They rate the tees, fairways, bunkers, roughs, greens (including speed), yardage markings, and course markings. The site also contains course photos and general comments about the course conditions. Vital information, such as credit cards accepted, dress code, and whether beer is available, is included as well.
Speaking of golf web sites, I got an e-mail from Kevin Childers. He's working at Reynolds Plantation. If you want to see a beautiful layout, go to www.reynoldsplantation.com.
If you have a favorite golf web site or a favorite golf book, I'd love to hear about it from you.
The 'Leaf Rule'
Over the past few weeks, I have lost about a dozen golf balls in leaves.
As I was raking my own leaves the other night, I thought about the so-called "leaf rule" in golf.
According to the Rules of Golf, there is no such rule. However, under Decision 33-8/31, if accumulations of leaves seasonally create an abnormal problem, the committee may make a temporary local rule declaring such accumulations through the green at certain holes to be ground under repair and Rule 25-1 will apply.
Rule Quiz
Which is correct regarding casual water? (A) Overflow from a water hazard is not casual water. (B) Soft, mushy earth without water visible on the surface is casual water. (C) A ball lying in a pitch-mark through the green filled with water is in casual water. See Answer below.
"Golf in the Kingdom"
This novel by Michael Murphy centers around a Scotsman named Shivas Irons. The author meets Irons in 1956 on the links of Burningbush, in Fife. The two play a round of golf together followed by a rowdy evening of drinking and deep philosophical discussion about golf and life.
I have to give thumbs down to this book. It is full of mysticism and metaphysics that were way too deep for me. I listened to it on audiocassette and had to force myself to finish it, especially the second half. If you like mysticism, I would recommend "The Legend of Bagger Vance" over this book.
Answer: C. The minimum acceptable test for casual water is the presence of water after taking a stance. See decision 25/3.
Until next week, keep your head down and follow through.
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Graham Johns can be reached at 745-2265 or by e-mail at gjohns818@yahoo.com.
