March Update

The big melt is on in earnest. First I hope it doesn’t lead to more significant flooding. I also hope it means that the opening of our golf season is just around the corner. I know the 6 foot pile in my front yard won’t go away anytime soon but I can already see some of the golf course peeking through. After a couple of rounds on vacation I can’t wait to get after it here at home.

Well of course Rory won the Player’s on St. Patrick’s day but how about the old guy making him work for it! I do find myself cheering for certain players when I watch but it’s usually the journeyman or rookie and yes occasionally Tiger in his comeback. I was full on talking to the TV on Sunday watching Furyk’s putt on 17 defy gravity and nearly fell off the couch when he did his best Gary Player impression with the step through swing on the stuffed approach to 18. And while we’ve seen him emotional before with his Father’s Day wins it was stirring to see how much the effort meant to him and his family.

I have to admit I’m getting tired of hearing “professionals” complain about the Rules. It’s starting to feel like every other professional sport. Does Web Simpson have a point about intent? Sure, but it’s not a new Rule. Intent is a critical component of the definition of a stroke. Does whining about it during the post round interview help? Probably not. Hopefully the message from “the commish” will quiet things down a bit. What is a new Rule is the accidental movement of the ball has been de-criminalized in most other instances including stepping on it during a search or inadvertently causing the ball to move on the putting green. Being absolved of your sins while searching makes sense as it speeds up play when players aren’t tip toeing through the rough. Did they overachieve on the putting green however? I get that the player shouldn’t be held responsible for a ball that moves all on it’s own and I’m happy with Rule (13.1d) that says if you’ve lifted your ball and replaced it you are entitled to that putt even if it moves on it’s own later. I never felt good about seeing a penalty incurred simply because the player took their stance or grounded the club. Where I have an issue is in treating similar situations differently. A player that accidentally moves their ball on the putting green now gets to say “oops” and replace the ball without penalty but if the same thing happens anywhere else (except the tee) the player would be penalized. I believe they underachieved by not removing the penalty for accidentally moving a ball everywhere, which is what Simpson wants. Either way they should be treated the same making it easy to remember. So back to my earlier question. Does Simpson have a point? Sure, and hopefully these modernized Rules will continue to evolve.

Welcome to new members since we last got together in October.

Jeremy Peterson of Lakeville – Sarazen

Adam Locketz of Woodbury – Palmer

William Brown of Minneapolis – Hogan

Josh Bennett of Maplewood – Palmer

Greg Gebert of Apple Valley – Sr. Palmer

Tanner Jandro of Faribault – Hogan (grandson of Steve Oborn)

Barry Wadsworth of Minneapolis – Sarazen

As you hit the practice domes, simulators and eventually the range at your favorite course please remember to take the opportunity to let those you meet know about the Am Tour. It never hurts to ask, “are you interested in competitive golf?”.

Here’s hoping we get outside before “A tradition unlike any other, the Masters”!

Good luck to those playing in an upcoming Major.

Steven Holland - Red River Shootout at Winstar

Steve Buan and Jeff McVay - Western Amateur at PGA West

Mike Kelley, Jeff Loeffler, Warren Ferber and Amy Bauch - National Preview at PGA National

We are less than 2 weeks away from opening registration for our local tournaments. Take a look at our schedule and block out those dates on your calendar so you don't miss any of the fun.

Think Spring!