A Day at the Masters

Master’s Road Trip

 

After six years of trying to get tickets, last September I received a letter from Augusta National Golf Club, it was notification that I was chosen for Master’s tickets. Finally Master’s week was here, we jumped in the car and took off for Augusta. The night before our visit to the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club, we were sitting in Garnets Sports Bar, listening to stories from fellow patrons who had attended the Masters that day.

 

The greatly anticipated day had arrived, we hopped in the car and made the hour long ride down South Carolina Route 20 towards Augusta. We took our exit, fought our way thru traffic and within ten minutes we were parked in the Augusta National parking lot and walking toward the entrance.  While waiting in line to go through the metal detectors, everyone was sharing stories from either the day before or visits from years past. The weather early in the morning was colder than the expected forecasted 75 degrees, it was in the high 50’s with a slight breeze, but warmed up into the 70’s around 1:30.

 

Once inside we were overwhelmed by the enormous size of the course and the entire facility. We needed a plan of attack, which way do I want go, what do I want to see first? We first hit the huge merchandise building, there was no line to get in and it was pretty packed (so we thought) but easy to navigate through. This place had everything under the sun to purchase. 45 minutes and a hit of $800 later, we walked directly over to UPS shipping just off to the side of the merchandise building, packed everything in a box and off to New Jersey it went. 

 

With that out of the way, we proceeded to the Masters Exhibit area set up across from the merchandise building. Walking through the exhibit you learn just about everything about the tournament, its significant milestones and past champions. After the quick detour through the exhibit, we were off to the first tee to check out the sign in sheet (posted on the 1^st hole and 10^th hole) to see who is currently on the course and which hole they started on.

 

Deciding on a game plan, and on advice from several people, I decide we would walk the course backwards, starting at the18^th green. As we proceeded over to the 18^th green (Par 4, 465 yards, Holly), we walked directly in front of the club house which was roped off, no public access allowed. Nice Georgian style club house, I realize the inside of the club house must be amazing to see, but the outside wasn’t all that impressive, for being the 2^nd rated golf course in the United States and possibly the world. Still, seeing it in person still gives you the chills, knowing all the history that is contained within its walls is simply amazing.   The grass around the club house was cut a little taller then the rest of the course. The normal grass all over the facility, in the woods, out front, behind buildings, anywhere I looked, was cut to match the second cut of the fairway, tight and not a weed in the entire complex!

 

Walking up to the 18^th green, you realize just how hilly this course is compared to the relatively flat appearance portrayed on TV. 

 

The greens are very undulated and super fast since they are cut so short. As we strolled down the 18^th green, the fairways were cut as short as our typical greens in this area (South Jersey), and the fairway was narrow with a small shoot between towering pine trees to hit your ball into off the 18^th tee.

  

As we walked down the 17^th fairway (Par 4, 440 yards, Nandina) someone mentioned Tiger was on the tee box. Everyone stopped and watched as Tiger (some 300+ yards away) swung away, suddenly we heard a thump on the ground and a ball rolling toward us. We ran over and stood behind the ball, facing in the direction of the green which Tiger would be hitting toward. Within seconds, there were people surrounding us and the ball. Everyone was getting excited to see Tiger hit the ball front and center, just a few feet in front of us. Tiger walked up the side of the 17^th fairway and motions to the gallery guard to toss his ball over to him, everyone was disappointed and started booing Tiger. He just stood there waiting for his turn to hit, un-phased and unemotional. Standing about four people deep along the fairway, we watched Tiger hit his approach shot to the green and off he went with all of his fans in tow. 

 

Sitting in the stands at the 16th green (Par 3, 170 yards, Redbud) over looking the 15^th green, 16^th pond and green, we watched players come through and hit their tee shots onto the green. Following the players tee shots, the patrons start chanting, Skip it! Skip it!  99% of the players move in front of the tee box and skip balls over the pond onto the 16^th green. Half of the players might have benefited from skipping the ball across the pond during the tournament, and if they even thought about not skipping the ball, that was it, the boo birds were out. That was a pretty neat tradition which lasted all day. We went back later in the day and sat on the hill across from the stands for a few hours to watch more players skip balls across the pond and onto the green.

 

We proceeded down the 15^th fairway (Par 5, 530 yards, Firetorn) up to the 15^th tee box, while waiting, we watched Justin Rose on the 14^th green chip and putt for about 30 minutes. Rose chipped balls from every position around the green and followed up with putts from every spot on the green while his caddie feverously took notes on speed, break and distances. When Rose finally finished, he walked down the 15^th fairway towards the green, he was only practicing chipping and putting that day, his caddie was only carrying a few clubs. While we were standing there, Phil and his foursome where approaching the 10^th green.   They all hit their approach shots and walked up to the green. Phil’s ball was approximately 45 feet away from the hole, he putts his ball to within a foot, lines up the tap in and just as he is about to hit the ball, one of the other players says ‘that’s good Phil’. He picks up his ball and watches the other three players putt out. They finished the hole by placing a few balls in different spots and putting, checking break, speed and distance control. Just as Phil’s foursome was finished and started walking to 11^th tee box, Adam Scott walked over to the 15^th tee box, he sets up and lets the driver fly; what a fluid swing and long drive.

 

The walk from the 14^th green (Par 4, 440 yards, Chinese Fir) to the tee box seemed to take forever, the incline of the fairway gives this hole a much longer feeling. From the tee box, it’s a blind shot.  We stayed behind the 14^th tee box until Phil came through. As we waited for Phil’s group, we watched most of the young guns drive the ball over the crest of the hill. Most of the older players didn’t quite make it to the crest, making this hole even longer than necessary. We stayed and watched Stuart Appleby and his group play their approach shots to the 13^th green and tee off on 14. Appleby’s ball was the only one in their group that ended up in the front hazard at the 13^th green. Then, just like Tiger, the crowd was coming, following Phil. We watched Phil’s approach to the 13^th green, sticking it within 10 feet. Standing directly next to the tee box we watched Phil hit his tee shot well over the crest of the fairway, which prompted a few spectators to use a few choice words regarding the distance of the ball. Phil acknowledged his fans and proceeded down the fairway with his group.   After Phil’s group cleared the tee box, we proceeded down the 13^th fairway (Par 5, 510 yards, Azalea) to a point between the 12^th tee box (Par 3, 155 yards, Golden Bell) and the 13^th fairway. There was no access for the public to the 13^th tee box or the 12^th green. From there we watched a few groups come through and play the 12^th and tee off on 13.

 

Heading to Amen Corner the scenery is 100 times more impressive than on TV and provides an unforgettable view. I stood at the point between the 12^th and 13^th holes and just soaked in the beauty of the lush greens, the Hogan (12^th) and Nelson (13^th) bridges, flowers, towering trees, the white sand and Rae’s Creek, the greatest three-hole stretch in all of golf.

 

It was 11:30 and we found ourselves next to a food vending area, so we decide to grab lunch and sit in the 11^th green/12^th tee box spectator stands and eat. We pick up two egg salad sandwiches (1.50 each), one famous palmetto and cheese sandwich (1.50 – gotta try it while at the Masters), two sodas (1.00 each) and two moon pies (0.50 each), for a grand total of $7.50. Quite a bargain for lunch for two. As for the world famous pimiento and cheese sandwich, I can say I’ve tried it. From the front row, we watched Gary Player (playing in his 51st Masters), Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and Tim Clark play the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th holes. Gary Player hit his tee shot onto the 12^th green to within a few feet and did a little dance, the crowd erupted with cheers for him.

 

After lunch, we headed down the 11^th fairway (Par 4, 505 yards, White Dogwood) up to the tee box just as Robert Allenby reached the tee box. Playing by himself, he went through his typical pre-shot routine and ripped a driver down the middle of the fairway. He said out loud ‘that was a good one, no need to hit another”. He grabbed a bottle of water, talked to the fans for a minute or so and started on his way.

 

Walking down from the 11^th tee box to the 10th green (Par 4, 495 yards, Camelilia), the green is a little uphill from the fairway in front of the green. The fairway dips down slightly about 20 yards from the edge of the green and continuously rises until you get to the tee box. It was such an incline, by the time we reached the tee box, we both were huffing and puffing. This is definitely one hole TV does not do justice to regarding the elevation change from tee to green.

 

After reaching the tee box, we decided to make another quick stop at the pro shop for a forgotten item. The line is long and all the way out to the main walkway. It moved quickly though, and we were in and out in about twenty minutes.

 

With the back nine behind us and the front nine to go, I decide to go against our original idea of walking the course backwards and walk the front nine from tee to green. We started at the 1st tee (Par 4, 455 yards, Tea Olive) and walked down to the green. Once there, we watched Padraig Harrington practice putting from different spots around the green.

 

We walked over to the 2nd tee box (par 5, 575 yards, Pink Dogwood) and waited for the next group, apparently with perfect timing and what a treat. Up walks Fred Couples, playing with Daniel Chopra and another player. Literally standing a few feet away, Couples is joking around and has a huge smile as he takes his typical silky smooth swing and stripes it down the fairway. 

 

The 3rd hole (Par 4, 350 yards, Flowering Peach) was the only hole of the day that we walked from tee to green without any players playing the hole. It was nice because you get to see the hole without anyone in the way. The fairways are cut so tight it plays just like a typical course’s greens and the second cut, which seems to be everywhere else on the property isn’t much higher short and tight to the touch.

 

Walking up to the 4^th tee (Par3, 240 yards, Flowering Crab Apple), a group had teed off just before we got there and were walking down the fairway. We followed the down and watched Adam Scott, Bernhard Langer and Paul Casey play their approach shots to the green and putt numerous balls from around the greens.

 

Walking uphill from the 5^th tee box (Par 4, 455 yards, Magnolia) to the green we saw a group of golfers practicing on the green. It was Jim Furyk, Ben Crewashaw, Mike Weir and Niclas Fasth testing their putting skills from different locations on the green. We stayed for a few minutes and proceeded to the 6^th tee box (Par 3, 180 yards, Juniper) expecting to get a good viewing spot at the tee.

 

We underestimated the movements of the fans, there was a large crowd watching a group on the putting green and waiting for the Crenshaw group. This area seems to be one of the high points of the course, looking out over the 6^th and 16^th holes and you can see numerous holes beyond, and each hole is progressively at a lower elevation. We started the short and steep decent to the green and saw VJ, Tom Watson, Fuzzy Zoeller and Craig Stadler finishing up on the green. 

 

Noticing that the tee box on 7 (Par 4, 450 yards, Pampas) was fairly empty, we went over and got a front row spot just in front of the tee markers. A short 10 minute wait and finally Watson’s group approached the tee box. Tom Watson wasted no time, he teed his ball and swung away hitting a straight but short drive. Craig Stadler pretty much matched Watson’s drive with a little extra distance. Then Fuzzy Zoeller ‘the jokester’ stepped up jawing away at Stadler and VJ and pulled his drive short and left.   VJ stepped up, Fuzzy jumped in front of him just as he was about to swing and addressed the crowd, ‘Now this is how you hit a golf ball, go ahead VJ’. VJ, started his pre-shot routine over again and was about to swing and Fuzzy jumped in front of him again, asking him a few questions most of us couldn’t hear due to the crowd laughing at Fuzzys odd body movements while he was talking. VJ seemed to be getting annoyed, again he started his routine over, this time VJ waited and Fuzzy was still and quite, he seemed to swing with anger, not the typical VJ swing and smoked his drive about 40 to 50 yards past the other three. Fuzzy walked over to the middle of the tee box, patted VJ on the back and explains to the crowd, ‘That’s how you hit a golf ball’. VJ keeps a smirk on his face and walks down the fairway with the group, not saying a word.

 

Once Furyk’s group got to the tee box, and since VJ’s group was still in the fairway, the guy next to me calls out a Texas comment, and Ben Crenshaw walks over and has a pleasant conservation with the fellow Texans standing next to me. Finally the group was ready to tee off, Furyk’s swing is just un-explainable, Crenshaw, Weir and Fasth have a typical smooth, stable swing. 

 

After Furyk’s group clears the fairway, we decided to take a break for a while. We walked over to the 16^th green and sat on the opposite side of the spectator stands on the hill and watched the golfers play through and skip balls across the 16^th pond. At this point, the sun was out and it warmed up.

 

After our break we proceeded over to the 8^th tee box (Par 5, 570 yards, Yellow Jasmine), barely able to see the green, it seems a mile away, but is not the longest hole on the course. We walked half way down and watched Geoff Ogilvy, playing by himself, hitting 4 or 5 extra shots towards the green. As we walked up along the fairway, spectators really could not see the green due to the mounds surrounding it, only once you pass the green do you get a full view of the green. This green has huge undulations due to the mounds directly surrounding it.

 

We finished our Augusta National Golf Club course tour by walking down the 9^th fairway (Par 4, 460 yards, Carolina Cherry) toward the green and clubhouse. We walked up to the green which was guarded on the right by two large bunkers and watched VJ’s group finish putting and head off to the clubhouse.

 

Having seen almost everything on the course, we head over to the practice range area. On the way over, we noticed the line to the pro shop (now 3:30) is endless and static. There were a few golfers using the practice facility to the left of Magnolia Lane. We proceeded over to the second practice area located to the left of Magnolia Lane, by way of the clubhouse and Founders Circle; the Augusta National Golf Club logo in yellow flowers on the front lawn. I noticed again, how the outside of the clubhouse just doesn’t move me, a plain, Old South style building. Now, if I entered off Washington Road and drove up Magnolia Lane (seems like it is a half mile long) to the club house, that would be a rite-of-passage and might change the way I would look at the entire experience. We finally got to the second practice area, there were a few more golfers including Jeev Milkha Singh, Tim Clark and Phil Mickelson utilizing the facilities. I watched Phil for about 45 minutes, it was like watching a machine. Phil was on the left side of the drive range, Bones was out on the range moving white towels which were placed at measured distances from about 50 yards to about 120 yards from were Phil was hitting balls. Using his wedge, while being observed by Butch Harmon and David Pelz, Phil would hit about 10 shots to a single towel. Out of 10 shots, and no matter which towel he was shooting at, he landed the ball on the towel 4 or 5 times, the rest landing within a few feet. Everyone just stood there in amazement as he kept this up, towel after towel at all distances, simply amazing. After about 45 minutes, we decided it was time to leave Augusta behind; we walked past the front of the club house one last time, took a long look at the Augusta National logo, the front of the clubhouse and down Magnolia Lane then headed for the car. Within ten minutes, we were in our car and on the way home, I was already looking forward to coming back next year!

Golf Etiquette

The Spirit of the Game

 

Unlike many sports, golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they maybe. This is the spirit of the game of golf.

 

Safety

Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.

Players should not play until the players in front are out of range.

Players should always be alert of greens staff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them.

If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, he should immediately shout a warning. The traditional word of warning in such a situation is "fore."

 

Never throw clubs in anger. In addition to being rude and childish, it could also be dangerous.

 

Golf Carts

 

You don't need a driver's license to drive a golf cart on the course, but you do need some common sense and a great deal of respect for the course and the players around you.

 

If you are driving a motorized cart, drive at a moderate speed and keep your eyes open for other golfers.

Depending on weather conditions and other variables courses will post different rules relating to the use of carts. Be sure to obey the course rules regarding carts such as:  Keep carts on paths at all times -- this is a rule that courses use if the ground is very wet and they don't want the tires of the motorized carts to damage the fairway grass.

 

90 Degree Rule - this rule requires you to stay on the cart path until you are even (at a 90 degree angle) with your ball. Then you may drive your cart straight out to your ball. When you've taken your shot, drive straight back to the cart path. Adhering to this rule minimizes damage to fairway grass as well, but still allows golfers to drive right up to their ball.

 

Always, under all circumstances, keep all carts, motorized or pull-carts away from the greens and off the teeing ground. Often the course will post signs giving directions as to where they want you to park your cart; follow the directions.

 

Consideration for Other Players

No Disturbance or Distraction

Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise.

Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players.

On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play.

Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

 

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

Stepping Over the Ball Path

 

Another thing to notice as soon as you step out onto the green is the location of everyone's ball. The reason you should carefully note where all the other balls are is so you don't step on the path on which someone else will momentarily putt.

 

If you step on the path of a ball lying on the green what will happen is that your footprint will make a little hole or depression right where that golfer is going to send their putt. That depression may cause their ball to go off course, making them miss their putt. They will not be too happy if that happens.

 

The best route to your own ball is to walk behind any other balls laying on the green. But if that is not possible, then step over the imaginary line between any ball and the hole. By walking around or stepping over another player's ball path you demonstrate your awareness of their ball and your courtesy to them as a player.

 

Marking Your Ball

 

When you are on the green the Rules of Golf allow you to mark and clean your ball. The cleaning part helps to ensure you will get a nice even roll on your putt; the marking part ensures that you will put the ball back in exactly the same spot when you are done cleaning.

 

Place a coin or a ball marker directly behind your golf ball, on the opposite side of the ball as the hole. Don't put your ball marker in front of your ball because you may put an indentation in the ground in front of your ball, causing your own shot to go off course when you hit it.

 

If your ball is in the direct path of another golfer's shot, you may move your mark up to a club length to either side. Of course, when the other golfer has played the shot, you must return your mark to the original position.

 

After you have cleaned your ball, if your spot on the green is closer to the hole than any other golfers in your group, hang onto your ball until it is your turn. That way your ball won't be a distraction to someone putting before you.

 

Without disturbing anyone who is putting, you can be evaluating your putt from your ball marker. Then when it is your turn, place the ball on the ground in front of your marker, then remove the marker.

 

Removing/Tending The Flagstick

 

The Rules of Golf tell us that the ball may not strike the flagstick, in the hole when the ball has been played from on the green. (If your ball is hit from off the green and hits the flagstick, that's acceptable) So that means when a golfer is putting, the flagstick must be removed from the hole before the ball enters the hole.

 

To remove the flagstick from the hole, simply pick it straight up to avoid bashing it against the rim of the hole and damaging the edge. Take the flagstick to the edge of the green and gently lay it down so the knob on the end is off the green. If you just drop it on the green it may leave a big gash on the surface of the green.

 

Sometimes, however, due to a long putt or an odd angle or the sunshine or shadows, or who-knows-what, the person putting may not be able to see the hole very well. In this instance another golfer in the group can 'tend the flagstick' for that golfer. Tending the flagstick is a courtesy you extend to the other golfers in your group whenever they need that service.

 

Here is the proper way to tend the pin for another golfer:

 

Stand to the side of the cup, left or right, depending on which side your shadow falls (be sure your shadow does not fall over the cup or across the line the golfer is putting on);

 

Stand about arm's length distance from the cup with your feet away from the hole (to avoid damaging the cup), and be sure you are not standing on anyone else's putting line in the process;

 

With your arm nearest the flagstick reach out and hold the flag against the flagstick to keep it from flapping in the breeze;

 

The last thing that happens regarding tending the pin is that the person for whom you are tending it actually putts the ball. Now as the ball is rolling toward the hole, lift the flagstick straight out, walk quietly to the side of the green and lay it down as described above.

 

Scoring

In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player(s) concerned and record the strokes.

 

Pace of Play

Play at Good Pace and Keep Up

Players should play at a good pace. The club may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow.

It is a group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group.

 

"Playing Through"

 

Playing Through another group is one of the most difficult and contentious parts of golf. It is difficult because, often, there is an implication that the group who is "being played through" is guilty of slow play and they typically resent that implication - even if it's true. So if you are going to ask another group to allow you to play through them, do so in a courteous manner and at a convenient time in the round.

 

Here are some tips regarding Playing Through:

Be sure there is room for you to properly play through before you ask permission. (If there is another group immediately ahead of the group you are asking, they will naturally decline to let you through and they will be annoyed that you bothered them.)

Be courteous and quick as you hit your shots in playing through. If you hit bad shots (which often happens because there is extra pressure when you are playing through), don't take any Mulligans, just drop a ball near where yours was last seen and play on.

If you are playing slowly (more than a hole between you and the group ahead of you) and you think the group behind might want to play through, invite them to do so. It might be convenient when you are on a green. Wave them up, stand aside and let them hit up to the green. As they are walking up to the green you can putt out. Then allow them to tee off before you on the next tee.

 

Hitting Into the Group Ahead of You

 

Minding your "Pace of Play" will help you stay with the group ahead and you will be sure not to delay any groups playing behind you. At the same time you are being careful to stay with the group ahead, you must also be careful not to be so close that you hit your ball into that group. If your ball was to hit one of the players in that group it could be very tragic, so be careful that all golfers are out of range before you hit.

Sometimes there are golfers who get very impatient if a group is playing slowly ahead of them; that is understandable. However, it is never acceptable to try to speed up that group by hitting a ball at them to send them a message that you are getting tired of waiting. If you are tired of waiting, walk ahead to their group and ask them to speed up play, but never hit into them.

 

Be Ready to Play

Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.

 

Watch the shots of everyone in your group. Sometimes people end up hitting straight into the sun or for some other reason they will be unable to see where their ball landed. If you are courteous enough to watch the flight of each golfer's shot they will be very grateful for the help in finding their ball. It will also save a lot of time since you will lose far fewer balls by pro-actively watching where they went.

 

When two players in a cart hit to opposite sides of a hole, drive to first ball and drop off that player with his club, then drive to the second ball. After both players hit, meet up farther down the hole.

When walking from your cart to your ball, take a couple clubs with you. Taking only one club, then having to return to the cart to retrieve a different club, is a huge time-waster.

 

Lost Ball

If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a provisional ball.

Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found.

They should not search for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.

 

Priority on the Course

Unless otherwise determined by the club, priority on the course is determined by a group's pace of play. Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round.

 

Care of the Course

Bunkers

Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.

 

If your ball lands in the bunker there are a few "rules of golf" and a few "rules of etiquette" for you to know. Here are the main things to know:

 

Enter the bunker from the low side of the bunker nearest your ball (don't climb down the wall of the bunker); (maintaining the high edges of the bunker is difficult and if they cave in it is hard to repair them).

 

Since the rules of golf forbid "testing the conditions," before a shot, don't pick up the sand or kick it around to determine how wet or soft it is (however, you are allowed to "skootch" your feet down into it to get a good stance).

 

Also to avoid "testing" don't touch the head of your club in the sand before your shot.

 

When you are finished with your shot (or shots) from the bunker, use the rake provided by the course to rake out all evidence of your ball, your shot and your footprints.

 

Leave the rake outside the bunker with the rake handle running parallel to the fairway.

 

Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Shoes

Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether or not made by the player himself). On completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.

 

Preventing Unnecessary Damage

Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason.

Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting green when putting down bags or the flagstick.

In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole.

Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.

The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before players leave the putting green.

Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be strictly observed.

 

Always rake sand traps after hitting to erase your footprints and damage to the area where your ball was.

 

Conclusion; Penalties for Breach

If players follow the guidelines in this Section, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.

If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the club consider taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player. Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions. This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interest of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines.

The 59 Club

Al Giberger (59) - 1977 Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, Colonial Country Club

 

Chip Beck (59) - 1991 Las Vegas Invitational

 

Notah Begay (59) - 1998 Dominon Open (Buy.com Tour)

 

Doug Dunakey (59) - 1998 Miami Valley Open (Buy.com Tour)

 

David Duval (59) - 1999 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic

 

Shigeki Maruyama (58) - 2000 US Open Qualifying, Woodmont Country Club

 

David Gossett (59) - 2000 PGA Q-School, PGA West

 

Annika “Ms. 59” Sorenstam (59) - 2001 Standard Register Ping

(First and only women to shoot 59)

 

Jason Bohn (58) - 2001 Bayer Championship (Canadian Tour)

 

Phil Mickelson (59) - 2004 Grand Slam of Golf, Poipu Bay Golf Club

 

Olin Browne (59) - 2005 US Open Qualifying, Woodmont Country Club

 

Jason Gore (59) - 2005 Cox Classic (Nationwide Tour)

 

Harrison Frazer (59) – 2008 PGA Q-School, PGA

 

Paul Goydos (59) - 2010 John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill

Jim Furyk (59) - 2013 BMW Championship at Conway Farms Golf Club, Lake Forest, IL 

 

The lowest round of golf in the history of competitive golf

 

Homero "Mr. 55" Blancas (55) - Premier Golf Course (Par 70)

Longview, TX (College Golf Tournament)

August 19, 1962

PGA Championship

Match play event until 1958
Year   1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957   Year   1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1972 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013	Champion   James M. Barnes No Championships - No Championships - James M. Barnes Jock Hutchison Walter Hagen Gene Sarazen Gene Sarazen Walter Hagen Walter Hagen Walter Hagen Walter Hagen Leo Diegel Leo Diegel Tommy Armour Tom Creavy Olin Dutra Gene Sarazen Paul Runyan Johnny Revolta Denny Shute Denny Shute Paul Runyan Henry Picard Byron Nelson Vic Ghezzi Sam Snead No Championships - Bob Hamilton Byron Nelson Ben Hogan Jim Ferrier Ben Hogan Sam Snead Chandler Harper Sam Snead Jim Turnesa Walter Burkemo Chick Harbert Doug Ford Jack Burke Jr. Lionel Hebert   Champion   Dow Finsterwald Bob Rosburg Jay Hebert Jerry Barber Gary Player Jack Nicklaus Bobby Nichols Dave Marr Al Geiberger Don January Julius Boros Raymond Floyd Dave Stockton Jack Nicklaus Gary Player Jack Nicklaus Lee Trevino Jack Nicklaus Dave Stockton Lanny Wadkins John Mahaffey David Graham Jack Nicklaus Larry Nelson Raymond Floyd Hal Sutton Lee Trevino Hubert Green Bob Tway Larry Nelson Jeff Sluman Payne Stewart Wayne Grady John Daly Nick Price Paul Azinger Nick Price Steve Elkington Mark Brooks Davis Love III Vijay Singh Tiger Woods Tiger Woods David Toms Rich Beem Shaun Micheel Vijay Singh Phil Mickelson Tiger Woods Tiger Woods Padraig Harrington Y.E. Yang Martin Kaymer Keegan Bradley Rory McIiroy Jason Dufner	Course   Siwanoy CC   World War I World War I Engineers CC Flossmoor CC Inwood CC Oakmont CC Pelham CC French Lick Spgs.      Olympia Fields CC     Salisbury G. L. Cedar Crest CC Five Farms CC Hillcrest CC Fresh Meadows C Wannamoisett CC      Keller GC Blue Mound CC Park CC Twin Hills CC Pinehurst CC Pittsburgh F.C. Shawnee CC Pomonok CC Hershey CC Cherry Hills CC Seaview CC World War II Manito G. & CC Moraine CC Portland GC Plum Hollow GC Norwood Hills CC Hermitage CC Scioto CC Oakmont CC Big Spring CC Birmingham CC Keller GC Meadowbrook CC       Blue Hill CC Miami Valley CC   Course   Llanerch CC Minneapolis GC Firestone CC Olympia Fields CC Aronimink GC Dallas Athl. Club Columbus CC Laurel Valley C Firestone CC Columbine CC Pecan Valley CC NCR CC Southern Hills CC PGA National GC Oakland Hills CC Canterbury GC Tanglewood GC Firestone CC Congressional CC  Pebble Beach GL Oakmont CC Oakland Hills GC Oak Hill CC Atlanta Athletic Club Southern Hills CC Riviera CC Shoal Creek CC Cherry Hills CC Inverness Club PGA National Oak Tree GC Kemper Lakes GC Shoal Creek CC Crooked Stick GC Bellerive CC Inverness Club Southern Hills CC Riviera CC Valhalla GC Winged Foot Sahalee GC Medinah CC Valhalla GC Atlanta Athletic Club Hazeltine National GC Oak Hill CC Whistling Straits   Baltusrol Golf Club Medinah CC Southern Hills Course One Oakland Hills GC Hazeltine National GC Whistling Straits  Atlanta Athletic Club The Ocean Course Oak Hill Country Club	Player Defeated   Jock Hutchison       Fred McLeod J. Douglas Edgar James M. Barnes Emmet French Walter Hagen James M. Barnes William Mehlhorn Leo Diegel Joe Turnesa Al Espinosa Johnny Farrell Gene Sarazen Denny Shute Frank Walsh Willie Goggin Craig Wood Tommy Armour Jimmy Thomson Harold McSpaden Sam Snead Byron Nelson Sam Snead Byron Nelson Jim Turnesa   Byron Nelson Sam Byrd Ed Oliver Chick Harbert Mike Turnesa Johnny Palmer Henry Williams Jr. Walter Burkemo Chick Harbert Felice Torza Walter Burkemo Cary Middlecoff Ted Kroll Dow Finsterwald   Score   276 277 281 277 278 279 271 280 280 281 281 276 279 281 281 277 276 276 281 282 276 272 274 273 272 274 273 278 276 287 272 276 282 276 278 272 269 267 277 269 271 277 270 265 278 276 280 276 270 272 277 280 277 272 275 270	Result   1-up     6 & 5 1-up 3 & 2 4 & 3 38 holes 2-up 6 & 5 5 & 3 1-up 6 & 5 6 & 4 1-up 2 & 1 4 & 3 5 & 4 38 holes 5 & 4 3 & 2 37 holes 8 & 7 37 holes 1-up 38 holes 2 & 1   1-up 4 & 3 6 & 4 2 & 1 2 & 1 3 & 2 4 & 3 7 & 6 1-up 2 & 1 4 & 3 4 & 3 3 & 2 2 & 1   Score to Par   -14 -3 +1 -3 -2 -5 -9 -4 E -7 +1 -8 -1 -7 +1 -7 -4 -4 +1 -3 -8 -8 -6 -7 -8 -10 -15 -10 -8 -1 -12 -12 -6 -12 -6 -12 -11 -17 -11 -11 -9 -11 -18 -15 -10 -4 -8 -4 -18 -8 -3 -8 -11 -8 -1 -10

US Open Historical Results

Year   1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1972 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Champion   Horace Rawlins James Foulis Joe Lloyd Fred Herd Willie Smith Harry Vardon        Willie Anderson Laurence Auchterlonie Willie Anderson Willie Anderson Willie Anderson Alex Smith Alex Ross Fred McLeod George Sargent Alex Smith John J. McDermott John J. McDermott a-Francis Ouimet Walter Hagen a-Jerome D. Travers a-Charles Evans Jr. No Championships - No Championships - Walter Hagen Edward Ray James M. Barnes Gene Sarazen a-Robert T. Jones Jr. Cyril Walker William Macfarlane a-Robert T. Jones Jr. Tommy Armour Johnny Farrell a-Robert T. Jones Jr. a-Robert T. Jones Jr. Billy Burke Gene Sarazen a-John Goodman   Olin Dutra Sam Parks Jr. Tony Manero Ralph Guldahl Ralph Guldahl Byron Nelson        Lawson Little Craig Wood No Championships - No Championships - No Championships - No Championships - Lloyd Mangrum Lew Worsham Ben Hogan Cary Middlecoff Ben Hogan Ben Hogan Julius Boros Ben Hogan Ed Furgol Jack Fleck Cary Middlecoff Dick Mayer Tommy Bolt Bill Casper Jr. Arnold Palmer       Gene Littler Jack Nicklaus Julius Boros Julius Boros Gary Player Bill Casper Jr. Jack Nicklaus Lee Trevino Orville Moody Tony Jacklin Lee Trevino Jack Nicklaus John Miller           Hale Irwin Lou Graham Jerry Pate Hubert Green Andy North Hale Irwin Jack Nicklaus David Graham Tom Watson Larry Nelson Fuzzy Zoeller Andy North Raymond Floyd Scott Simpson Curtis Strange Curtis Strange Hale Irwin Payne Stewart Tom Kite Lee Janzen Ernie Els Corey Pavin Steve Jones Ernie Els Lee Janzen Payne Stewart Tiger Woods Retief Goosen Tiger Woods Jim Furyk Retief Goosen Michael Campbell Geoff Ogilvy Angel Cabrera Tiger Woods Lucas Glover Graeme McDowell Rory McIlroy Webb Simpson Justin Rose

Club   Newport Golf Club Shinnecock Hills G.C   Chicago G.C. Myopia Hunt Club Baltimore Country Club Chicago G.C. Myopia Hunt Club Garden City G.C. Baltusrol G.C.       Glen View Club     Myopia Hunt Club  Onwentsia Club Philadelphia Cricket C.       Myopia Hunt Club  Englewood G.C.    Philadelphia Cricket C. Chicago G.C. C.C. of Buffalo The Country Club Midlothian C.C. Baltusrol G.C.       Minikahda Club     World War I World War I Brae Burn C.C. Inverness Club Columbia C.C. Skokie C.C. Inwood C.C. Oakland Hills C.C. Worcester C.C. Scioto C.C. Oakmont C.C.       Olympia Fields C.C. Winged Foot G.C. Interlachen C.C.    Inverness Club     Fresh Meadow C.C. North Shore G.C.  Merion Cricket C. Oakmont C.C.       Baltusrol G.C. Oakland Hills C.C. Cherry Hills Club   Philadelphia C.C.   Canterbury G.C.    Colonial C.C. World War II World War II World War II World War II Canterbury G.C. St. Louis C.C. Riviera C.C. Medinah C.C.        Merion G.C. Oakland Hills C.C. Northwood Club Oakmont C.C. Baltusrol G.C. Olympic Club Oak Hill C.C. Inverness Club Southern Hills C.C. Winged Foot G.C. Cherry Hills C.C.   Oakland Hills C.C. Oakmont C.C.       The Country Club Congressional C.C. Bellerive C.C. Olympic Club        Baltusrol G.C. Oak Hill C.C. Champions G.C.    Hazeltine National G.C. Merion G.C. Pebble Beach G.L. Oakmont C.C. Winged Foot G.C. Medinah C.C. Atlanta Athletic C. Southern Hills C.C. Cherry Hills C.C.   Inverness Club Baltusrol G.C.       Merion G.C. Pebble Beach G.L. Oakmont C.C. Winged Foot G.C. Oakland Hills C.C. Shinnecock Hills G.C. The Olympic Club The Country Club Oak Hill C.C. Medinah C.C. Hazeltine National G.C. Pebble Beach G.L. Baltusrol G.C. Oakmont C.C. Shinnecock Hills G.C. Oakland Hills C.C. Congressional C.C. The Olympic Club Pinehurst Country Club (Course No. 2) Pebble Beach Golf Links Southern Hills C.C. Bethpage State Park (Black Course) Olympia Fields C.C. Shinnecock Hills G.C. Pinehurst Country Club (Course No. 2) Winged Foot Golf Club Oakmont Country Club Torrey Pines Golf Course Bethpage State Park (Black Course) Pebble Beach Golf Links Congressional C.C. Olympic Club Merion Golf Club - East

Total Score              173 (36 Holes) 152 (36 Holes) 162 (36 Holes) 328 315 313 331 307 307 303 314 295 302 322 290 298 307 294 304 290 297 286     301 295 289 288 296 297 291 293 301 294 294 287 292 286 287 293 299 282 281 284 284 287 284         284 282 276 286 287 287 281 283 284 287 281 282 283 282 280 281 283 293 278 282 278 275 275 281 281 280 290 279 287 287 277 278 285 284 272 273 282 280 276 279 279 277 278 278 280 282 285 272 279 280 278 276 280 279 272 276 277 272 276 280 285 285 283 (Playoff) 276 284 268 281 281