We are all going to have a little studying to do before January 1. This information comes from a reliable source. I promise. If you would like, I can send you the link. My plan is to feed you little bits at a time to chew on. Let me know if you have any questions.

Dropping procedure
How to drop a ball

New rule: The only requirement is for the player to
hold the ball above the ground without it touching any
growing thing or other natural or artificial object, and
let it go so that it falls through the air before coming
to rest. To avoid any doubt, it is recommended that
the ball be dropped from at least one inch above the
ground or any growing thing or object.

The 27,000 PGA of America Club Pros were offered a chance to chime in on a survey on the ball distance issue.

Bob M voted just the opposite on all three counts. I would like to know what you think.

Below is a part of the letter we got back with the results.

______________________

Last week,  more than 7,500 of PGA Professionals responded to our survey, developed in conjunction with the National Golf Foundation, asking for feedback on the topic of distance in the game of golf. Please see the results below:

Question 1 – 68% of those PGA Professionals DO NOT believe that increases in distance are detrimental to the health of the game.

Question 2 – 81% believe that advances in golf ball technology have been BENEFICIAL to our efforts to grow the game.

Question 3 – 70% would OPPOSE a rollback of the golf ball.

Thanks again,

Paul K. Levy, PGA of America
President

Yesterday was extraordinary for me at the San Diego Yacht Club. I visited a couple of my students who have become really close friends. Chris Doolittle and Ben Mitchell just happen to also be world class sail boat racers. Each invited me to join them on the final prep day for the San Diego to Puerto Vallarta (80 hours approx.) race.

I had never been close up at a world class (non golf) sporting event. I was allowed onto both boats: the Peligroso and the Pyewacket. High tech, but with almost no creature comforts. I toured as they talked about the boat’s features, and told entertaining stories one after another.

I will probably be coming back to you with more on my experience and how it will be influencing my coaching for the rest of my life, but for now let me mention a couple of things that were painfully obvious.

These guys were prepared and organized. I want you to ask yourself two questions in regard to your golf, “How prepared am I really?” and “How organized am I?”

Open ocean sailing means no down time. At this level teams pretend that the finish line is a mile away at all times. They are pushing for speed the whole time. Obviously, it is extremely dangerous as well.

By contrast, golf is tame and safe. You are probably not going to die if something goes wrong and you certainly are not going to end up in a life raft out there in the cold, and wet, and wind, and dark.

These outdoorsmen have more at stake than we do. It’s admirable.

Here is what I want to know. How would you prepare for golf and how would you organize if your life was a bit stake.

For one thing, Chris and Ben bring in professionals to help.

If you are taking lessons at Sycuan, you can check that box.

And we thank you.

I did not see the playoff at the “Bob Hope” referred to Click Here with Mr. Curtis Strange commenting on the contenders’ behavior last week.

Pros need to be entertaining and fun to watch. I get that the tour players are playing for great fame and fortune. There is a lot at stake. However, the killer attitude thing doesn’t completely work for me.

I have always been a big fan of gracious professionalism. Think Trevino and Chi Chi. These two–and others from a bygone era–were less spoiled. They understood that the gallery was the reason for the luxuries they enjoy. Phil sets a great example as well, interacting and making eye contact. It’s awesome.

One of our Members is Dan Sivadge. Dan is the Golf Channel Sr. National Champion and played in the US Sr Am in 2017. He is a man eater when he is over the ball, but the most fun unselfish person in the world in between shots.

I disagree with you Curtis. There is a better way to be while you tear the other person’s heart out.

If nothing else, think about the kids in the gallery. They are impressionable and will be mimicking their heroes. Those young gallery members need to learn about proper manners. They need to see adults acting more like good sports and less like warriors filled with hate.

I would love a glance, or a nod, or a smile and to be treated to a little love from the players.  Wouldn’t you?

If kindness is your king, heaven will be yours before you meet your end.  –Dave Matthews