In last week's issue of GolfWeek, James Achenbach breaks the news that the USGA and the R&A are set to bust up one of the dumbest rules in modern-day golf: rule 14-3b, the "range finder rule."
The rule currently prohibits a player from using "any artificial device or unusual equipment for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions which might affect his play." This includes range finders, which are artificial measuring devices.
The stupidity of this rule was, of course, not always evident. Golf existed long before yardage markers and yardage books. However, with many courses publishing yardage books or marking sprinkler heads, the rule has become long in the tooth.
As Tiger Woods separates himself from the field at the British Open, I pay tribute to something they call a "trolley" across the pond. Though we call them "pull carts" or "push carts" here in the States, trolleys are a staple in the home of golf - a way to relieve players of the burden of carrying clubs without the necessity of a caddie.
I own a pair of Oakleys that are so old I can't even figure out what model they are (I think they're similar to the Fives 2.0 series). Anyway, I have kept them for so long because I can't seem to find another pair that will take their place. I love their gold iridium lenses and it seems that no other company makes something similar (or as good).
We all know the routine. It's fairly well ingrained in every decent golfer, and it goes a little something like this:
When I was a kid playing high school golf, I was content to pick up my ball on the greens, spit on it, rub it clean, wipe my hands on my pants, and putt out. As I've grown older (and had to launder my own clothing), I've become a bit more particular about where I wipe my hands. Carrying around a little towel - or unclipping your regular towel 18 times per round - can be a bit of a hassle.
Hey there. Got a second? I'd like to ask you a quick question: How do you tell where your club hit the ball on a mis-hit?
Throughout my years of golfing, I've developed a system. Tees and and coins in one pocket, pencil and ball mark repair tool in other. If I put my pencil in with the tees, well, it's hard to tell the difference quickly, and the same can be said of mixing repair tool and coin. If I'm thirsty at the turn and only have three quarters, well, it's PowerAde or ball markers for the back nine. PowerAde usually wins out.
For the past ten years, I've used a Titleist stand bag I purchased with my winnings in a golf tournament when I was 17. The Titleist worked well - and worked particularly well after I replaced its single strap with a dual strap from 
