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Saturday, May 27, 2023

Modified Pinehurst is Back!

My turn!

Next week we play the two-person team Modified Pinehurst format at Jimmy Clay. For those of you who do not remember or are unfamiliar with the format here is an overview:

This is an alternate shot format with one added step. On each hole, both players drive the ball from the teeing area. From this point on, one ball will be chosen for alternate shot play. The player whose drive was NOT chosen hits the second shot. Handicapping and flighting are based on 60% of the low handicap plus 40% of the high handicap.

Shawn Higgins, our Event Chairman, has put in a lot of work this year coordinating and working with the city regarding their course maintenance and green aeration schedules ensuring our events are affected as little as possible. Not only that, he inserted many different formats trying to keep play entertaining, challenging, and interesting. I think he has done and continues to do an amazing job and if you agree, please tell him the next time you see him.  Thanks for everything Shawn.

Member Travis McWhorter is on the city PARD (Parks and Recreation Division) advisory board. At our recent ASGA board meeting, Travis informed us that plans are being developed and a vendor should be chosen soon to cover the exposed tree roots on hole #1 at Lions. There will be a lot of soil added and a new grass that grows well in the shade will be used to avoid erosion again. This is to be done in the July and August time frame this year. In addition for Lions, a vendor has been selected and soon the netting along #14 should be replaced. Personally, I like the current set up on 14 but understand why they want to get back to playing its intended design.  Travis is always working to improve not only ASGA but the Austin golfing environment. We appreciate everything you do Travis.

Pace of play is always important but it is becoming even more important as our temperatures continue to rise. One group last week took over FIVE hours to complete their round, finishing 40 minutes behind the group in front of them. The expectation for every group is to complete play within 4 hours and 15 minutes.  You are out of position if you cannot see the group in front of you. If your group is playing slow and a group behind you is waiting on the same hole, please allow the group to play through. It is important for all of us to be aware of our pace of play and strive to keep everyone moving forward. While we have not yet heard from a course regarding slow play, if we do we will have to take action to deter this.

Monday is Memorial Day and our membership has many veterans who sacrificed so much for us and our country.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we hope every one of you have a safe and happy Memorial Day.

May all your drives be straight and long and all your putts find the bottom of the cup. See you on the course.

 

Lewis
President, ASGA