Author: Alan Olson

Pace of Play – The Courses Reply

Golf course operators have to put up with this slow play nonsense as well.

Throwing Darts We have spent the last week addressing what may be the number one issue in golf today – the insane amount of time required to play a round of golf. It is all too common to spend five or six hours on a course. That’s just way too long. Is it feasible however to have a four-hour round (or even less)? Do pace-of-play policies work and if so, how are they enforced? To answer these questions we thought we would ask the people who have to deal with this on a daily basis.

Today’s quick interview features two guests: Robert Clark, Director of Golf Operations for The Architects Golf Club located in Lopatcong, NJ and Tim Kuebelbeck, Director of Golf for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board who oversees seven courses located throughout the city of Minneapolis, MN.

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Volume Ninety-Six

Global warming will not end civilization as we know it, the six hour round will first.

Scott Verplank won the Byron Nelson, Silvia Cavalleri held off Lorena Ochoa at the Corona Morelia Championship, and a few guys are miffed about Phil Mickelson skipping the pro-am last week.

All important, but we have bigger fish to fry: curbing the proliferation of slow play at a golf course near you. So quit pacing off your yardages, pick up that fourth putt, and remember that your pre-shot routine does not have to last longer than any of The Lord of the Rings movies.

This week we have some causes and cures and an etiquette refresher to speed up your round and make it more enjoyable.

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Volume Ninety-Five

Watney wins in Louisiana, Phil adds to his coaching staff and the cure for the banana ball.

Yet another Nationwide Tour graduate takes his winning ways to the big leagues.

This week we have a recap of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Phil gets another coach, and we explore a cure for your banana ball.

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Andy Thompson – Totally Driven Golf

Andy Thompson of Totally Driven Golf gives us his opinion on square drivers, golf fitness, and the myth of cast versus forged clubs.

Throwing DartsAndy Thompson is the owner of Totally Driven Golf based in Oakdale, MN. Totally Driven is an all-in-one golf facility that incorporates a complete analysis of your golf game, including club fitting and repair, instruction, and a fitness assessment conducted by a Titleist Performance Institute certified trainer.

Totally Driven uses the latest in golf fitting technology to ensure your equipment is tailored specifically to you. Putter fittings include technology from Science and Motion Golf and the Edel Putting Fitting System while full-swing analysis uses launch monitors and the K-Vest.

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Volume Ninety-Four

Mother Nature is the real number one golfer in the world.

Well, productivity will take a hit in corporate America as the final round of the PGA Tour’s Verizon Heritage will be played today due to some atmospheric circulation on Sunday. Also, just what the heck is going on at the LPGA Tour the last few weeks? You do not want to be the leader going into the Sunday round.

This week we have a recap of the Verizon Heritage (sort of), the collapse at the Ginn Open, and needy Sergio.

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Off-Season Series – Putting

Who says a putting practice mat has to be flat and boring?

The Off-Season Series is practically over as the temperatures have reached the 70s in my home state (it feels great to hit a bucket outside!). That doesn’t mean I can’t tempt you with some great indoor options to practice your putting on those rainy spring days.

One facet of my game that I have spent more time over this past winter than in years past is on my putting. I spent most of 2006 looking for a new putter and after testing many different models, I finally decided upon a Scotty Cameron Studio Style Newport 2 (although I am now tempted by the new Circa 62s with the charcoal mist that Jack described in a Bag Drop column).

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Volume Ninety-Three

Zach Johnson, Masters Champion. Has a nice ring to it.

Hittin' the LinksThe kid from Cedar Rapids, Iowa showed some big heart and deft putting down the stretch as he carded a final-round 69 to win the coveted green jacket at the 2007 Masters Tournament.

This week we have recaps of the Masters, the Masters, and the Masters.

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Volume Ninety-Two

The 18th at Redstone claims a few more victims to it’s watery grave.

Hittin' the LinksThe group of Adam Scott, Stuart Appleby, and Jeff Maggert looked like me and my playing buddies during the final round as, one after another, they deep-sixed their golf balls on #18.

This week we have a recap of the Shell Houston Open, a meltdown at the Kraft Nabisco, and what Phil is serving for dinner at the Masters.

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Volume Ninety-One

Tiger wins, Sergio spits and the LPGA bans testosterone.

Hittin' the LinksIf Sergio was as accurate with his putter as he is with his spit, he probably would have a few more victories by now.

This week we have a recap of the WGC CA Championship, the LPGA’s banned substances list, and Gary McCord dishes on life after the Masters.

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