One of the most enjoyable debates for golfers to listen to in the clubhouse is whether to leave the pin in or out of the hole during a chip shot.
Both sides make good cases, but tests in Dave Pelts’ “Short Game Guru” prove that 33 percent more chips were holed with the pin in the hole. But there are times when we shouldn’t keep the pin in the hole.
Don’t keep the pin in the hole if the pin is leaning toward you and If the wind is moves the pin in different directions.
Personally, the pin has saved me a few times by slowing down some of my hot chip shots and by keeping the ball in the hole.
Also, don’t you love the sound of the flagstick rattling as you ball drops down into the cup?
Ace for Gallupo
Scoring a hole-in-one can be very exciting, but Rosemarie Gallupo’s method of celebration is something only she can tell you about. Using her 7-wood, Gullupo aced the 107-yard 12th hole on the Gabilan Course at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club. Her husband, Tom Gallupo, witnessed the ace and celebration.
Oops!
Two weeks ago, I gave Max Sweet a two-stroke penalty when his golf ball rolled back and hit him. Although I had the correct Rule 19-2, the penalty is only one stroke. Thanks to Joan Sarringhaus for catching my error.
AT&T Tip
As the AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach is getting closer, I have some more tips to help you enjoy your day as a spectator. If you want to watch the swings of your favorite pros, the driving range is the place to be.
If you want to learn course strategy and game management, then follow your favorite player throughout the round to see how they manage their game during the day.
Finally, if you want to see the pros play a specific shot, get to the course early with your chair and stake out an area for the best view from behind the ropes.
The Wild Side
Have you been noticing more wildlife on our golf courses?
More wildlife is a sign that our golf course superintendents are doing a good job working with the environment and maintaining the courses.
If animals leave or started dying, it could be a sign that the wrong chemicals are being used on the course.
