January 2011: Editors' Blog: Golf Digest

What happened to the U.S. Open Contest---and other questions

Monday, January 31, 2011 Comments

We get many questions from you each week, some of which we can answer. Here are four recent ones.

I really liked the Golf Digest US Open Contest the past three years and I was wondering if there was any chance that Golf Digest would bring this back next year? I understand there may have been a lot of feedback about what happened last year...ratings/etc. But we still want to see an amatuer break 100 on a US Open course that has been prepared for the pros. What are the chances of Golf Digest brining this back?

Anthony Castelbuono

Anthony, I'm not sure we'll ever do the US Open Contest exactly as we have in the past--we think the point was made that a 10-handicap can NOT break 100 on a U.S. Open set-up-- but we hope to do something like it in the future. However, we will take this year off. In the meantime, if you'd like to play a major-championship site under major conditions and see if you can break 100, check out Kiawah Resort's Ocean Course promotion. That Pete Dye design will host the 2012 PGA Championship. In August of this year, 12 months prior to the event, visitors will be able to play the Ocean under conditions identical to those of the PGA Championship. Having played the course recently, we'd suggest you leave extra time for that round from the tips.

Why is there not an "app" available for iPad so we can download an electronic magazine rather than have a monthly subsription? If there is an app for the mag please point me in the right direction.

Samuel Russell, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Golf Digest released its Hot List app for the iPad last week. It covers this year's Hot List and a lot more--instruction, video interviews with top players, etc. You'll find the app in the iTunes store. We'll also produce an app devoted to our April Masters issue. Again, it will be available in the iTunes store. As for subscriptions via the iPad, we're not there, but certainly hope to be in the near future. We'll keep you posted.

In your article Perception vs. Reality, you write that a stroke is the forward movement of the club with the intent is striking the ball. What if you start forward with the intent but stop before making contact as Tiger does sometimes when a camera clicks in during his swing?

Tom Newman

At the point that Tiger, or you, decide to stop your swing, the intent changes; you're no longer trying to hit the ball, and it's not a stroke. However, if you can't stop and hit the ball anyway, add 1 shot.

When two or more golfers have the same score, what determines the ranking on the scoreboard?

Joseph Gasser

Usually the first player to record the score goes on the scoreboard first. Pairings based on score are similarly affected. If players A, B and C all stand at two-under par going into the final round, and players B and C recorded those scores first, they will be paired together in the final group.

Thanks for your questions. Keep them coming.

Bob Carney

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How should LPGA treat teenagers?

Friday, January 21, 2011 Comments

One might forgive Mike Whan, a man trying to promote LPGA golf with a limited number of American events to do it, if he made the rash decision of doubling sponsor exemptions for 15-year-old star Alexis Thompson. But after taking his time to deliberate, Whan did the wise (and we think right) thing by denying her request. At the same time, he left the door open for Thompson and other teenage phenoms. They can play their way in. What opened Monday qualifiers to non-LPGA members, giving Thompson that second option. Our readers liked the decision.

Michael Whan has made the perfect decision regarding Alexis Thompson's application for more tournament play. She is just 16 years old and, hopefully, has many years of great golf ahead of her. I was sorry she elected to turn pro so early but Whan has given her the opportunity for more pro golf without setting an unfortunate precedent.

Elsie Ahrend, Princeton NJ

One reader embarked on a different question regarding teenage golfers. The reference in Golf World's Bunker section in the January 17 issue to Polly Riley, an amateur who beat Louise Suggs to win the Tampa Open in 1950, but of course could take no prize money because she was an amateur.

Imagine a young Polly today--superb golfer, high school graduate at age 14, poor as a church mouse, and too young for college, her mother said. The current Rules of Amateur Status make [room for] generous financial allowances for juniors, permitting outside financial help to [participate in] amateur events. Polly would not qualify. The rule reads: junior golfer is an amateur golfer who has not reached (i) the September 1 following graduation from secondary school or (ii) his 19th birthday. USGA Executive Director David Fay said in 1996, "When we liberalized the expense rule for juniors we recognized that a very, very small number of players would be [adversely] affected." I propose a "Polly Riley Exception" in the name of rewarding excellence and avoiding the temptation not to graduate.

Shirley Durham, USGA Jr. Girls Comm. Ret.

This sounds like a reasonable proposal to us, as did Mike Whan's decision on teenager Thompson.

Bob Carney

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How Billy Joe Patton taught one reader about grain

Friday, January 21, 2011 Comments

Bill Fields' Golf World piece on the great amateur Billy Joe Patton, who died New Year's Day who and was remembered for his performance in the 1954 Masters, brought back for one North Carolina reader a memory of competing against Patton a few years after that.

Thanks to Bill Fields for his article on Billy Joe Patton. Having grown up in North Carolina, I knew Billy Joe quite well and was saddened to hear of his passing. He was not only a wonderful golfer, but a real student of the game and a gentleman.

As a teenager, I was paired against Billy Joe in the 1957 Carolinas Amateur at the Forest Lake Club in Columbia, S.C. Forest Lake is a wonderful old club but like most southern golf courses, had very grainy Bermuda greens. I had a 2-footer on No. 6 to go 3 up and the putt squirted off to the right...not touching the hole. Billy Joe looked at me and said, "Bob, you don't know anything about grain do you"? I meekly said, "I don't guess so." Billy Joe said, "I will tell you when the match is over." Naturally, I was "done" and he beat me on the 17th hole. After we shook hands, Billy Joe explained to me what grain was ! Billy Joe was a great man and competitor. Bob Galloway, Chapel Hill NC

The lesson took and stuck. Bob Galloway's lengthy competitive career included victories as late as the 1994 Carolinas Senior Four-Ball.

Bob Carney

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Reform yourself, media: Treat Tiger like a normal player!

Sunday, January 16, 2011 Comments

As we embark on the new season and await the appearance of the game's once-dominant player, one reader suggests that the media, like Tiger, turn over a new leaf.

Tiger's scandal and what it cost the PGA Tour is a result of what the media had done over the years Tiger has played on the tour. If he plays, then he is always the lead story and so over-covered that no one knows or sees what other golfers are doing. I found it refreshing this year to see many golfers that I would not have seen if Tiger was playing. Even if he is well off the pace, TV shows his every move. Treat him like every other golfer and show them according to their position in the tournament. When he isn't playing all the media seems to focus on is the fact that he is not playing. That kills ticket sales and discourages sponsors, etc. You didn't do this when Nicklaus was playing and the tour flourished. If Tiger isn't playing then his name should never be mentioned and if he is playing badly, the same; focus on those who are playing well. Accentuate the positives, not the negatives.

Norman Parker, Peachtree City GA

Ironically, Mr. Parker, Tiger's absence, and the fact that he is not considered dominant these days--the suspense of learning whether he will, indeed ever be "back"--only heightens the media's fixation on him. I can't believe you'll see a lessening of focus on him, whether he's winning or not.

Bob Carney

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Reader: How to make Face-On Putting even better

Sunday, January 16, 2011 Comments

Gary McCord's story on Face-On putting--used by the great Sam Snead, but by few players these days--generated several letters, but only this one from Hawaii had some instruction of its own. McCord's story was part of January's Golf Digest Fun Issue.

I enjoyed Gary McCord's article re: Face-On putting. I have been utilizing this putting style for several years and it has solved my yips. I have two suggestions that I would like to share: First, try a longer putter. I use one that comes to my lower chest, less strain on your back. Second, try the right foot back and the left forword. I find on longer putts my swing is hampered by my right thigh.

Robert Kneisley, Honolulu HI

Thanks, Robert. We'll get Gary's take on your suggestions.

Bob Carney

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Correction: PGA rainsuit partnership clarified

Thursday, January 13, 2011 Comments

An item on the Local Knowledge blog on Wednesday incorrectly suggested that Sunice had been chosen to supply the United States Ryder Cup team with its rainwear for the 2012 matches.

Sunice has been chosen as an official Licensed Product Partner for the 2011 and 2012 PGA Championship, as well as the 2012 Ryder Cup, but an outfitter for the U.S. team hasn’t been chosen yet. We regret the error.

-- The Editors

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Reader: You're wrong about that rule!

Monday, January 10, 2011 Comments

The debate and discussion around the Camilo Villegas' disqualification in Hawaii is an apt occasion to print a challenge by a New Mexico reader to a recent Golf Digest Rules page. (You see, we get challenged by "viewers" all the time). The answer to question about bending or breaking branches while taking one's stance drew this rebuke:

Question No. 4 asks, If your ball is next to a bush, are you penalized for backing into the bush, bending and breaking several branches? Your answer is "No, it is OK to follow the least intrusive course of action in taking your stance. It's OK to bend, move or break anything that's growing or fixed (Decision 13-2/1)." But Rule 13-2/1 states a player must not improve his lie or allow it to be improved by any of the following actions. Bullet point 2: "moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed." The answer should be, "Yes, you will be penalized for backing into a bush, bending and breaking several branches."

Skip Haines, Placitas, New Mexico

We asked Ron Kaspriske, editor of the Rules page, to respond:

Sorry it took so long to get back to you, but I’ve been out of town. To answer your question, it is permissible to bend or break branches in the process of fairly taking your stance. The word “fairly” is explained in detail in Decision 13-2/1 and goes on to say it allows the player to do “what is reasonably necessary” to take a stance. This includes backing into a branch, even if it causes the branch to bend of break. It’s listed in examples of fairly taking your stance. Sorry for the confusion, but our answer is correct. Ron Kaspriske

There are times, not often it seems, when the rules work for you. Thanks for the question.

Bob Carney

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The 8 biggest reader bellyaches of 2010

Friday, January 7, 2011 Comments

It was the best of years and, judging from your letters, the worst of years. Your complaints are still ringing in these ears. And before we venture into what can only be a better year, let's take official note of what really drove you nuts in 2010. Your eight great bellyaches:

8. Our advice on marking your golf balls as if those balls are yours only on a borrower basis. At $50 bucks a dozen, this didn't go down well.

I thought the Local Knowledge "Stop Treating Your Ball Like It's Yours" column in the December issue was ridiculous. Who does Ron Kaspriske think he is to tell me how I should or shouldn't mark or personalize my golf ball....
Greg Freitag, Baltimore

7. Sandbagging story. Several of you took exception. You're no sandbaggers!

I work hard at my game using smart practice and my handicap continues to come down fairly quickly. Last year I was a 22; now I am a 12.5 and trending down. Further, when playing in tournaments I play smart....Golf is one of the last bastions of honor in the sporting world. Yet, I could be labeled a sandbagger. How about a more in-depth article?

George Lichti, Sierra Vista AZ

6. That 'Don't be the short hitter" illustration. We illustrated advice on not being a short hitter by adorning a man with lipstick and pink clothes. Bad move. Wrong move.

It is long past the time when your magazine should have eliminated any references to insulting men by equating them with women. The picture is insulting to women, and the text on the next page ("don't let tears ruin your make-up) is also.

Robin Dea, Vancouver

5. Obama (Red and Blue). Readers irate over our delving into politics by "promoting" the golfing president. Or, Obama (Blue), readers irate over our "insulting" the president by calling attention to his golf. We like presidents who play golf, right or left.

4. The U.S. Ryder Cup team. You readers don't take kindly to losing. Your reaction to the Ryder Cup was typical.

The impassioned speech delivered Tuesday night by Seve Ballesteros tells it all. Compare that to the dull, lustrous, un-impassioned Corey Pavin who dressed his professional golfers in girls' lavender and blah-baby blue--while the Euros wear red!? Could this be the Corey I used to enjoy watch jumping four feet with both feet just having made a great putt?

Carol Peterson, Mesa AZ

3. TV Commentators. Of all denominations and genders. You'd think Howard Cosell was still working. Even Jaime Diaz's fine profile of Miller in the December issue became an occasion for knocking a broadcaster.

Jaime Diaz presents an Interesting perception of Johnny Miller. However, I never was, never will be a fan of Mr. Miller. I do appreciate good writing and compliment Jaime for his insightful article. Although, I cannot help but find it amusing how today's writers/media consistently patronize Johnny and waltz around his fragile ego.

Nancy Masterson, San Francisco

2. Our suggestion that private club modernize their rules. Editor-in-Chief Jerry Tarde made the case for a new, less stuffy approach to private club rules. He saw this as a way of making the game more accessible and attractive to new golfers. Not all of you agreed. His column was one of the most-emailed of the year.

I am still amazed by the total lack of golfer respect exhibited on a golf course. It happens with everyone from drunk kids pulling their carts out in front of my drives, to middle-aged guys who should not even be on a golf course and stand so close behind me that I can hit them with my backswing, to retirees who just forget where there are for most of the round except when they hit or step on my golf ball! It is truly amazing.
Thomas Carey, Aurora CO

1. Tiger, his caddie and that damn bib. Many of you took exception to Tiger's behavior during the year (though many defended him, also), but his caddie Steve Williams, and Williams' habit of doffing his caddy bib prior to the completion of the 72nd hole drove you batty. This Irishman's letter after the Chevron World Challenge was typical.

I had to laugh at the amazing display of confidence from Steve Williams on the 72nd hole. Williams removed his caddie bib, signalling his days work was done, and placed the flagstick on Tiger Woods' bag (it is customary for the winning caddie to take the flagstick from the 18th hole), prior to McDowell putting from 20 feet for birdie to force a playoff. His arrogance was punished in the best possible way. Maybe next time he'll show the U.S. Open Champion a little more respect. Well done on a great year Graham.

James Fox, Dublin, Ireland

Let that be the final word on caddie bibs, but not your final word, of course. Find us here, on Facebook and follower our tweets. And have a very Happy New Year.

Bob Carney

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Hot List judge responds to critics

Wednesday, January 5, 2011 Comments

With the 2011 Golf Digest Hot List issue now on the stands, and the driver list already posted on our web site, the comments, some downright bizarre, have started. There'll be more. But we asked Hot List judge and Golf Digest Equipment Editor Mike Stachura to respond to early comments on the blogs:

Every year I await the arrival of the Hot List issue with dread. Of course, I’ve seen it and I know how hard we’ve worked to put it together. It is a sterling effort from top to bottom throughout our entire editorial staff and art departments and all should be proud. I know I am. But my dread is reserved for the critiques that pop up instantly on equipment chat rooms throughout the digital universe. The Hot List Haters, I call them. And I’m fine with criticism. We’re open to it, we learn from it. But there’s some of it out there that’s just sadly misinformed. And there’s some that just makes us laugh.

For instance, here’s what I read on recent postings:

MyGolfSpy once again promulgates an absolute falsehood by suggesting major manufacturers have direct input and control and even change the Hot List. Constructive criticism is useful, but this is simply not true and never will be.

Here’s a less incendiary but sadly misinformed entry from GolfWRX.com:

“My one complaint about the high handicap reviewers is when they talk about ‘working the ball.’” This doesn’t happen. Yes, we have high handicappers as panelists. No, none of them hit player’s irons (only Super Game Improvement clubs) and none of them talk about working the ball. In fact, you won’t find a comment about a player’s iron or game-improvement iron from a player with more than a 14-handicap.

Or this, about how smaller manufacturers get left out of the process: “The cost [of supplying clubs for Hot List evaluation] goes up quickly and the little guys sometimes can't justify that for a process that in no way insures their product is even featured with the Hot List.” Again, a clarification. We think getting our panelists clubs that are reasonably close to their personal specs is the best way of making a fair evaluation. That’s why for instance we need 3 lofts of drivers in a couple of flexes. But that’s not 20. We also don’t ask for a full set of irons (just 3, 6 and 9 in two flexes). Putters in two lengths, etc. All manageable requests, and when we’re done, we ask manufacturers if they’d like their clubs back or if we can donate them to charities. We seek out small manufacturers to participate in our process, and while we have been turned down in some instances (Miura and Wishon have been notable examples in recent years), most rush at the chance to supply us with products to evaluate. As always, our Demand criterion takes a hit.

From GolfWRX.com: “So what if Titleist is better well known over Joe's irons. If Joe's irons are better, they are better but because they are not well known, they would lose out with the ratings.” Demand is five percent of a score. Joe’s Irons is not going to receive a ZERO and Titleist a 5. The difference in that criterion is even smaller than that, in most cases. Moreover, the Demand criterion is not going to keep a product that is well above average in the Performance, Innovation and Look/Sound/Feel criteria off the list. Look at Scratch Golf in wedges. It’s been Gold two years in a row and frankly from a Demand standpoint, really struggling. But after all the anguish, there’s occasional comic relief.

Also from GolfWRXcom: “One of the GD editors used to or still works for Callaway.” Really? No. Not now, not ever. I’ve got the best job in the world right here at Golf Digest, despite the complaints. And the Hot List is the best review of new equipment out there. It’s designed to help golfers find and get fit for golf equipment that will reliably improve their games and, we trust, add enjoyment, too. It does that. And our aim is to make it even better next year.

Mike Stachura

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What the cold can do to your golf balls!

Monday, January 3, 2011 Comments

We've had a couple readers ask this timely question:

I live in northern Michigan. My playing partner promises me that if I leave my new golf balls in a place where they will freeze this winter I will lose some of their playability. Is there any truth to that?

Bill Irish, Saginaw MI

Thanks to Golf World Equipment Editor and Hot List judge Mike Johnson, here's an answer from Bill Morgan, VP of golf ball R&D at Titleist:

All balls lose some distance in the cold, but with cold and slower swings, wearing cold weather gear, wind and all the other hazards of cold weather play; I'm not sure loss of distance in the ball is the biggest concern. But distance loss from cold golf balls is real. Distance loss from cold air is too small to worry about. Whenever I speak to golf professionals I urge them to advise their members to start their cool weather rounds with room-temperature balls, and to remind them that balls in bags left in the trunks of cars are much colder than the balls in the shop. It doesn't need to be a complicated answer; just play golf with room temperature balls.

In other words, the balls will be all right if they are room temperature by the time you play them.

Bob Carney

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