Archive for September, 2009

Posting Your Score

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

You MUST post your score if you’ve completed 7 out of 9 holes or 14 out of 18 holes. How? You add your handicap strokes to the pars of the holes you did not complete to get your score. For example, let’s say you completed 15 holes before it began to rain and your handicap is 18 (one stroke per hole). You add one stroke to the pars of 16, 17, and 18 and then add those scores to what you got on the first 15 holes.

If you play in a tournament of any kind,  your score should be posted with a “T” or “tournament” indication. These scores are given a little extra weight in figuring your handicap.

You can even post your score in a fourball event where the best score of two players is taken on each hole and you may not have to finish out a hole or two. You simply put down the score you most likely would have had if you had completed the hole.

It’s important to post every score you shoot. That’s how you get an honest, accurate handicap.

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I’m On a Mission!

Sunday, September 20th, 2009
Barb Hanson

Barb Hanson

I happen to be traveling right now, and I’m stopping at golf courses along the way just to take a look at their facilities, scorecards and pro shops. My intent is to get a feel for their women-friendliness. Granted, this is a very cursory judgment, but there are a few clues:

  • Am I greeted by the staff as a golfer?
  • Are there at least two sets of tees sloped and rated for women?
  • Are the holes handicapped for women?
  • Are there similar locker room facilities for both genders?
  • Is the Pro Shop equipped with merchandise for both genders?

I visited a club today that was very imporessive in all of these categories. I was so anxious to play! Better yet, it was a walking course. Unfortunately, my trip was not designed as a golf trip, but I’d love to return and play some of the courses I’ve visited.

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Ball Moved Accidentally

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

Two of my friends had similar experiences with moving their ball accidentally. Being honest competitors and wanting to do the right thing, they accepted penalty strokes graciously. But should they have done so?

In the first case, Ann was getting ready to address her ball when her putter nicked the ball causing it to jiggle. She told her fellow competitors about it and added a penalty stroke to her score. However, when I questioned her about it, she said the ball didn’t actually move from its position; it simply wiggled and returned to its original spot.

The second scenario occurred in the fairway when Nancy unintentionally moved her ball about three feet with her club. She, too, added a penalty stroke to her score.

What’s wrong with these two pictures?

They both pertain to Rule 18 which says: “When a ball is in play, if equipment of the player … causes the ball to move, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke. If the ball is moved, it must be replaced…”

In Scenario #1, the Decisions Book answers this very clearly in Decision 18/2:

“Q: In addressing the ball, a player accidentally causes the ball to oscillate, but it returns to its original position. Has the ball moved?

“A: No.”

So Ann did nothing wrong and she should not have taken a penalty stroke.

In Scenario #2, clearly Nancy moved her ball with her equipment, so her penalty was deserved. However, she should have replaced the ball before continuing play.

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The end of a wonderful week

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

We faltered a little yesterday but still came in tenth out of forty-nine teams which I think is great for a northern team. We were disappointed in the overall result, but we had a wonderful week here. The Sycamore Hills Golf Course, the people who served us, and all of our accommodations were superb.

I did a lot of walking, watching and listening this week. I saw fluid, balanced and consistent swings. I saw a variety of pre-shot routines that never varied. I NEVER heard anyone say “sand trap” - always “bunker.” I saw women helping each other out with raking, with ballmark repair and with yardage. I saw focus and determination and women who wouldn’t quit no matter what. I saw hugs and tears. I heard laughter and good wishes.

We made friends with other states’ players and we made friends with each other. It’s hard to see this week end; it’s gone too fast. I will always remember the joy and privilege of serving as Minnesota’s team captain in this awesome event.

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Minnesota is in the lead - for the moment

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
Barb Hanson

Barb Hanson

It’s fun to be leading a tournament if only for a short time. Our team has played well for the first two rounds, posting a 151 and 153.  Today we’re the leader in the clubhouse - at least for another hour or two. We played this morning, so the afternoon totals haven’t been posted yet. However, we’re hopeful that we’ll still be in the top ten, maybe in the top five. Pretty good for a state that has a limited golf season.

Minnesota is known for its participation in and support of golf. Did you see the crowds at the PGA Championship a couple of weeks ago? That was Minnesota!

Tomorrow we’re going to go out and give it our best shot once again. No matter what happens we will count our blessings that we had the privilege to be involved in a USGA event, playing a game that we love to play. GO MINNESOTA!!

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Golf Friendships Across the USA

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

One of the most amazing things I’ve witnessed in the two days I’ve been here in Indiana at the USGA State Teams Championship are the old friendships being rekindled as well as new friendships being forged among women from all over the country.  Many of these women are high-level amateur players who have attended many national tournaments. They’ve been paired with each other, competed against one another, had dinner together and learned to know each other on a personal level. So when they see each other again at such an event as this, it’s like old home week. Even for those who are new to the national scene, it doesn’t take long to become acquainted with other women who share a passion for the game of golf.

This tournament is unique in that it potentially spans several age brackets. The only women excluded from being contestants are collegiate players, so we are seeing a mixture of young, middle-aged and older players.

Golf is a special game in many ways. One of the most special things about it is how it promotes friendship and camaraderie among us.

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