[rubicon]

Experts all agree that the three things that deter people from playing golf are: (1) it takes too long to play (2) it costs too much (3) its too difficult to play.

Bob Griffoen Centreville MI and owner of Island Hills Golf Club championship 18 hole course has inner loops where people can play either 5, 8, or 12 holes of golf. He also extends the cup to 8 inches once a year to increase participation. He offers one free lesson let's kids play free and if someone shows up without clubs he hands them a set of Adams and he offers reduced prices for many during the week days(WSJ 8/3-4/13).

What do you think about golf modifications and exactly how far should the experts go in re-engineering the game of golf? In fact should golf be re-engineered or remain as is. Keep in mind that starting in the 1950's golf course architects and engineers have progressively design and increased the difficulty of courses. As you recall there has been more than one golf pro who cried foul because of this.

[MikeV]

Whenever I play golf I always wonder what my score would be if the hole was just an inch or two bigger. So often we amateurs miss the hole by just a little. When I watch golf on TV I always think how flat and even the greens are near the hole and wonder why when I play there is often a dome around the cup. So to answer your question I would love to play a course once in a while where the modifications were done.

[zcaveman]

Play them as they are. No modifications. If you are having problems move up to the next set of tees.

I play with a group that plays from the forward tees and I shoot a great game, The other group I play with makes me shoot from the gold tees and I shoot an okay game.

Play from the tees that make you feel good and enjoy the game.

Don't try to change the game.

Z

[justjim]

I don't think the answer lies in HUGE modification----especially here in TV. If golfers would tee it up from their proper tee box and play ready up golf----that would solve most of the issues. When a guy/gal can only hit the ball 180-190 yards, they shouldn't be playing from the back tees. For "others" who are not retired-----TIME is a huge issue and for others money. Too many of the new courses are too long and difficult for the average golfer. A lot of them were built to accommodate more houses----not for golfers. We need more 9 hole easy to walk courses----less time and less money IMHO.

[rubicon]

I am a purist so I agree. I believe the handicap system helps balance the playing field. However, I noticed that on many executive courses slow play is a problem even if golfers have moved forward.

There will be much debate on this issue around the country because most good players will not want the game dumbed down while most social players would welcome it.

What is the compromise?....or is there one?

[justjim]

What's done is done. Maybe some of the newer longer courses can be modified with some more friendly tees but because of the real estate they will still be difficult to walk. Hopefully, when some new venues are built they can be time and walker friendly. The executive courses in TV generally have a number of really beginner golfers----which sometimes slow play but doesn't have to if they play ready up golf and pickup after double or triple bogey. Too many times I've seen somebody trying to teach a beginner how to hit the golf ball on the executive course which should be done on a practice range. Lessons are the best money you can spend on golf----especially when just learning.

[Indydealmaker]

We live in a world now where having just one winner is a bad thing. So, we dumb down the game to "level" the playing field. Aspiring to be better is now an undesirable trait.

Originally Posted by Indydealmaker

We live in a world now where having just one winner is a bad thing. So, we dumb down the game to "level" the playing field. Aspiring to be better is now an undesirable trait.

Excellent post!!

[gomoho]

As a new golfer (one year now) I think TV offers what you are talking about. Turtle Mound is a very friendly course and they go up from there as far as difficulty. I understand most people outside the bubble don't have the ability to choose from such a wide range of courses, but that is one more thing that makes golf in TV great.

[ugotme]

Personally I believe we should leave the game alone.

As previously stated, play from your "correct" tees and accept what you shoot.
While playing a modified game may be fun - it isn't golf!

I've seen too many players who either move the ball or take a drop for no reason then come in and say " I shot an 83" (or whatever). Sounds great but was probably more like a 93.

Accept what your handicap is and try to improve!

FORE !

[TheCollierCpl]

Enlarged hole is nothing new. Back in Ben Hogans time they experimented for a season with a larger hole. Why did they go back to the 4 1/4"? Because the larger hole fVored the better golfers.
How bout that

[TheCollierCpl]

Originally Posted by ugotme

Personally I believe we should leave the game alone.

As previously stated, play from your "correct" tees and accept what you shoot.
While playing a modified game may be fun - it isn't golf!

I've seen too many players who either move the ball or take a drop for no reason then come in and say " I shot an 83" (or whatever). Sounds great but was probably more like a 93.

Accept what your handicap is and try to improve!

FORE !

Absolutely. Golf is cool in that it is handicapped and has different tees. Any one at any age can compete against anyone with the system. It is Yu against the course. There were some studies done, unofficially, that
Estimate that the normal occasional golfer who says he breaks a hundred is probably shooting in the mid teens. Why, mulligans, conceded putts, improper play when out of bounds or lost ball, etc.
I agree, no matter wht your score, record it, you're only cheating yourself. Just go out and have fun. If you snoot 130, well, it's 130. When you come down to 120 you have something to celebrate. It's all relative. Enjoy the get a way and the temporary espcape from reality.
And the complaint about how long it takes, heck at TV Ypu have the exec courses.lay em quickly on the easier courses until you get better.
If any of us were any good, we would be on television!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by ugotme

Personally I believe we should leave the game alone.

As previously stated, play from your "correct" tees and accept what you shoot.
While playing a modified game may be fun - it isn't golf!

I've seen too many players who either move the ball or take a drop for no reason then come in and say " I shot an 83" (or whatever). Sounds great but was probably more like a 93.

Accept what your handicap is and try to improve!

FORE !

I agree. And that goes for life too.

[Mallory]

My understanding of the USGA's three part initiative to increase participation and enjoyment of the game of golf to be phased in over the next few years is -
#1 - Play it forward. This first part has already started as you can see from TV spots and the new, forward, yellow tees here in The Villages.
#2 - Increasing the diameter of the hole form 4 1/4 inches to 6 inches. I don't believe this has stated yet anywhere.
#3 - Reducing 18 hole recreational courses to 12 holes. This hasn't started yet either.

These initiatives were proposed by Tom Weiskopf and are being championed by Jack Nicklaus.

If you want to make your opinions known, contact the USGA.

[ugotme]

I have started seeing articles about courses pushing the idea of playing 9 holes.

Less time, less money and more people can squeeze in a round.

Courses have reported higher revenues because those who will play 18 still do and those that can get in a quick round will now come out and play.

Must admit - haven't heard anything about enlarging the hole.