Volume 1, Issue 5 April 2014

Golfer Statistics
Curiosity about what sort of people in the population shared my interest in golf spawned this article. Yes, it is an interest, not an addiction, disease, or obsession as outsiders may view it. So I did some research to find out both how many there were and some facts about them. This information came from a variety of websites, most of which cited the National Golf Foundation, the USGA website, and the U.S. Census Department as sources. For the purpose of compiling these numbers a golfer is considered anyone who has played 18 holes in the previous 12 months. Lightweights. Total estimated number of golfers in the U.S - 26.1 million, down from 30 million five years ago. Percentage of the population that play golf - 9.6% Percentage of golfers that are male - 77.5% Percentage of golfers that are female - 22.5% Percentage of golfers that are married - 68% Age breakdown: Under 30 30-39 40 - 49 50 - 59 60 - 69 70 and over 5% 12% 22% 24% 18% 19%

Women:
Handicap Index Percentage 1.5% 1 - 4.9 5 - 9.9 2.8% 10 - 14.9 7.4% 15 - 19.9 13.8% 20 - 24.9 20.1% 25 - 29.9 20.7% 30 plus 33.7%
The percentage of left-handed golfers is estimated to be between 4 - 10%. Thats lower than the national average for naturally left-handed people because many of them play golf right-handed. So what did I find out? As an avid golfer I belong to a relatively small segment of the population. Im significantly older than the average but my gender rules in percentage of participants. Based on strength in numbers I stand on the correct side of the ball. Im usually in the top 31.3 percentile in handicap. And although Im in the minority on this one my marital status is right where I want it to be. I golf, therefore I am.

The average age of current golfers is 46. 84% of golfers plan to take a vacation within the next year and of those 80% plan to play golf on that vacation. Ever wonder how your handicap compares to the rest of the country? Heres a breakdown for percentage of golfers in different handicap ranges for men and women.

Backspin

GRESHAM MENS / LADIES CLUBS

Mike Swarthout, Editor

Men:
Handicap Index Percentage 10.1% 1 - 4.9 5 - 9.9 21.2% 10 - 14.9 28.0% 15 - 19.9 21.2% 20 - 24.9 11.6% 25 - 29.9 5.1% 30 plus 2.8%

Gresham Mens Club on Facebook

For those of you not yet aware we now have a Facebook page, developed and maintained by Eric Gustafson. The address to the site is: www.facebook.com/Gresham MensClub You dont have to be a Facebook user to access the page however if you are like me and havent joined the cult there are some features that you wont be able to access. Check it out, Eric did a nice job with it.

Inside this issue:

Niners News Ladies Club update Mow News from the Superintendant Presidents Message Rules 101: It All Starts at the Tee Stamper Aces Member Profile: Eric Gustafson Fight Slow Play 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4

A man turns to his wife and asks, "When I die, will you quit playing golf?" The wife replies, "Once I get over the shock and grief I might eventually play again, but it will be hard. He continued, If you get married again, will he be a golfer? Yes, probably she replies. The man said, I want you to know that its OK if you give him my clubs. Without much thought the wife responds, Thats quite kind of you but no thanks, hes left-handed.

Niners News
Greetings from sunny and warm Florida, where next week I will be volunteering at the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Classic! Be sure to look for me, I'll be the little blonde lady in the red striped shirt! LOL Just a reminder the Niners Opening Breakfast will be held at Elmer's Wednesday April 2nd at 9 am. We will officially start golfing the following Wednesday. New members are welcome! Let the golfing begin and I will have more to write about! Jeanne Lisak Niners President

Ladies Club Update

Welcome back all, and hopefully to new women who are interested in joining the 18 hole group. If you are away and want to know what our April play is, well here we go: All games are on Tuesdays with a 9:00 am start time April 1st April 8th Sweeps/pay ball - General meeting after golf ONES Game Sweeps/pay ball All of us are really excited to start the season. We had a lot of fun at our opening meeting and Scott gave us a little information regarding the golf course plans for this year. Verrrry interesting . A few of us went to the golf show this year. Lots to look at. Also, a lot of people on the opening day came just like us to see what is new including gadgets, clubs and what not. We are trying to advocate the faster play attitude. It is a goal to stay up with the group ahead. Remember, we are not playing an LPGA tournament.

April 15th Sweeps/pay ball April 22nd TRUE/FALSE Game Sweeps/pay ball April 29th Sweeps/pay ball - Board mtg. to follow The weekly play is going to have a lot more team games along with the sweeps/pay ball.

Have fun. Betty Zerbach

Mow News from the Superintendant:

I Missed my Putt Because the Hole was Raised! *&#@$%?

Through the years I get complaints of raised cups, or what we often call volcano cups. The golfers experience a putted ball decreasing speed as it approaches the cup and then breaking away in either direction mysteriously. The first thought is that the hole was improperly cut and the liner haphazardly set by the maintenance staff. Though this has happened we make every effort to avoid it. Cutting cups during the winter on wet greens is sometimes a challenge. Often getting a wet core to come out of the new hole due to suction caused by the wet soil requires the use of a special auger to complete the task. Even if the new hole might be a little elevated we use a cup setter which places the liner 1 inch below the top of the hole and when stepped on pushes down any elevated turf. Following this and before placing the flag stick we roll the entire area around the hole with a piece of PVC pipe to reduce imperfection in a broader area. Only occasionally, there might still be a problem. Golfers are also a culprit when addressing this predicament. First, the ferrule of the flag stick can be stuck tight in the hole, as can often result when we sand greens, and one can lift the liner when removing the flag. This lifting action can unnoticeably lift the turf around the hole. My recommendation is as one removes the flag stick give it a light twist to assure it is free from the liner. Second, and more often the problem this time of year, are foot prints. During event play all putts need to be putted out. No problem that is what golf is about. The problem arises when the golfer steps next to the hole to remove his ball. On soft winter greens this can leave a foot print right next to the hole. Though the cup is not raised the depression from the foot print creates the identical problem. My recommendation is walk and step around the cup with some caution. Finally, dipping your ball from the cup with the head of the putter is a definite no-no and just a bad habit. Several years ago I requested a golfer to stop the practice. He told me he was careful and he was not the problem. He was also playing with a young man, I presumed a son learning the game from Dad. The boy was also dipping the ball from the cup with his putter with damaging effects. We will make every effort to supply good cups and hope you will do your part while golfing to keep them in good shape. Respectfully, Chuck

And Now, a Message From the President

We have recently had some great weather and judging by the turnout we have had it looks like it is going to be a great year. Last weekend in the sunshine we had over 50 people play on Saturday which is outstanding for this time of year. The course is in outstanding shape for March. Hats off to our grounds crew, they put a lot of hard work into making this course as good as it is.
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The 2 man best ball bracket is posted in the pro shop, let's try and get those matches played in a timely fashion so we can get the individual match play tournament started on time. On a side note for those of you that live on or near the golf course we have had a visitor at the golf course this past week. There has been a bald eagle roaming the course and

although he is beautiful to watch he can be very hazardous to your pets especially smaller pets. Last weekend I believe he got a small dog and I would hate for that to happen to any of us so be careful. Thanks, Gregg
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Rules 101: It All Starts At the Tee

In past issues Ive dealt with some pretty obscure rulings and occurrences. Since most of us wont have our balls taken away by wildlife or hit spectators (who would pay to watch us, or even show up if it was free?) I thought I would start at the beginning, the teeing area. Knowing the rules here gets you started off on the right foot.

How many times have you been waiting to tee off and the golfer whose turn it is accidentally bumps his ball off the tee and someone in the group yells One!? Well its not one, the ball can be re-teed without penalty. Thats because a ball is not in play until the golfer makes a stroke on the teeing ground and a stroke is defined as the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball. Striking the ball with a practice swing, making contact at address, or kicking it with your feet does not constitute making a stroke. This, of course, only applies to the teeing area, once the ball is in play strokes are assessed if you alter the position of your ball. And speaking of the teeing ground, it is defined as a rectangular area two clublengths in depth, the front and the sides of which are defined by the outside limits of two tee-markers. To be considered to have played outside of the teeing ground ALL of the ball must lie outside of it.

terland after cheating they can make you live with it and if you crush it your opponent can make you do it again. In stroke play the competitor is assessed a two stroke penalty and must then re-tee his ball from within the teeing ground. If a player makes a stroke from the next teeing ground (or, on the last hole leaves the green) without correcting his mistake they are then disqualified. So if you want to play cutthroat golf take a picture of your fellow competitor (for proof) and then show it to them after their next tee shot while informing them that they no longer are in the competition. You will NOT find this in How to Make Friends and Influence People. Your stance is irrelevant in all of this. As long as your ball is properly teed you can stand anywhere inside or outside of the teeing ground to make your stroke. Relating to the teeing ground is the start time for a competition. If a player arrives at the teeing ground late for his starting time but within five minutes of it he is assessed a two stroke penalty in stroke play and loss of hole in match play. If a player arrives at the teeing ground more than five minutes past the designated start time the penalty is disqualification unless the committee decides that there are exceptional circumstances that caused the player to be late. In our case the committee would be Scotty, and if he isnt there then our Mens Club President would make the call. Should they both be unavailable the next highest ranking Board member would be who to turn to, and if none of them are in attendance then the round should be completed and a decision would be made later. Tee markers themselves are considered to be fixed on the teeing ground of the hole being played. If someone moves them before making their first stroke because they interfere with the lie of their ball, their stance, line of play, or path of

intended swing the penalty is two strokes in stroke play and loss of hole in match play. If a player moves a tee marker before or after his stroke because they consider it to be placed improperly (too close together, not perpendicular to the fairway centerline, etc.) the penalty is disqualification. If the movement of the tee markers is accidental or for no apparent reason there is no penalty provided the markers are replaced to their original location. And finally, once youve made a stroke from the teeing ground of the hole being played those tee markers and all other tee markers on the course during the play of that hole become moveable obstructions. So tee em up with the confidence that you know how to deal with any situation that arises as your journey towards the hole begins. Im just glad that theres no penalty for playing the hole from the wrong fairway.

Stamper Aces!
John Stamper, on a recent golf outing to Las Vegas, drained a tee shot for his fifth hole-in-one. Pretty greedy if you ask me, Im still awaiting my first. The deed was accomplished on number 6 at the Sand Hollows Links Course in Hurricane, Utah. The hole plays 117 yards and John claims he used a gap wedge but based on my experience playing with the man he would have had to crush a 5 iron. It was a blind shot and John didnt even know he had aced until the group arrived at the green and saw the ball leaning against the flagstick. As difficult as it is to put aside my jealousy I have to say congratulations, and well done.

Both of the balls shown are properly teed

The penalty for teeing off outside of the teeing area gets weird in my opinion. In Match Play there is not penalty but your opponent may elect to have you re-hit from within the teeing ground. I guess thats so if you shank a ball into the hin-

Canada Dry makes a big deal out of the fact that they use real ginger in their Ginger Ale. Beware if they ever start sellin g Shitake mushrooms.
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Member Profile: Eric Gustafson

Age: 57 Handicap: 14 Graduated from: I grew up in East County, graduated from Reynolds High School in 1975. Went to college for a while, but then started working and never looked back. Profession: I'm a supervisor in the Technology Services department at Multnomah Education Service District. How long a member of the Gresham Mens Club: This is my fourth year. When and how did you get started playing the game: I played a little bit as a kid with my friends (sneaking on at Glendoveer). I didn't play much until about six or seven years ago when I started taking it more seriously. How many holes-in-one: Zero. What other interests besides golf: I like watching most sports. I really enjoy following the big horse racing events. I like sitting around enjoying a cold adult beverage with my friends. Family: Wife (Sherry). Four Daughters. Five Grandsons. One Granddaughter. Favorite golf course (other than Gresham) and why: Any course that I play well on is my favorite for that day. I got to play at Torrey Pines in 2009, that was spectacular. Sandpines is great. Believe it or not, I really enjoy playing at Agate Beach in Newport. Funniest thing seen on the golf course: Martin Junkins, Bob Burns. Any comments youd like to make: Joining the Gresham Mens Club was one of the best things I've ever done. It's a wonderful group of guys to golf with and spend time with. I've made great friends.

Fight Slow Play

Ah, slow play, the age old debate. We all complain about it but the worst offenders never seem to do anything about it. The standard mantra is to keep up with the group in front of you. Thats fine unless there is a twosome up ahead or a group of four that plays much faster than normal. I would say that your group needs to avoid making the group behind wait on any shot. Im not advocating speed golf or sprinting between shots but at our course (and actually most Ive played) there is absolutely no reason for a round to take more than four hours. Were all out there to have fun and there are some tips to help speed up play without encroaching on the enjoyment. One of the most common causes for slow play that Ive observed is not being ready to play when its your turn. Avoid travelling in a pack, after teeing off go directly to your ball and prepare for the next shot. During periods of winter rules mark, clean, and place your ball and at other times just assess your next shot while the others in the group are doing the same thing. Of course you dont want to distract your fellow competitors or risk being hit but you can take up a position to avoid these things as close as possible to where your ball lies and, if the person behind you is waiting for the green to clear or the people in front of you to get out of range you can still walk up to your ball and accomplish these chores.
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When sharing a cart the same thing applies. Drive to the first ball, drop the player off after they select a club, and then proceed to the second players ball. If the conditions dictate cart path only the same tip applies, or position the cart on the path equidistance between both players lie and each proceed to their ball and perform pre-shot chores. And if there is any doubt as to what club you need take more than one. Always carry extra balls and tees in your pocket. That saves time from going back to your bag if you need to re-hit or play a provisional ball. On the tee or during any shot pay attention when your fellow group members are hitting. You might see where the ball ends up better than they did eliminating wasted time searching for golf balls. Assess how many practice swings you take and decide if they are really necessary. Do you hit the ball better after taking more than one or even any? Personally Im old and worn out and I only HAVE so many swings in me during an 18 hole round. If youre the type that offers or asks for advice on your swing doing so during a round is not the right time. Save it for the driving range before or after a round. Once youve all reached the green begin looking at the slopes and reading your putts

immediately, dont start the routine only when its your turn. This can always be done with a little care to avoid stepping on someones line or distracting them. After arriving on the green always position your bag or cart in the direction of the next hole, or at least to the side of the green (never in front of it). Having to waste steps walking away from you next destination before proceeding to it can add a lot of time to your round. And mark down the scores on the next tee, not while standing on or near the green. Practice ready golf at all times (with the exception of match play). Its the norm in groups that I play with for the person whose turn it is to tell any other player Hey, if youre ready go for it. Or, if a player is ready to hit (or putt) for them to say Im ready, do you mind if I hit?. And if the group in front is within range of the gorillas let the shorter hitters tee off first. Minimize conversation when its time to play. Hold off on your words of wisdom until youre walking to your next shot or stopped waiting for the group in front to clear. Give these tips a try yourself, or if youre playing with someone who might benefit pass them along. Putting these ideas into practice will lead to a better experience for all.

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