burr

Excellent post, adjusted rules to keep the young and us not so gifted that may not play to handicap tournament golf but love the golf environment and occasional 'tv shot'.

this is first few lines of my 2020 goals; can't seem to do it properly (I didn't see any little plus sign but I did copy and paste) My goals are to improve score through more time on the course. I hope to play more and different local courses, and this will mean either solo or pick up some partners from the past. I've been trying to hook up with these good ole friends from last century and only been able to a couple times. 2020 goals were to spend more time on the course. I feel that will bring down my score avg and increase enjoyment. My playing partner (that brought me back to the game) cannot play as much as I need so I started playing at least one round a week by myself to get on-course practice. After a while, that gets a little old but still good for my game; I might hit a shot twice, mostly second shots. I also finally hooked up with golf buddies from way past and now play on several of the really nice courses with old friends. This added time on course has improved my scores (and additionally added new specialized type clubs). But last week, I was brought back down to earth as I actually could not finish a round (thru 12) due to my back problems returning; I had been getting 'uncomfortable' for a little while but denied the golf connection. So I have been resting the last 2 weeks and now am pain-free again which tells me it's not the light work I have taken up but the golf. Seems I may have to be satisfied with certain limitations and re-set some goals but I'm not quitting; it has been such a pleasure getting out on a golf course like I do. I really appreciate it nowaday and enjoy the whole picture. My home course is in very much isolation from the world and sometime, I never cross another group, no houses, total quiet... (so different from some of the stories I've seen here) I am still searching for a new used set of irons - with graphite shafts and other changes in club set-up designed to keep us ole farts in the game. Arthritis is a b*tch.

Well sure but you were the one talking of selling the putter. If you're selling a Ping putter, I think you'd get better $$ if it had a Ping grip. I got a very slightly oversized Ping pistol grip for my PingZing2 (from the stock wrapped grip) and it helps greatly. Good tacky rubber that still has the feel. Shop did not carry any jumbo type that I was curious to and I'm not sure if Ping offers them.

re-grip with a Ping grip and you'll get better money for it.

My playing partner is a little older, a lot less serious about the game. So we play the 'reds' and it changes the game, the course. I love it because I can play a hole like the bigboys on tv - driver - wedge, or driver - 9 iron, par 5s possible hitting green in two almost always around the collar or hole high. It actually more consistently puts the hazards back into play for me. I also have hooked back up with some friends from the old days, when we played in our 20s-30s, persimmon days into the days of the first conversions to steel woods and cavity backs. Everybody is mid to late 60s nowaday and these guys are still insisting on the whites on some courses, gold (srs.) on most though. and I can't play for score. I like the shorter course mainly because it is easier on my old body, not as much struggle, not as many long shots out of rough or deep rough conditions, not as many penalty shots. I do score 8-10 shots better and of course a lot faster rounds. ... never would have thought of this alternative without this site.

Normally, that area is maybe a passing thru area to the restrooms/concessions and at the base of a billboard like scoreboard that is pretty much useless to spectators because it is 10 or more feet below the #3 green surface.

first photos for me; hope they take. I don't know about the National but I've got these twenty minutes away today. (azaleas)

Tee to green is as nice as it gets, relatively no rough or penalizing type lies, as long as shots go to a spot (if you can do that). Green speeds make less difference at Augusta, it's the undulations that take control. If you get a veteran caddie, listen to him and it makes you look like a pro. Without him, you're toasted.

Very recently a thread was started here about PingEye2 iron sets and subject was some folk (experienced players) were seeking out these clubs to play AGAIN. I have played Eye2 irons for many years, now on my second set as the first set was stolen. As old as this design is, people have always got good memories and respect for these clubs. and you can find sets for $100 or less ALL DAY LONG. Buy a set, re-grip, and he's set up - to see if he likes the game. With the difference from buying sets suggested, you have $$ for that driver and putter (these clubs will be more per each than a couple sets of Eye2s). and a bag. Be sure to put new 'velvet' grips on the properly fit clubs (according to the Ping site) and your son will have the best starter set he could find - and he may just play them for years to come. You know, you're Ping. PS - I had been planning on a new set of irons just because but when I tuck one up close from 100 or 150 yards, I forget about it. I am shopping putters tho.

I hope so but its been hotter'n hell down here (Aug area) last couple months. Too hot for me to play

The Masters should be a real treat this year. Since no patrons, there will be no concession areas (where many gather), only a few of the bigger scoreboards, no signage, no grandstands, no crosswalks to get all beat up and HOPEFULLY NO ROPES lining the holes. Amen Corner. It'll be as the members see it and BobbyJones envisioned - golf holes cut out amongst the 100ft Ga pines. Teeboxes with nobody to crowd around within just feet of the shot, greens with all the surrounding grounds - it should be a sight - CBS has been doing it forever and it'll be new to them. It's been a pleasure to watch these tournaments with 'no fans'in this condition already. Seems like a different place in some of the angles. Dang tv towers. Normally, the course opens mid late October thru mid late May, closed during the heat of the region. Crew should be going thru the normal cycle of getting the course ready. Except not having to put up with stuff like cable or fiber being put under ground in new places or the erecting the temporary stuff.

Seniors play on courses that pga does not. Still very nice top notch usually resort type courses. Tigers' got a yacht to take care of when he turns 50. And he already has to cut back for physical problems. That full turn is a challenge when things tighten up. And I almost forgot about jr. (CharleyWoods)

He definitely shows there is more than one way to swing a hammer. And he can hammer the ball.

I do enjoy watching players closer to my age although I am older than most of them nowaday. I especially love to watch KennyPerry play. He has cut back drastically but was a factor in this major last weekend.

Reports of using a longer putter to take some strain off the lower back; lve not seen how much difference the newer putter is in length, I wonder kinda selfishly since my back restricts my freedom s, especially later in the round.

Now THAT is what keeps me coming back, great shot !

with four straight pars and hittin last, I'd a had to say - 'Dang boys, hope I didn't hold yall up too bad !'

My main interest in watching was to see the famed Seminole Golf Course, not the golf involved; so much hype about the course all week. And it is a beautiful setting. I understand the design had to work with what they had but I'm fairly amazed at the closeness of all holes from green to next teebox. I suppose play does not get too backed up on an ultra elite course such as Seminole but I also betcha they's some ducking going on with the errant shots during normal golfing days. they seemed to be fairly prompt except for deciding who was 'away' on second shots.

So anybody keep a clock on how long it takes 4pros to walk a flat tract? DJ seemed to play ready golf tee to green.

Been playing same course since this life has changed but also have had a mild winter and been playing thru the times too. We have used the pool noodle (not the raised cup) and it seems to be a perfect solution, no complaints. But I now realize (or have adapted) that playing with the flag in makes no difference after you get used to it and if conditions ever go back, I'll probably not pull a flag again. It seems I actually focus better and maybe judge the distance better, or something. Flag has not come into play at any time so far, probably 12 or more rounds at least. One weirdness about leaving the flag in is when your putt aligns perfectly with the shadow cast by the stick. Windy conditions may be a small distraction too but not much effect on the stroke, to me anyway. and it speeds play noticeably.

Played last Thursday and hit it really good, have a 2:10 today. No rakes etc, one per cart, unbelievable weather and the course is greening up nicely. All courses open down here, it's just not as many folks down here I reckon.

I would think it has plenty weight on the toe ?

It is rye grass overseeded in the turf. And that is one reason early spring is the only time you will get the Masters.

I don't know if this stuff gets national attention. Good neighbors - and they donate locally after the headlines each year too. https://www.northaugustastar.com/news/augusta-national-masters-donating-2-million-in-response-to-covid-19/article_8360cf7f-1296-5f83-9eb0-7e49a51c9d6c.html

With driver, I pick a spot 8 or 10 ft out and generally align with slight left-center fairway. Putting, I seem to forget to pick the spot to putt to and take a distance left or right of cup (like half a cup). This is not working for me and I cannot seem to change my routine but that's my goal for this season. My favorite shots, irons to the green, I thought that I could set up, pay attention to alignment and be inline. Well, this past week, my partner informed me that I was consistently lined up left, enough to be 10 ft left of the green. and it felt right lined up when I adjusted but flew straight at it.