Welcome to The Sand Trap!

Felt like I was hacking the ball around on Monday, but in the end, shot a 78. Yesterday's round was a ho-um 75. 2 birdies, 12 pars, 3 bogeys, and 1 double. On the tee in an hour.

The calendar says that today’s the 13th.  So, the specific Rules for Putting Greens are our focus for today. What’s new for 2019? The two biggest changes are: DAMAGE ON THE PUTTING GREEN A player may repair almost any damage on the putting green or to the hole. (Note: Natural surface blemishes or imperfections resulting from normal greenskeeping practices may not be repaired.) (R13.1c) FLAGSTICK MAY BE LEFT IN If, as a result of a stroke made from anywhere on or off the putting green, a player's ball strikes an unattended flagstick, they must play the ball as it lies. No penalty. (R13.2a & b) First, the Definition: Putting Green - The area on the hole the player is playing that: Is specially prepared for putting, or the Committee has defined as the putting green (such as when a temporary green is used). The putting green for a hole contains the hole into which the player tries to play a ball. The putting green is one of the five defined areas of the course. The putting greens for all other holes (which the player is not playing at the time) are wrong greens and part of the general area. The edge of a putting green is defined by where it can be seen that the specially prepared area starts (such as where the grass has been distinctly cut to show the edge), unless the Committee defines the edge in a different way (such as by using a line or dots). If a double green is used for two different holes: The entire prepared area containing both holes is treated as the putting green when playing each hole. But the Committee may define an edge that divides the double green into two different putting greens, so that when a player is playing one of the holes, the part of the double green on the side of the edge that is used for the other hole is a wrong green. ***************************** Rule 13 - Putting Greens Purpose of Rule: Rule 13 is a specific Rule for putting greens. Putting greens are specially prepared for playing the ball along the ground and there is a flagstick for the hole on each putting green, so certain different Rules apply than for other areas of the course. 13.1 Actions Allowed or Required on Putting Greens Purpose of Rule: This Rule allows the player to do things on the putting green that are normally not allowed off the putting green, such as being allowed to mark, lift, clean and replace a ball and to repair damage and remove sand and loose soil on the putting green. There is no penalty for accidentally causing a ball or ball-marker to move on the putting green. 13.2 The Flagstick Purpose of Rule: This Rule covers the player’s choices for dealing with the flagstick. The player may leave the flagstick in the hole or have it removed (which includes having someone attend the flagstick and remove it after the ball is played), but must decide before making a stroke. There is normally no penalty if a ball in motion hits the flagstick. What are the parts of Rule 13? 13.1 Actions Allowed or Required on Putting Greens 13.2 The Flagstick 13.3 Ball Overhanging Hole https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules/rules-2019/rules-of-golf/rules-and-interpretations.html#!ruletype=fr&section=rule&rulenum=13 Interpretations for Rule 13: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules/rules-2019/rules-of-golf/rules-and-interpretations.html#!ruletype=interp&section=rule&rulenum=13

Here is something that comes to mind with many swings methods I see when it comes to the coaches, teachers, and most simply those trying to help other golfers, etc. BTW, I appreciate teachers, coaches, etc., so don't take offense. There is something to be said about those that have hit thousands of golf balls with any swing method as well as what they learn through teaching and playing. At some point our bodies and minds will "get it." I don't teach golf, but when I teach and practice other things I learn more because I teach myself as well. I believe that is why different swing methods work because of what each person has learned to do. Ever notice how one says do this, do that, and yet that all disagree with each other? I know when I go to my personal practice area and hit balls with understanding in mind, I simply play better because I hit better, no matter what swing I use whether it is a planned stage swing, single plane, easy swing, whatever you want to call it. From what I can tell there is no special secret(s) about the golf swing, but learning and doing in a certain manner or method if you prefer will produce outcome. My point is, after watching tons of golf videos, the true constant that I have observed proven out over and over again is because it is still hitting tons of balls and constant practice that inevitably produces the results. Am I wrong or missing something here? To me, a swing that is easy on my body and minimal tension will make for an overall better golf game and would be the best one to pursue, no matter all the secrets, tips, etc. You golfers have any thoughts?

Every once in a while Mickelson’s true character peeks out. It is amusing to watch all those who have bought his career long b.s. become confused by it all. The signs are there. People just ignore them because ... smiley face.

I've always found it easier to play sports when the ball is moving as well. I used to play volleyball for school as well as squash and football (proper footie, not that American one where you carry the ball ). I dont know why but i always found it easier to hit or kick the ball well. With golf where the ball isn't moving and I'm pretty much static i always found it tough to make good contact. I'm hoping the JV swing not only protects my kidneys but helps me be consistent.