Your say...
Dress codes, golf insurance and handmade putting aids broil under your heated debate
Cold reading
During a recent round, I found my ball lying on a frozen/frosted part of the green. The hole itself was on an unfrozen part of the green. Is frost considered an abnormal ground condition? If so, was I able to take relief under Rule 25-1?
ANTHONY HOUGH, EMAIL
Ed’s reply: Frost is not considered to be an abnormal ground condition or a loose impediment. Therefore, you would not be entitled to free relief, nor would you be allowed to remove the frost from your line without penalty. The ball would have to be played as it lies.
Mickey mouse golf
Dear Mr Jones, I recently read your editorial comment on page 8 of the February edition of Today’s Golfer where you summed up your golfing year. You mentioned good rounds (lots of 36+ points) and on one occasion 20 points going out and five blobs coming in. What I find a bit distressing is how there is no mention of proper golf in your 2016 summary, ie medal play. Medal golf is the only true test of how you are playing; Stableford is the soft option where a double can be the same as holing out for a 10. I realise most modern golfers probably think like you and shy away from medals, but it is the only true test of golf.
PETER HUNTER, EMAIL
Ed’s reply: Harsh, Peter, but true! I agree, medal play is the purest test – and one that highlights my inadequacies even more.
A lesson for everyone
After reading your review in the February edition regarding custom-
fit drivers, I thought it was about time I took my off-the-shelf Taylormade R15, which I was struggling to hit, into my local golf shop. To my amazement, they instantly recognised my problems stemmed from having a regular shaft instead of a stiff. Within five minutes, I had a new shaft and was hitting the ball more consistently. It really opened my eyes to the world of custom fit. Next stop, my irons...
SAM BOURNE, WILTSHIRE Code breaker
I’m 72 and though I have been playing golf since the age of nine, I still can’t understand the ridiculous dress codes that clubs impose. At my current club Highcliffe Castle, near Christchurch, Dorset, denim is a dirty word and wearing these ‘diseased items’ is forbidden on the course or in the clubhouse.
Yet this summer, some members appeared in the most garish outfits, obviously bought from the new ‘Billy Smart let’s look really silly’ range, featuring wildly-coloured diamond trousers and similarly lurid shirts.
I have worked in the clothing industry most of my life and fail to understand why committees set themselves up as the ‘Guardians of Taste’. Most of the men on committees probably have their clothes bought by their wives and seem to think that anything except a suit or a navy blue blazer and grey flannels (plus club tie) is considered inappropriate attire for eating your lunch. I read that golf is losing support with the younger generation, and perhaps having to look like your dad and grandfather before you are allowed to swing a club could be a factor.
ELFAN JONES, EMAIL Don’t take the risk
I’ve just read the letters page in the January 2017 issue and saw the piece about a driver being stolen from a locker. Obviously you sympathise with a theft from what should be secure storage within a golf club. But it did remind me of some checks I made some time ago as to what was covered in my home insurance; not only for a loss such as this, but also for personal liability cover. This was highlighted by a case in Scotland I think when a substantial damages claim was made against a golfer for personal injury to another player who was struck by his golf ball. My M&S home insurance policy includes personal liability for ‘private pursuits’ which, in my case, is up to £2million. Additionally, there is cover for contents away from the home, provided they are in the care, custody or control of you, your family or an authorised person. I would have thought you could reasonably argue that a locker at a golf club was controlled by an authorised person!
IAN HENDERSON, EMAIL Where are the personalities?
I was lucky enough to get the Seve movie for Christmas and apart from shedding a few tears, it reminded me what a shining light the Pedrena magician (below) was. From practising with a homemade 3-iron on the beach to playing shots through bushes and from car parks, the Spaniard had it all. Yet the magic came from within, not from the equipment he was using. There are great players coming through in 2017, but there are no characters. Money, titles and tour cards are too important. I miss the golden years, I miss Seve and I lament the ailing spirit of the game I love.
SIMON THORPE, SOUTHAMPTON Helping hand
In response to Jim Macdonald’s request last month (issue 357), I would recommend buying Mycoal Warmpacks to place inside good quality mitts. Just make sure the mitts are warmed with the sacks before going out and try to keep your hands in the mitts for as long as possible between your shots. I suffer with similar symptoms to Jim due to Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes freezing fingers and is very frustrating. I buy 40 packs at a time on Amazon, which works out at around 80p a pack. But I find this a small price to pay so I can keep playing through the winter. PHIL LEWIS, EMAIL