The 'gnome's Secrets

[Yoda]

I do not believe you can have too much information, especially on the golf course. I try to make every course a "home course" and use this to my advantage.

. . .

As far as a weekend player is concerned I think it is wise to know the "safe spot" on every approach, even if it is not on the green. Laying up or even knocking it over may not be a bad play, especially if that is the safe spot.

It is no exaggeration to say that the average PGA TOUR player knows the golf course he's just played for only one week better than the average member who has played the same course for ten years.

These guys are good, and their golf playing skills go far beyond merely swinging the club.

[Hennybogan]

I understand that looking at the hole, you will see one
side somewhat ragged and the other side clean cut.
Bermuda Grass. Do to the way the hole cutter works,
the cutter will tear, more than cut, on the rough side
which is the way that the grain is growing.

Do you have any experience with this.

Donn

The grass is growing across the hole. The cutter cuts the roots on one side. The burnt edge is the result.

[Yoda]

The grass is growing across the hole. The cutter cuts the roots one one side. The burnt edge is the result.

. . . Common terminology among those who make their living at such things. For the rest of us . . .

Cool!

Thanks, Henny!

[Hennybogan]

I use true north as a reference only. When the wind is coming from the West/Northwest I can mark it on each hole so the "swirls" do not confuse me. Also if you are playing in an area where everything breaks toward the ocean, or Indio, or whatever, I can always have that reference.

For those who play on bermuda, grain is always an issue. The grain will typically grow toward the west (setting sun). Once again having a reference helps to eliminate doubt and is by no means an absolute.

I use the compass exactly the same for wind, Indio, etc.

I use it as a reference for grain, but I prefer to rub the green for a truer test in areas where I anticipate pin placements. I often find grain following slopes and working towards water rather than going to the Southwest. When the slope goes to the Southwest, the grain can become very strong.

I mark the grain in the book as a reference for wedges shots and full shots to help anticipate spin or skip.

[O.B.Left]

Great stuff guys.

What is 'Indio"? Hope I dont look too stupid here.

Thanks
OB

[Yoda]

Great stuff guys.

What is 'Indio"? Hope I dont look too stupid here.

Thanks
OB

We're talkin' the California desert, O.B., where the sun shines 354 days each year . . . Palm Springs and the surrounding parts: Indio, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Rancho Mirage.



http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses...?dest=Indio+ca

Where all putts break toward Indio, or . . .

Whatever! [Add Valley Girl accent.]

[O.B.Left]

We're talkin' the California desert, O.B., where the sun shines 354 days each year . . . Palm Springs and the surrounding parts: Indio, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Rancho Mirage.



http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses...?dest=Indio+ca

Where all putts break toward Indio, or . . .

Whatever! [Add Valley Girl accent.]

Thanks Yoda

And I was just in Palm Springs for New Years. OMG.

So this refers to reading the "lay of the land" in a mountainous area with a compass? Is that right? Google earth maybe for topographical maps?

These guys are good and thorough too.

Regards
OB

[Yoda]

I use the compass exactly the same for wind, Indio, etc.

I use it as a reference for grain, but I prefer to rub the green for a truer test in areas where I anticipate pin placements. I often find grain following slopes and working towards water rather than going to the Southwest. When the slope goes to the Southwest, the grain can become very strong.

I mark the grain in the book as a reference for wedges shots and full shots to help anticipate spin or skip.

C'mon, guys. Where have you ever heard stuff like this?

Determining and marking grain to anticipate wedge shot "spin or skip" into the pin? Again . . .

C'mon.

Hats off, HennyB.

Thanks!

[Hennybogan]

Great stuff guys.

What is 'Indio"? Hope I dont look too stupid here.

Thanks
OB

Indio is down valley. World around you seems flat but is actually tilted slightly down valley.

[O.B.Left]

Indio is down valley. World around you seems flat but is actually tilted slightly down valley.

Henny

It occurs to me that your job description has gotten a lot longer of late. Adding surveyor to everything else you guys do. Wind reader, confidence whisperer etc etc etc etc etc.

Good luck at the Hope if that is where you are at.

And all the best for the coming season.
OB