Golf Society News Letter Issue 003 September 2002

Brave Men Battled at Bull Run

The day started with 16 men on the roster to do battle in what was forecasted as the worst day of golf weather in the past nine months. Though the forecast gave hope that the situation would improve as the day went on, a morning filled with unusually heavy rain and wind drove six to accept defeat and withdraw from the Summer Classic event. However, there was a high spirit of optimism at the Bull Run Golf Club among those who were committed to show up and test their game in the toughest of conditions. If Tiger Woods could play in similar conditions at the British Open this year, why couldn’t we? The vote was unanimous to push on and make a go of it. After all, some day we may have to play in the British Open, (The Pen Pushers British Open).

As ten enthusiastic and brave men marched into the battlefield at Bull Run determined to finish the round, only one would emerge in victory. It was a close match as three players lead at the turn with 16 points. We were all so soaked, cold and frustrated with slippery hands and casual water everywhere, we voted (unanimously again) to call it done at the turn and get into dry cloths (and an early start at the bar). Of the three leaders, Mark Conroy and Brian Clark deserve honorable mention as they were edged out on count back from the most difficult hole, which ended up being the 9^th. Jed Fotchman emerged as champion. Well done Jed for a strong finish in difficult conditions. The Goat-boy award went to newcomer John Denale who showed good spirit in defeat. Rumor has it that he has been at Virginia Nation several times since Bull Run preparing for the next event. Long drive went to John Sullivan for a “Tour Caliber” super, king size, jumbo, explosive shot to the exact middle of the fairway. Guess who reported it that way? Closest-to-the-Pin went to newcomer Brian Clark, who played very solid off a 14 handicap.

Other newcomers for the day included Bob Mallard, Steve Leavy and Ron Duck whom all showed signs of potential future Champions. As we did not get a chance to fully play Bull Run, and what we saw of it, looked like an excellent course and good value, we are considering replaying there for the November event. Any other suggestions for courses to be considered for future events would be welcomed.

Membership Drive Still on:

We would like to grow the membership to a level where we can average 20 to 28 players per outing on a regular, monthly basis. If you know someone who enjoys golf, is fun to be around, and might be interested in participating in an outing, please contact Rick Sterrett or John Sullivan for more details. Thanks !

Contact Information:

Rick Sterrett Mobile: (301) 529-2747 John Sullivan: Mobile: (703) 622-0084

Home: (703) 736-9815 Home: (540) 554-8871

Email: rtsterrett@aol.com email:laurasu@msn.com

September’s Meeting:

Viriginia National:

Phone: 888-283-GOLF
1400 Parker Lane
Bluemont, VA 20135

www.virginianational.com

The next Golf Society meeting has been set up.  It is September 18th at 12:00PM
at Virginia National.  Cost will be about $60 includes Greens Fees, Cart, Food afterwards at the awards ceremony, and prizes.

We hope you all can make it. Please contact John Sullivan by phone or email (laurasu@msn.com) ASAP to hold your spot.

About the Course:

“Virginia National”

Directions:

From 495 Beltway, take the Dulles Toll Road West to the Greenway Toll Road (the last exit on the Dulles Toll Road). Continue on Route 7 West towards Winchester for 20 miles. Go over the mountain and turn right onto Parker Lane (right before the Route 7 bridge that crosses the Shenandoah River). The proshop is at the end of Parker Lane. The street address is 1400 Parker Lane, Bluemont, Virginia 20135. Lost? Call 888.283.4653 for help!

Virginia National Golf Club Scorecard

Virginia National Golf Club Ratings and Slopes

Upcoming Events:

Mark your Calendars!!! The October Event will be at Raspberry Falls on Wednesday October 16^th, 2002. Dave Beauchamp is helping set this one up. Thanks Dave !!

Pen Pusher News

Pen Pusher Web Site Under Construction

Paul Tierney has set us up! We now have a web site, www.penpushers.us thanks to Paul. Content is on its way. Suggestions and contributors are welcome!

Captain’s Corner: Putting Around on the Green

What are the rules once you reach the green? What can you do and what can’t you do?

Rule 16. The Putting Green:

Definitions

The “putting green” is all ground of the hole being played, which is specifically prepared for putting or otherwise defined as such by the Committee. A ball is on the putting green when any part of it touches the putting green.

The “line of putt” is the line, which the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke on the putting green. Except with respect to Rule16-1e, the line of putt includes a reasonable distance on either side of the intended line. The line of putt does not extend beyond the hole.

A ball is “holed” when it is at rest within the circumference of the hole and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole.

16 – 1. General

1. Touching the Line of Putt

The line of putt must not be touched except:

1. The player may move sand and loose soil on the putting green and other loose impediments by picking them up or by brushing them aside with his hand or a club without pressing anything down;

2. In addressing the ball, the player may place the club in front of the ball without pressing anything down;

3. In measuring – Rule 10-4;

4. In lifting the ball – Rule 16-1b;

5. In pressing down a ball-marker;

6. In repairing old hole plugs or ball marks on the putting green – Rule 16-1c; and

7. In removing movable obstructions – Rule 24-1.

2. Lifting Ball

A ball on the putting green may be lifted and, if desired, cleaned. A ball so lifted shall be replaced on the spot from which it was lifted.

3. Repair of Hole Plugs, Ball Marks and Other Damage

The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not the player’s ball lies on the putting green. If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of such repair, the ball or ball-marker shall be replaced, without penalty. Any other damage to the putting green shall not be repaired if it might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.

4. Testing Surface

During the play of a hole, a player shall not test the surface of the putting green by rolling a ball or roughening or scraping the surface.

5. Standing Astride or on Line of Putt

The Player shall not make a stroke on the putting green from a stance astride, or with either foot touching, the line of putt or extension of that line behind the ball.

6. Playing Stroke While Another Ball in Motion

The Player shall not play a stroke while another ball is in motion after a stroke from the putting green, except that, if a player does so, he incurs no penalty if it was his turn to play.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 16-1:

Match Play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two Strokes.

How to interpret this rule:

This rules is pretty basic:

1. Don’t step on your “line” or anyone else’s.

2. No Practicing or “testing” the green.

3. Repair your ball marks.

4. Play in turn and only after all balls have stopped moving.

5. You can mark, lift, clean and replace your ball once it is on the green.