Weekly Newsletter - Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 |
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Save the Date
Thank a Superintendent Day is coming fast. On September 23rd, be sure to share your appreciation with the Superintendents who take such great care of the courses we love to play. Special thanks to our own Superintendent, Chris Bruining, who has done an incredible job all season long. Thanks Chris.
To read more about Thank a Superintendent Day, click here
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Let's all do our part and keep the course in excellent condition by trying to fix some extra ball marks this week. |
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Fixing Pitch Marks
We all know about fixing pitch marks; or do we? Watch as Ben Groome gives some pro tips on how to properly repair ball marks, and even shows you how to fix an improperly repaired ball mark days after it has happened. This method may surprise you.
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From the Golf Shop
It is mid September and there is a lot going on! We’ll wrap up the Men’s and Ladies Leagues next week, and we have the SolRyde Cup ladies’ event this weekend, followed by the Master’s on the 26th.
The Men’s Match Plays are still being finalized with one that has just been completed. Congratulations to Dennis Kavanagh on his Gross Match Play victory, winning the final match against Brian Losier.
We’ve sent out some reminders and articles throughout the season that have touched on a wide spectrum of topics. They have generally stimulated some further discussions which is always healthy. In general, the common thread is to promote courteous behaviour towards your fellow members. When we talk about fixing ball marks, or pace of play, or golf carts, etc; these are all to help each member’s experience be a positive one throughout the day. A few conversations this year have revolved around how to play in a group. Meaning, where should I stand, where should I drive my cart, how do I approach rules scenarios, the do’s and don'ts of fast play, etc. That’s a very big topic and much of it depends on who you are playing with. So let’s take a stab at a few, and maybe we’ll roll out some more over the coming weeks.
On The Tee Deck
- Do not stand directly behind the player hitting. Off to the side, generally on the tee deck entrance side, is considered appropriate.
- If you are going to take your ‘one’ practice swing, do not take a divot on that swing. We call that a PSD (Practice Swing Divot). Don’t get a case of the PSD’s, it’s a nasty affliction.
- Refrain from talking to the other player’s ball. Sometimes yelling ‘GO LEFT’ to a ball that is clearly going way right, can get under the players skin. It’s not going to go left.
On The Fairway
- Similar to item 1(a). Off to the side, out of peripheral vision.
- Watch those nasty PSD’s too.
- Walk and talk. No need to delay your shot due to a must hear golf story.
- Yardages. Only give a yardage if requested. I recall seeing three people standing side by side, all with their lasers out, comparing the yardages. I wish we were that good that the 1.3 yard difference mattered.
On The Green
- Watch your shadow, and make sure it doesn’t fall on the other’s line when they are putting. If you’re in a group that has a lighter side, then have some fun with this occasionally, but be prepared for the payback.
- Similar to 1(a), however you should also not stand on the extension of the player’s putt past the hole.
- Pick your feet up when you walk. We have shufflers out there that leave their tracks near the holes which isn’t nice to putt through. Also, bang the sand off your shoes after a bunker shot. It makes you look like a tour player when you do it, and it ensures you don’t track sand all over the green.
Pace of Play
- Good pace of play is important, but don’t let it consume you.
- We’re hearing of some players that are on the gas of the cart during other player’s downswings, or that they are driving and turning so fast that the passengers are tidying up their wills before the round.
- When someone asks you how you played, and you respond ‘2 hours and 45 minutes’, you may have misread the question, and missed the point. Speedy rounds are good, however there may be times where you will need to slow down to a regular pace depending on the day's traffic, and who you are paired with.
- Let faster groups go through. Don’t get too worried about whether or not they will get through the groups ahead of you, just let them go. You’ll all be happier.
- When playing through, don’t take forever and immediately have the ‘slower’ group regret their decision. Speed through, take a big gimme, whatever it takes to reduce the disruption and show that you are thankful that the group let you go.
Well, there are your tips on how to play in a group. We know that golf has a huge inventory of etiquette tips, perspectives, expectations, and so on. It can be difficult to mix those all together amongst 500 members who all have their own ideas, past experiences, and desires. So, please take the above tips as some things to consider when you play your next round.
See you all soon,
Chris McNair
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Booking for the Holidays
It's time to start planning for the Holiday season and there is no better place than your very own Vespra Hills Golf Club. We have come a long way in terms of Covid-19 procedures and are ready to host groups of up to 50 people. All bookings are subject to a full refund in the event of a cancellation due to Covid-19. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Sarah Cowan to inquire about your event today.
email: sarah@vesprahillsgolfclub.com
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