2020 Golf Thread

Papelbon's Poutine

Homeland Security
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Dec 4, 2005
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Portsmouth, NH
No, Salisbury. Rain the next 3 days so I'm not expecting much


Are they going to be checking IDs?
No idea on IDs, if its straight to the tee, I'm not sure how they really could; I'd guess just by billing address? Don't know and not sure how much they'd really put an effort into it, but I'll ask some Maine friends and see if anyone knows.
 

jercra

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Well golf courses never formally closed due to COVID-19 here in RI, so we formulated a new schedule for our weekly Monday afternoon league based on everyone's comfort and mobility. We were supposed to open on April 20 and end mid-August, however our adjusted schedule was a 4-week "preseason" not counting towards the standings starting April 27 with first official round to happen May 25. Going to double up and play 18 instead of 9 for a few weeks to still end by Labor Day.

The golf course we play at is:
* Not allowing any out of state residents to play.
* Tee times are spaced out to 15 minutes or longer to minimize the risk of playing up to the next group.
* No riding carts are allowed and you must walk (carts with one rider per may be back in early-mid May). Due to knee/leg issues with a few players this is primarily what pushed back the official start of season.
* Clubhouse is not open obviously and you pay from the outside at a window.
* Sand bunkers have no rakes, and if the ball is in a sketchy sand lie due to landing in a footprint or divot you get a preferred lie.
* The pins all have pool noodles around them from inside the hole up a few feet above grade so the ball does not fall into the hole and a hit of the pool noodle counts as in the hole.

This last item led to some hilarity on a par 3 we played Monday. One guy hit his first 2 shots into different bunkers, then the 3rd shot was a low missile that took a chunk out of the pool noodle. As there are no requirements for velocity when hitting the noodle, we were forced to consider his ball holed for a par. The noodle also allows us to be more aggressive on close putts obviously, like you are playing with gutter bumpers while bowling.

The whole scene of no one else out there in addition to the terrible low 40s and gloomy weather made it surreal to start play again. But the exercise of walking 9 holes was worth it, as forcing myself to get a decent workout has been difficult for the past 5-6 weeks.
Tournaments we've been playing have been using a "2/3rds must agree it was holed" on questionable hole outs. I really don't like or understand the "above the lip" hole adaptations. I've seen 5 or 6 different solutions and the raised cups are the worst by far. At least it's golf though!
 

FL4WL3SS

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Tournaments we've been playing have been using a "2/3rds must agree it was holed" on questionable hole outs. I really don't like or understand the "above the lip" hole adaptations. I've seen 5 or 6 different solutions and the raised cups are the worst by far. At least it's golf though!
Totally agree, the raised cups are terrible and not much less effort than just flipping the cups upside down.
 

Pablo's TB Lover

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Totally agree, the raised cups are terrible and not much less effort than just flipping the cups upside down.
Yeah I only enjoyed the way their holes were done for this beginning portion of the season due to it being my first round since last September. But it will get old if this does not change by the time we start playing for real end of May.

Are the ranges open at the courses near you guys?
There is no range at my course (Fenner Hill), there is a practice green but it's not open. Hence the appreciation for their pins at least for my first round!
 

jercra

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Are the ranges open at the courses near you guys?
The range has been open at 3 of the 8 or 9 courses I've been able to play in all of this. 2 just have balls included in the cost of the round (TPC Colorado is always like this so that's not a change), 1 you had to use a machine where you have to enter a 6 digit code to get balls and put them in a bucket. Honestly, that's a super awkward process and I wouldn't have done it if I didn't carry disinfecting wipes in my bag so I could wipe my hands immediately after touching a shared touchscreen and baskets. It's a stupid system in these times.
 

Zomp

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Yeah. It’s tough right now because RI courses are so crowded and with no range there’s really no way to work on your game because on the course you always have someone on your ass.
 

TFP

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Hearing very unreliable/unsubstantiated rumors that golf in MA is opening up this weekend or next.
 

Riconway3155

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Hearing very unreliable/unsubstantiated rumors that golf in MA is opening up this weekend or next.
I think this weekend is a pipe dream. My wife's work would have heard that come down by now in order to get ready for that. I think they would at least give a week lead time for the courses to prepare.
 

TFP

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I think this weekend is a pipe dream. My wife's work would have heard that come down by now in order to get ready for that. I think they would at least give a week lead time for the courses to prepare.
Yeah I agree. I've heard an announcement tomorrow for courses opening Wednesday, but we'll see.
 

Deathofthebambino

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Apr 12, 2005
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Here is the update we got from the Club this morning. No indication about re-opening, but they are restarting food service on Wednesday, so maybe there is a bit of truth to the rumors:

As we eagerly await word from Governor Baker as to when he will allow golf courses to open in the Commonwealth, the staff and I are working to prepare the club for a safe re-opening and operating of our facilities. Your wellbeing, as well as that of our employees, is very important to us and will result in changes. Exactly what those changes will be depends heavily on the state guidelines for safe re-opening.

While we are establishing a variety of different safety protocols, we are not able to communicate them until we have guidance from the Commonwealth. We will communicate these changes to you as soon as we are able to.

Starting on Wednesday, May 6th we will begin offering an a la carte menu. The menu will change on a weekly basis to offer you variety. If you have a preference for a certain item or type of menu, we welcome your suggestions.
 

Comfortably Lomb

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Baker's answer on golf today is horseshit:

As the briefing drew to a close, Baker was pressed on why golf courses remain closed.

“We’re not a warm weather state. It’s been winter for the most part,” he said. “Do I think golfing in winter would be considered an essential thing to be doing at a point in time when we were closing thousands and thousands and thousands of other non-essential businesses in Massachusetts? My answer to that would be no.”
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/01/nation/coronavirus-boston-massachusetts-may-1/?event=event25
And not just because of the golf piece alone, but if his answer amounts to "it's only fair X business be closed if other businesses are closed" without an analysis of risk it's time to fight the state.
 

TFP

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Yikes that's not great. Does he realize it's going to be 70 Sunday? And that April is spring?

I've been a Baker supporter through most of this but that line of reasoning makes no sense. We should be looking for reasons to get (safe) business open, not finding reasons to keep them closed.
 

Comfortably Lomb

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The only tiny positive is he seems to be getting this question daily. After this weekend's 65-70 and sunny days the pressure will amp up.

His public support is going to tank in May though if his plan is to not let anyone do anything regardless of risk.
 

Deathofthebambino

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The only tiny positive is he seems to be getting this question daily. After this weekend's 65-70 and sunny days the pressure will amp up.

His public support is going to tank in May though if his plan is to not let anyone do anything regardless of risk.
Lt. Governor is meeting with the MGA tomorrow, I believe. So there is definitely something in the works. I have a feeling we're going to see a quiet opening so people don't start bitching about golf courses being open, but other places being closed. It is kind of a no-win situation in that sense, so I can see where he needs to be delicate, but the positives of getting 350 golf courses and their employees back to work would seem to outweigh the negatives of non-golfers complaining that their hair salon isn't open.
 

Average Game James

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I'm told NH will be open on the 11th but you need an ID for both Maine and NH. Source is @southshoresoxfan so FWIW
My club (NH) communicating the same thing. NH golf opens 5/11 to NH residents and club members (e.g. MA members of southern NH clubs can play).

Edit: link to NH golf reopening guidelines
https://www.governor.nh.gov/news-media/stay-at-home/documents/20200501-golf.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2tWYftQCC_Z55LLl2-M9XgS_h_x4824Qid3Itv6eKXPSXKXRQBeFnBpag
Highlights include 12 min between tee times, no sharing of carts, all practice facilities to remain closed, raised cups, no takes in bunkers.
 

Leon Trotsky

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I just read that MA is one of only 3 states (VT, MD the others) that have not opened or have a plan to soon open. Seems pretty ridiculous that NY and NJ can open, but MA cannot. What happened to the this coordination thing between the NE states?
 

Doug Beerabelli

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CT had been golfing for a month. Have there been any reports anywhere that anyone has gotten sick playing golf or working at a golf course across the country? Sure, there’s been some reports of players not following 6 foot rule all the time, as well as the parking lot gatherings. But there are ways to deal with that. Or shut things down if abuse is rampant.

We’ve experienced people filing and taking pics of golfers from the road, apparently trying to get things shut down. Some have been shouting “6 feet”. I’m sure there are times people are too close, but it’s limited and very quick. Photos and videos can look worse than they really are from a hundred yards away. Between email blasts, signs all over the course, and some rangering, our members have been duly warned and have done a pretty good job of complying.

Played 27 yesterday, badly — tourney in morning, 9 with family in the afternoon. Golf Is pretty much it for outdoor activity (or walking without clubs on my street), so I’ve been decidedly more enthused about playing than in years past.

I still don’t understand what MA is doing. VT maybe be more a moot point with courses experiencing spring conditions/slower to emerge from winter. MA - where there are places that can be played 365, makes little sense.
 

4 6 3 DP

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The story in Mass isn't health. It's that the governor thinks it's a terrible look that with people dying and out of work that golf is essential. Its a purely political thing for reasons I don't really understand besides maybe Baker doesn't golf...
 

Zomp

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Played 18 today for the first time in a while. I’m already in mid season form. 7 over the first 7 holes, 1 over the next 9 then a double and a bogey for a cool 82.

I’ve ordered new irons during quarantine which I’m excited to get. After doing a lot of research, I wanted to get irons that were a little more forgiving then the Wilson cavity backs I have now. During the winter I tried a lot of the player distance irons. P790, Cobra Forged Tec, etc. I went really concerned with the distance numbers because the lofts are jacked up. But they were forgiving enough and I could spin them to where it wasn’t a concern.

I actually decided to go with Sub 70’s 699 Pro irons. For those that don’t know, Sub 70 is a Direct To Consumer golf brand similar to Hogan. They have 4 or 5 sets of irons that have been making some noise over the past two years. Since they’re dtc the clubs definitely cost less than the major companies. The 699 irons scored rave reviews last year, and the pro version is black with less offset and a thinner top line. I’m excited to get them.

I had read that Sub 70s customer service was second to none and that they’re clubs were great quality and value. I’ll have to wait to see how the clubs perform but they did cost half of what a set of P790’s would. The customer service part was also great. I had a few questions that I emailed the company about the lofts of the irons, and the company’s owner Jason called me back that night. He told me that everything they make is fully customizable (lofts, lie, shafts, grips, etc...) so once I settled on what I wanted, to give him a call and he’d process the order for me.

The other night I called Jason to place my order. He told em once I got the irons I had 60 days to test them. If I don’t like them, I can send them back to get tinkered or if it’s a lost cause they will issure me a 100% refund. Can’t argue with that.

If you’re looking for a set, give them a look. I wish I was good enough to play their blades, the best looking iron of the bunch.


Www.golfsub70.com
 

jercra

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The story in Mass isn't health. It's that the governor thinks it's a terrible look that with people dying and out of work that golf is essential. Its a purely political thing for reasons I don't really understand besides maybe Baker doesn't golf...
I wish they would change the designation from "essential" to "safe". If there's not a really good reason to keep a business shut down at this point, they should be open. That would solve the optics issue without increasing risk.
 

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
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Jul 31, 2006
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Arvada, Co
Played 18 today for the first time in a while. I’m already in mid season form. 7 over the first 7 holes, 1 over the next 9 then a double and a bogey for a cool 82.

I’ve ordered new irons during quarantine which I’m excited to get. After doing a lot of research, I wanted to get irons that were a little more forgiving then the Wilson cavity backs I have now. During the winter I tried a lot of the player distance irons. P790, Cobra Forged Tec, etc. I went really concerned with the distance numbers because the lofts are jacked up. But they were forgiving enough and I could spin them to where it wasn’t a concern.

I actually decided to go with Sub 70’s 699 Pro irons. For those that don’t know, Sub 70 is a Direct To Consumer golf brand similar to Hogan. They have 4 or 5 sets of irons that have been making some noise over the past two years. Since they’re dtc the clubs definitely cost less than the major companies. The 699 irons scored rave reviews last year, and the pro version is black with less offset and a thinner top line. I’m excited to get them.

I had read that Sub 70s customer service was second to none and that they’re clubs were great quality and value. I’ll have to wait to see how the clubs perform but they did cost half of what a set of P790’s would. The customer service part was also great. I had a few questions that I emailed the company about the lofts of the irons, and the company’s owner Jason called me back that night. He told me that everything they make is fully customizable (lofts, lie, shafts, grips, etc...) so once I settled on what I wanted, to give him a call and he’d process the order for me.

The other night I called Jason to place my order. He told em once I got the irons I had 60 days to test them. If I don’t like them, I can send them back to get tinkered or if it’s a lost cause they will issure me a 100% refund. Can’t argue with that.

If you’re looking for a set, give them a look. I wish I was good enough to play their blades, the best looking iron of the bunch.


Www.golfsub70.com
Looking forward to hearing what you think of them. I'm not looking this year, but I'm a big fan of the Hogan clubs. Would love to hear that there's another great option around the same price.
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
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KBS $ taper lite, extra stiff, soft stepped. Also was able to customize literally everything so I raised the lofts. 4-gap wedge. Gap is 50, pitching wedge is 45, then a four degree difference going down.
Sweet. I've heard really good things about the $ tapers. Supposedly they're similar to the KBS Tour but slightly less spin. You're going to love them.

Good call on the loft gaps.
 

TFP

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I refuse to support any OEM with such an anti-lefty bias.
 

TFP

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Charlie Baker press conference at noon. I'm assuming we'll get an update either way on golf courses today.
 
Golf courses in Scotland remain closed for now, and it doesn't sound like they're likely to open up soon - insofar as the rumblings are that all current lockdown procedures in Scotland are likely to be extended by at least a few more weeks. But I'm getting plenty of chipping and putting work in my (small) backyard, which - as shown below - has artificial grass and three holes cut in a triangle. Because my wife was keen to install longer "grass" and have it look and feel a bit plusher, more like natural grass than a carpet, it only stimps around 7 or 7.5 down grain, and probably 2 into the grain (to the point that I can really only putt and chip in one direction). But I have about 35-40 feet of distance to work with at full extension, and the property slopes gently from right to left in the photo, so I can work on putts which break in either direction. And thanks to the longer grass length, chipping actually feels like chipping. I like to pop outside a few times a day to hit anywhere from 10-50 chips or putts at a time, and I think I'm going to be very ready for the post-lockdown world: I can't wait to test-drive the new techniques I've been honing on real grass again.

30711
 

Deathofthebambino

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Charlie Baker press conference at noon. I'm assuming we'll get an update either way on golf courses today.
All weekend, there were rumors circulating golf courses in MA would open this week, either Wednesday or Friday, with no carts and only 2 somes or maybe 3 somes (which fucking blows and basically eliminates 80% of our tournaments). Then today, I got word from someone in the know they wouldn't be opening this week, but when they do, there will be carts and foursomes. Baker is apparently waiting for the case numbers and deaths to come down, which is obviously a decision made strictly on optics/political reasons.
 

TFP

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All weekend, there were rumors circulating golf courses in MA would open this week, either Wednesday or Friday, with no carts and only 2 somes or maybe 3 somes (which fucking blows and basically eliminates 80% of our tournaments). Then today, I got word from someone in the know they wouldn't be opening this week, but when they do, there will be carts and foursomes. Baker is apparently waiting for the case numbers and deaths to come down, which is obviously a decision made strictly on optics/political reasons.
Yep. The press conference today was Baker displaying a clear disgust at the question and saying twice "it's under advisement by the committee" and "a lot of people have suffered under this pandemic". This came minutes after he encouraged everyone to get outside for their health and was happy to see people congregating in parks.

The decision should be made on safety, not optics or financial reasons. If it's safe (which I believe it is), open them. If it's not, explain why and keep them closed. Don't keep them closed out of spite because it's unfair to other industries that aren't safe.
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
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Yup, that's bad. I got that impression from his comments on Friday as well. It's purely politics, not safety, keeping courses closed. You can see it in the V&N thread with posters whining about rich people. As if everyone who plays golf has a trust fund and wears a monocle.

Bad news for the state as well. This is the kind of arbitrary decision making that will hurt citizen support for what the state will need to do to manage this over the next year or two. Frankly, I think courses should sue the state seeking emergency relief.
 

Phragle

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Yup, that's bad. I got that impression from his comments on Friday as well. It's purely politics, not safety, keeping courses closed. You can see it in the V&N thread with posters whining about rich people. As if everyone who plays golf has a trust fund and wears a monocle.
Should I take the Scotty out and put the old Ping back in the bag for good optics? I had a feeling golf would suffer for being a rich people sport and it's nice to confirm people are a stupid as I think
 

Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat

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Illinois courses opened this weekend and I'm scheduled to play my first round on Thursday.
Only singles or twosomes. Carts only allowed for physically disabled. No pull carts being rented, you can bring your own.

This "rich guy" is shelling out $35 for my round, bringing the piece of crap pull cart my daughter found for me, and I can't fucking wait.
 

Gunfighter 09

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The water is warm in V&N if you want to talk the politics of golfing, but that's not happening here. I deleted a comment about the politics of golfing during times of Corona Virus, but @Doug Beerabelli, if you tell me where you want me to put it in V&N, I'll happily move it there.
 

Phragle

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The water is warm in V&N if you want to talk the politics of golfing, but that's not happening here. I deleted a comment about the politics of golfing during times of Corona Virus, but @Doug Beerabelli, if you tell me where you want me to put it in V&N, I'll happily move it there.
If you've seen my 4-iron shots you'd know any wildlife on the course is in grave danger. Beerabeli is doing a public service!
 

FL4WL3SS

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The water is warm in V&N if you want to talk the politics of golfing, but that's not happening here. I deleted a comment about the politics of golfing during times of Corona Virus, but @Doug Beerabelli, if you tell me where you want me to put it in V&N, I'll happily move it there.
I'm sorry, but this is a pretty small group of SoSH folks that talk about golf, I don't think anyone complained and we have mods that already participate in this thread. Not sure why the drive by modding for no reason. Seems unnecessary and unproductive
 

Gunfighter 09

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I'm sorry, but this is a pretty small group of SoSH folks that talk about golf, I don't think anyone complained and we have mods that already participate in this thread. Not sure why the drive by modding for no reason. Seems unnecessary and unproductive
The post was reported and not exporting political conversations to non political threads is a point of emphasis.
 

Doug Beerabelli

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The water is warm in V&N if you want to talk the politics of golfing, but that's not happening here. I deleted a comment about the politics of golfing during times of Corona Virus, but @Doug Beerabelli, if you tell me where you want me to put it in V&N, I'll happily move it there.
Gunfighter - no prob on deleting my post. No need to post it in V and N either.

Just curious - was there a complaint about it? I thought it was fairly tame.