firecracker

Course Name : Golf Course at Mansion Ridge Course Website : www.mansionridgegc.com Course Style : Nicklaus course, lots of high grass, ball never level w/feet Regular Tee Yardage / Rating / Slope : 6,134 (middle of 5 tee boxes)/70.5/133 Regular Tee Average Score : 95-100 Forward Tee Yardage / Rating / Slope : 4,785/63.8/115 Forward Tee Predicted Score (Aggressive Round) : 89 Forward Tee Predicted Score (Conservative Round) :85 The only time I broke 90 was at a 5,300 yard course - it was very exciting. I'm looking forward to breaking 90 again.

I'm a high handicapper but play as close to the rules as possible with two exceptions. One, if I'm playing alone and my approach is short, I don't run up and pull the flagstick - I just putt. If I miss, then I'll pull the flagstick for the second and subsequent putts. Second, if I lose a ball that is clearly inbounds I drop where I think I should be and add 2 strokes. Going back isn't practical with a crowded course and taking a provisional on every drive is ridiculous. That's why I like playing partners. I can ignore both of these exceptions.

If you post a score for handicap purposes, assuming you decide not to look for your original ball, I think you use the rule for an incomplete hole: strokes taken plus estimated number of strokes to complete the hole, subject to ESC max. For example if the missing ball is shot # 2 on a par 4, you have taken 2 shots, plus 2 penalty strokes for playing the wrong ball plus a penalty stroke for the lost ball that you would have taken for the long walk back to re-hit shot # 2. Say you think you'll take 3 more strokes to hole out - you post an 8 unless ESC makes you post a lower score. I think!

I live in about an hour NW of NYC and I'd like to get my clubs fitted. I am looking for a place to take my existing clubs (of which I have plenty) and fit them - I do NOT want to buy new clubs. A golf store will fit you but they expect you to buy clubs. I don't need clubs - just ask my wife! Any suggestions?

Yes! I like the fact that I can map parts of my course of importance to me. For example, on a dogleg, I map the distance to the "corner" of the dogleg so my second shots have a chance of reaching but not overshooting the corner. The price (free) is right and the guy who runs it is very helpful. The only thing it doesn't do is automatically calculate shot distance. But that is easy to work around.

If you have a PDA, Blackberry, etc. go to www.Golftraxx.com I mapped my course and it is terrific, as well as free!

As an alternative, borrow some wedges and see which ones work for you. Maybe your pro has some demos. Or, purchase some used ones from a golf store. I am a high handicapper and carry P, G, S, L and I'm considering an XL. A lot depends on your comfort and the nature of the courses you play.

I'm a CPA/Financial Planner. My clients consider me their "financial consigliere"