Report

So far, it's looking pretty even.  The first weekend (the one in May) is probably out, but the others all seem to work in general.  I'll give it until the end of a week for votes and then pick one.

Day 181 - 2025-03-30 Got a little work in while the kids were playing their final round(s). Then drove for awhile. I-95 sucks.

Day 8: 3/30/25 After some poor putting yesterday I worked on some distance control drills today along with putting through 50 mm gates.

So I am aware that "the committee is allowed to set its own standards of player conduct in a code of conduct adopted as a local rule" (rule 1.2b) I also understand that there are some aspects that are allowed to be entered, and some that are not allowed.  My question specifically is: In which form does this code of conduct need to be available? Is it enough for someone to say "that's part of our code of conduct", or is it a requirement, that the code of conduct is in written form? Also, is there a need that the local rule points to the code of conduct in any way?   For better understanding: I'm playing competition and the next course that we play has a "no smoking policy". I don't have a problem with it, as I don't smoke anyway, but one of my team-mates does, and someone told him "You'll get disqualified if you smoke on the course".   Now I have looked at their local rules and there is no reference to a "code of conduct". I'm not sure if they even have an official "code of conduct" that states that smoking is not allowed.   I fully agree that he SHOULD respect this request from the club, but I am wondering if the club would really be allowed to DQ this player for this, if it's not properly documented in their local rules/code of conduct?  This is an official national amateur tournament, so not just something organized by a club for its members.

A few months back I purchased the following swing aid on Amazon ($130). It is solidly made of steel and heavy and stable in use. I use it both at the range and at home. Swing Plate Dual PRO by Jamie Brittain - Swing Analyzer Aid - Fits Standard 8mm Alignment Rod Sticks - Teaching Swing Plane Perfector - Indoor/Outdoor Golfing Practice. This winter I set a goal for myself to improve my backswing/downswing to be more consistent and on plane. I had a two way miss with my approach shots this past golf season. I have a hitting set-up in my garage, but I needed something to provide feedback while swinging the club. I came across the Swing Plate while browsing YouTube.   I set it up with the correct angles for my 8 iron. I started out with just the back rod in place, which prevents me from getting too far inside on the backswing. Started out slow and as I got comfortable increased my swing speed. Now I also came across a YouTube video on building a better backswing and getting more width in the backswing and added that to my practice. That video is here:    This video is a bit wordy since you are basically a fly on the wall as Ian gets a lesson. It took a few replays to be able to get the substance of the instruction. It was well worth the effort. Over the last two weeks I have been able to get out on the course and gauge how successful my practice has been. Overall, my consistency with approach shots has improved greatly. Incorporating the added width in my swing has also added a few yards to all my clubs.  What has your off-season training been like?