Wednesday, October 29, 2014

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 1st hole and 10th 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 the18th green. As we proceeded over to the 18th 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 2nd 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 18th 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 18th 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 18th tee.
  
As we walked down the 17th 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 17th 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 15th green, 16th 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 16th 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 15th fairway (Par 5, 530 yards, Firetorn) up to the 15th tee box, while waiting, we watched Justin Rose on the 14th 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 15th 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, P
hil and his foursome where approaching the 10th 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 11th tee box, Adam Scott walked over to the 15th tee box, he sets up and lets the driver fly; what a fluid swing and long drive.
 
The walk from the 14th 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 14th 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 13th 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 13th green. Then, just like Tiger, the crowd was coming, following Phil. We watched Phil’s approach to the 13th 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 13th fairway (Par 5, 510 yards, Azalea) to a point between the 12th tee box (Par 3, 155 yards, Golden Bell) and the 13th fairway. There was no access for the public to the 13th tee box or the 12th green. From there we watched a few groups come through and play the 12th 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 12th and 13th holes and just soaked in the beauty of the lush greens, the Hogan (12th) and Nelson (13th) 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 11th green/12th 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 11th, 12th and 13th holes. Gary Player hit his tee shot onto the 12th green to within a few feet and did a little dance, the crowd erupted with cheers for him.
 
After lunch, we headed down the 11th 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 11th 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 4th 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 5th 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 6th 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 6th and 16th 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 16th 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 16th pond. At this point, the sun was out and it warmed up.
 
After our break we proceeded over to the 8th 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 9th 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