having to move; an auto-travel function could transport you straight to where the ball lands, and you could even have downloadable map packs so you could play the best courses in the world without having to leave your home.

Speaking of virtual reality, it could also change the consumption of the sport; watching it from your couch is one thing, but watching it from the actual course as if you were there is a level of viewership that has previously been limited to a select few physically at the event. This act of faux-teleportation and much more are all possible, and possibly incoming.

Golf image 2

In terms of what won’t change, it’s hard to predict with absolute certainty what the future of any sport holds; one can just hope that the heart of it remains even if everything else is replaced. However, we believe the act of physically hitting a physical ball with a physical club will never change. No simulation or virtual reality will ever match the satisfaction of a good hit, so we should only expect phantom swings to take place in practice rounds or at home; never in an actual game.

We also believe that nothing will fundamentally make the game less fun. Advancements might make the game faster or more convenient, maybe even easier – but after all the come-and-go fads, golf will always be about hitting a ball into a hole and little will change just how ridiculously fun that can be. That’s something every reader of this site can agree on.

This post was written by Jack Bird of Golf Safari SA, who provide quality golf accommodation in South Africa’s most exclusive resorts.