Golf season is in full swing on area courses. Larry French offers some tips to create an enjoyable atmosphere for players and staff.
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Jason Harack/Jenna Hecker
We have reached June and for a lot of folks in the area, that means golf season is in full swing. With the mild winter in the review mirror and then just enough of a wet spring, Mother Nature has left local golf courses in great condition.
Most of the courses in the area actually got a jump on the season by being able to open much earlier than they have in past years. And with the dedicated efforts of all the folks on the groundskeeping crews at the courses, this area is able to provide great venues for golfers of all ages and abilities to enjoy a round on the local links.
Golfers can also make any round more enjoyable just by doing a few small things that will make it better for everyone.
Start with making tee times. Golf has become very popular over the past few years (possibly a result of that pandemic we went through) so it’s a good idea to call ahead for a tee time. With some of the courses, you can also book a tee time online. Once you’ve made that tee time, try to get to the course at least 20 minutes (or more) ahead of time so you can be all set when it’s your time to head for the first tee.
Once your round starts, here’s when you can help make the experience good enough that you want to come back. And it doesn’t take much effort. When you break a tee on the tee box, put the remains in the small container provided. Broken tees can cause damage to the mowers that are used to cut the grass.
If you land in a sand trap, try to do your best to rake the bunker when you leave it. Most courses would prefer you leave the rake in the bunker. It really doesn’t take much time or effort. Maybe the next golfer in the trap doesn’t land in a footprint.
If you’ve left a ball mark (a divot) on the green, it doesn’t take much time or effort to fix it. Do not take a divot tool and lift the depressed grass from the edge. That rips the roots. Try pushing towards the center of the divot with the tool and then just tamp it down with the bottom of your putter. If you’re not sure of the procedure, feel free to ask someone in the pro shop. They will be more than happy to show you the proper method. It saves the green. If you fix your divot and maybe another one, it makes it better for everyone.
If you create a divot in the fairway, there are two options on most courses. Just simply replace the divot as best you can. On some courses there is a container on the golf cart with a seeding mixture in it. In that case, just pour some of the mixture into the divot and head to your next shot. Very simple and takes very little time.
If you’re a smoker or a sunflower seed chewer, be aware that not everyone else is. Do not leave your cigarette or cigar butts on the green or the approach to the green or anywhere around the green. Put the butt out and throw it away in the next trash receptacle. There is one on every tee box. Same goes for sunflower seeds. Don’t spit them out on the green. We’re just talking common courtesy here folks.
You should also do your best to not litter on the course. Take your empty gum wrappers, snack wrappers, to go boxes from the restaurant, empty beer and soda cans and drop them in the next trash receptacle you come to. Usually on the next tee box. And when you’re done with the round and park the cart in the proper place, do the right thing and empty all the garbage and cans out of it. The person responsible for cleaning carts for the next golfer would really appreciate it. Once again, common courtesy.
And, of course, everyone’s favorite pet peeve. Pace of play. Main thing is just keep pace with the group in front of you. Play ready golf. And, here’s a tip that could be very useful. If you’re new to the game, consider playing the forward tees until your game improves. It will be more fun and less frustrating. Tees aren’t designated by age, although some believe they do. There are regular, seniors, and ladies along with championship tees. Unless you’re in a league or tournament, play the tee that best fits your game and talent level. And when you get better, then you can move back. Use it as incentive to improve.
In an overview, just a little common courtesy and looking out for the course and other people on the course, will make the game much more enjoyable for everyone, no matter your level of ability.
And, to all the folks who work on the grounds at all the golf courses in the area – take a bow because you all are doing an absolutely fantastic job. Let’s hope all the golfers show their appreciation just by using common courtesy.
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Darr jars an ace
Joe Darr registered the first hole in one of the season at Indian Hills Golf Club when he jarred a six iron from 162 yards on the par three, 14th hole in the practice round prior to the Joe Smith Tournament. Joe’s ace was witnessed by playing partners Scott Beebe, Ricky Pruden and Mike Ardiuni.
Walt McGill Memorial Tournament June 14-16
One of the most popular tournaments of the golf season will take place on the weekend of June 14-16 at Indian Hills Golf Club. The 2024 Walt McGill Memorial Golf Tournament will begin on Friday, June 14 with a practice round and conclude with the finals on Sunday, June 16.
This two-man scramble format event has an entry fee of $300 per team which includes a Friday practice round, tee favor, 18-hole rounds of golf with cart on Saturday and Sunday, draft beer and dinner following the Saturday round, hot dog and beverage at the turn on both rounds and they will also offer and optional skins game and cash pool for both rounds.
Entry blanks are available at Indian Hills during regular business hours and online. This event fills up quickly every year, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. For more information on the event, speak with anyone in the pro shop.
Operation 36 Golf Academy
Once again this season, Indian Hills will be offering a program called Operation 36 Golf. This is a nationally accredited program. It’s a great way to learn the game for adults and for junior players.
This year it will be presented by Danny Ames, the manager of the pro shop and there are still a few openings before the academy starts in a couple of weeks.
This program teaches beginners and those who want to improve their game with three in-depth steps. There is a development model along with a curriculum and goals and they use technology for tracking progress. For more information on this program, contact Danny at the pro shop and he will more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
It’s a great program that teaches the game the proper way – from the green to the tee box.