Did you know that Kendall Academy is home to 5 of Golf Digest’s top 15 golf instructors in Michigan? True!  Paul Haase (5), Dave Kendall (8), Jeff Goble (13), Jack Seltzer (14) and Tom Harding (15) are the fab five.  Kendall’s a golf instruction gem right in our own backyard.

With that in mind, 4 of us are planning a 3-day golf “get-away” - all the way to Kendall Academy on Carpenter Road!  Why go any farther?  Jim Yuhaz, Director of Instruction, will be our intrepid teacher. We’re headed to Kendall because it’s:

• Custom-designed just for us - and our schedules
• Flexible - instruction can adapt to our “unique” games
• Inclusive - we four have different levels of golf experience
• An awesome social outing for us!
• Local. When it’s over, we know where to find Jim for a follow-up!

The founder and president of Kendall Academy, is the ever-affable, approachable Dave Kendall.  “Golf’s a social thing,” he says. “Being with friends and having fun is a large part of it.”  Right you are, Dave.  We’ll see you over there next week!

After you’ve trekked together over hill and dale, missing shots, finding hazards, taking penalties, are there smiles for the mission accomplished? That’s what a good partner brings to the game.

Here are some good partner habits worth acquiring…

Be on Time
There’s so much to think about on the first tee - “Where is my partner?” shouldn’t be in anyone’s mental mix. Get to the course early with plenty of time for all the pre-game details. Orderly and unrushed – that’s a great way to start a round together.

Be Quick
We’re not talking speed golf here, just an ever-efficient mindset. Gauge yardage, select a club, read greens while others are playing – when it’s your turn, you’re ready. Be smart with your cart too.

Attitude is everything.
No matter how you’re playing, keep it upbeat. Stressed out? No sharing. Your bad mood is no one’s idea of a good day on the golf course.

4 Eyes Are Better Than 2
Always track the path of everyone’s ball, and join in the search when a ball is lost.

Mind the Flagstick
Simple, yes. Overlooked, often. If you’re closest to the pin, pull it. If you putt out first, move over near the flagstick so you can pick it up and replace it when everyone’s done. It’s all about efficiency and doing your part.

Be Prepared
An extra ball marker, energy bar, the tab for the snack cart, those are the little kindnesses a good partner has at the ready and offers up at just the right moment. The small, thoughtful gesture goes far on the golf course.

Just Don’t Offer Up Any Unsolicited Golf Advice
The reasons are too numerous, and the consequences too complex to mention. Unless you’re a golf pro, keep your personal “6 Sure Steps to a Better Golf Swing” all to yourself.

And last, but surely not least …
Raise a glass to the good golf partner, she of generous gestures and bullet-proof humor. Long may we appreciate what she does for our golf game!

Webb Simpson led by 1 stroke in the final round of the 2011 New Orlean’s Classic. On the green at address, putter 4-5 inches behind the ball, he saw the wind move the ball about 1/4″.  Simpson called a penalty on himself - one stroke.  With the score tied, he was forced to a playoff which he then lost.  His tournament win slipped away because of wind.

This year one of golf’s most unpopular Rules,18-2b, now has a welcome exception.

This exonerates a player if it is known that she did not cause her ball to move. Example: if a gust of wind  moves her ball after it has been addressed, there’s no penalty and ball is played from its new location.

Be smart about your grips - here are 4 questions to get you there – with special thanks to the always-informative Brent Norton, VP, Miles of Golf Shop Operations.

Do you clean and brush your grips regularly?
Dirt and hand oils cause natural degradation and make grips hard and slick. You want them tacky! Use hot soapy water on them to keep them clean.

Is your grip the right size?
A grip that’s too small promotes too quick hand rotation, resulting in a draw or hook. A grip that’s too big hinders or slows club rotation. Have your grip size assessed next time you get your grips replaced.

What about the style of a golf grip?
There are many styles of golf grips – and selecting one is a personal preference. The one that feels good to you is the one you want.

When do you need to replace your grips?
Materials age and wear with time and use.  If you play 4 times a week or more in hot, humid conditions you may need to replace grips every 6 months.  An infrequent golfer will want to consider regripping every 2 years.  A worn, hard, shiny grip makes us subconsciously hold the club too tightly.  Tight means tension, and tension means a host of bad things in the world of golf.

Pay attention to your golf grips - they’ll pay you back with better play.

North of town, and just this side of heaven, lies one of Ann Arbor’s true treasures - Leslie Park Golf Course.  Put it on your Places-to-Golf list this season; you won’t be sorry. Golf Digest recently gave Leslie 4 1/2 stars as a Best Place to Play, but did you know that it is top of the leader board in environmental excellence?

Recently Leslie achieved the designation of Certified Cooperative Audobon Sanctuary for Golf Courses. The course has earned distinction in environmental planning, wildlife & habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and water quality management. Scott Spooner, LPGC Superintendent, has led the charge and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audobon International.

“One of my favorite parts of the certification process has been the community outreach. It’s great to be able to show our community that golf courses can be good stewards of the environment,” said Scott.

Additionally, Leslie is certified in the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program. It is only the second course in the state to be certified in Audobon’s program and the Michigan Turfgrass program.

Next time you tee it up at LPGC, take a minute to look around and appreciate its environmental excellence. A tip of the cap to everyone who has worked hard to make us so proud of our hometown gem!
_____________________

And…

• Watch a video about Leslie Park Golf Course

• Check out Tree Town Turf Guy blog, “life of a golf course superintendent for the City of Ann Arbor.”  Scott Spooner, Leslie Superintendent, tells all about maintaining a top-flight course.

Establish a handicap? That’s a point to ponder as we start the season. Many recreational golfers never do; others find it an elemental part of the game.

What is a golf handicap index?
The USGA Handicap System enables golfers of all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. Read more from the experts - USGA Handicap Manual and GAM’s Handicapping For Dummies - Back to Basics.

WHEN to consider establishing a handicap
If you are just learning golf and spend most of your time taking lessons or practicing, it’s probably too early for a handicap. If you’re playing 9 or 18-hole rounds, you’re ready.

WHY establish a handicap

• Competition - Handicaps are required to play in officially sanctioned tournaments
• Friendly competition – Handicaps accurately measure skill and enable players of all levels to compete against each other. That’s fun and fair for everyone, whether it’s league play, a special event such as an invitational, or a round with friends.
• Incentive to practice and improve – Is there any better reward than watching your handicap index drop? Set a target number and see if you can get to it.

Establishing a handicap index is not difficult.

1. A Golf Association of Michigan handicap provider or “club” is the first step.  Miles of Golf is an authorized provider.  Players sign up at gam.org or they can come into the store; the cost is $25 for the year.  Once signed up, players post scores online - coming into the store is not necessary.  Membership can be renewed annually online or in store.  Other GAM handicap providers include public courses and private clubs.  Just ask!
   
2. Submit a minimum of five 18-hole rounds to establish a handicap
3. Keep submitting your 9- and 18-hole scores
4. As a GAM member, you’ll receive a monthly email with your current index

GAM membership offers other benefits too!

1. Swing & Save at golf courses around the state
2. Exclusive Tee Times at private clubs
3. Michigan Links Course Directory
4. GAM competitions
5. 1 Year subscription to Golf Digest Magazine
6. And more!

FAQ  - A handicap index does NOT describe your AVERAGE golf score.
It’s all about potential, based on your average number of strokes over par on a good day. Really, a golfer plays to her handicap in only one out of four rounds.

]]> http://www.milesofgolf.com/womensgolfclub/on-the-course/establishing-a-golf-handicap-2/feed/ http://www.milesofgolf.com/womensgolfclub/on-the-course/establishing-a-golf-handicap-2/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MilesOfGolfWomensClub/~3/nO6zM8lUkb8/ http://www.milesofgolf.com/womensgolfclub/on-the-course/establishing-a-golf-handicap/#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:13:29 +0000 Sandell Bennett http://www.milesofgolf.com/womensgolfclub/?p=729 For me or not for me … that is the question!

Establish a handicap? That’s a point to ponder as we start the season. Many recreational golfers never do; others find it an elemental part of the game.

What is a golf handicap index?
The USGA Handicap System enables golfers of all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. Read more from the experts - USGA Handicap Manual and GAM’s Handicapping For Dummies - Back to Basics.

WHEN to consider establishing a handicap
If you are just learning golf and spend most of your time taking lessons or practicing, it’s probably too early for a handicap. If you’re playing 9 or 18-hole rounds, you’re ready.

WHY establish a handicap

• Competition - Handicaps are required to play in officially sanctioned tournaments.
• Leagues & Events – Handicaps accurately measure skill and enable players of all levels to compete against each other. That’s fun and fair for everyone, whether it’s league play, a special event such as an invitational, or a round with friends.  Sometimes non-beginner leagues and special events require handicaps.
  
• Incentive to practice and improve – Is there any better reward than watching your handicap index drop? Set a target number and see if you can get to it.

Establishing a handicap index is not difficult

1. Ask your club or public course if they provide handicapping services. Very likely, they are a Golf Association of Michigan member club, and you can join. There will be a small fee. Miles of Golf is a GAM member club.
   
2. Submit a minimum of five 18-hole rounds to establish a handicap.
3. Keep submitting your 9- and 18-hole scores.
4. As a GAM member, you can enter your scores on the GAM web site. You’ll receive a monthly email with your current handicap index.

A GAM membership offers you other benefits too!

1. Swing & Save at golf courses around the state
2. Exclusive Tee Times at private clubs
3. Michigan Links Course Directory
4. GAM competitions
5. 1 Year subscription to Golf Digest Magazine
6. And more!
   

A handicap index does NOT describe your AVERAGE golf score!
It’s all about potential, and it’s based on your average number of strokes over par on a good day. Really, a golfer plays to her handicap in only one out of four rounds.

There’s lots to learn about the golf handicap index.  Establishing one for yourself is a good way to start.

Golf’s an individual sport – especially when you stand over your ball in competition. As Chris Mile writes, it is a “juiced up form of the game”, incredibly fun for some and a form of torture for others. Oh yeah.

To competitors who have played under pressure this season, a tip of the cap to you all. In local league, club and city championships, or in competitions more distant and difficult, cheers to you. A special shout-out goes to several local women who competed in the National Senior Games in Houston and to Sarah Hoffman who won the Ann Arbor City Tournament, a three-peat!.

Now to the rest of us – the competition-is-torture crowd…

There IS a middle way between competition and no competition. Call it team golf, events in which you work together to achieve a winning golf score. A few of us have just returned from the Western Michigan PGA Pro-Am, a women’s event in Grand Rapids - competing has never been so fun.

WM PGA Pro-Am Format

• 3 amateur women and one golf professional on each team
• Net best ball – on par 5’s, use one best ball with handicap; on par 4’s two balls; on par 3’s, 3 balls
• Women played forward tees

Teamwork is Tantamount
Love that collaborative, fired-up feel, helping each other read putts and cheering each other on. One shot might affect others, dictating caution or a go-for-it approach, so it was strategic too.

The Heat’s (Mostly) Off
One might (just possibly!) blow up on a hole,  but there were teammates – and their better scores - to ease our frustration and preserve our team score.

The Pro’s of Playing with a Pro
We played with Tim Katanski, an assistant golf professional at our club. It was fascinating to observe the focus, routine, and extraordinary play of someone who makes golf his living. And, how beneficial was it to have his input as we made our way around the course? Big. Our dedicated expert!

Now, at a level a universe beyond our own golf ability …
Let’s Talk Teamwork USA
Each year there’s an opportunity to watch team golf in its most rarefied form and patriotic intensity. US Women and Men professional golfers compete with European counterparts in alternate years in the Solheim and Ryder Cups.  US men also compete against an international team less the Europeans, in the biennial President’s Cup in years alternating with the Ryder Cup.

• Solheim Cup –12 US LPGA player-team vs. Europeans at Killeen Castle, Ireland, Sept. 23-25.
  Team includes Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, and Julie Inkster, team player and assistant coach, who will be the oldest player to ever compete at age 51. Catch the action on the Golf Channel.
• President’s Cup - US men vs. International Team (but not the Europeans), Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Australia, November 14-16, 2011. Captain Fred Couples leads e 12 US players in match play.

• Ryder Cup – 2012 seems far away, but it’s actually perfect timing if you are interested in seeing the US men in action against the Europeans. The late September competition will be at Medinah Country Club in Illinois, only a 4.5 hour drive from Ann Arbor (!) Random Draw to determine who may purchase tickets is open now through September 30.

Thinking a 2012 outing with a couple of friends to the Ryder Cup would be a great “team” experience indeed!

Last week during league play, an empty golf cart rolled down the hill and tipped into a bunker. File that under amusing/unexpected/semi-dangerous golf moments – really, the game never fails to entertain.

The runaway got me thinking about smart cart usage …

Who doesn’t love golf carts with their cartoon look and silly beep-beep backups?  Is there anything finer than hopping aboard with your favorite partner, anticipating the hills and thrills of the next few hours?  It’s worth noting though - carts cause much more damage to the course than walkers, and are involved in many serious injuries each year.

BE KIND TO THE COURSE
ALWAYS, AND ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S WET

• Know the local cart rules
  Before beginning a round, ask about the course’s cart rules – they may change daily based on course conditions. Can you drive on the fairway, is the 90 degree rule in effect, etc.

• What IS the 90 degree rule?
  Use cart path until you get parallel to your ball, then enter fairway at 90 degrees. (My friend has her personal interpretation – when it gets to be 90 degrees out, take a cart!!)

• Steer clear of delicate areas of the course.
  Don’t drive:
  - Within hazard boundary lines
  - Close to water hazards or bunkers (unless there’s a path)
  - Over or close to tee boxes
  - Through mud or casual water
  - Close to greens

CARTS SHOULD INCREASE SPEED OF PLAY, NOT HOLD IT UP
Always be thinking how to use the cart efficiently.

• Drive & Drop
  If you and your partner hit balls to different parts of the course, drive to nearest ball, drop off the player with several clubs and proceed to the next ball. Players can be ready more quickly,  and play moves along. Likewise, as you come to the green, you might drop off a player with his wedge and putter while you go park the cart.  Efficiency in all things!

• Be a smart parker.  When you get to the green, park your cart at the back or on the side, positioned so that you can walk off the course and be quickly on your way to the next tee. You will not hold up the players in back of you. Remember – score when you get to the next tee.

BE KIND TO OTHERS

• Carts are noisy. Stop when someone is about to hit the ball. Carts are VERY noisy when going in reverse.

• If you have to drive to another part of the course – say you’ve left a club behind – be very aware of other golfers and where/when they are hitting.

CART SAFETY CAN BE BOILED DOWN TO THREE WORDS - “DON’T BE STUPID”
It’s a day of golf, not Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

The most widespread myth is that when taking relief from a water hazard or an unplayable lie, you may take the ball back on the line of flight.  You may not do that in any circumstance!  Neither rule says anything about “line of flight.”

One of the options under the water hazard rule is to drop behind the hazard - keeping the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped.

The unplayable ball rule has a similar option - to drop a ball behind where the ball lies unplayable, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped.

Jeanne Myers, GAM Assistant Director of Rules & Competitions