Helping Out

There are so many ways that we can help each other in life. Some are simple while some are complex. Some are meaningful while some are silly. And sometimes it’s just a joy to help out somebody’s weekend.

I try to golf a bit (emphasis on the try) and realize what a frustrating game it can be sometimes. Therefore I want to take this opportunity to share a little of my knowledge. Yet rather than discuss generalizations and generic tips, I’m going to concentrate on specifics: How to play hole 17 at Northampton Country Club. While the methods may seem unconventional, the results are what matters.

Birdying the 17th Hole

The common method of playing this hole is to drive the ball 230 – 250 yards, chip/pitch onto the green, and then putt it in. The problem with that is that all to often your pitch onto the green leads to the ball running past the hole and into the rough (In which case refer to “Saving bogie”). I prefer to use the bunker to the right of the green for my second shot. Think about it. Usually when your ball goes into the trap, it stops rolling fairly quickly. In this case it allows your ball to remain even with the pin for your third, or birdie, shot.
Now most players, in exiting a sand trap, try to hit the ball about an inch or so into the sand behind the ball, and use the sand to push the ball out of the trap onto the green. Not a bad strategy, but it is hard to control the distance and accuracy of such a shot. Try the unconventional “Skull” shot at this point. Nailing the ball with the edge of your sand wedge will send the ball out very quickly. This becomes the one tricky part here. Hit the lip too low and you come right back into the trap. Too high and you’ll be over the green and out of play. You need to hit the ball so that you catch the very top of the lip. This gives two special benefits. (1) It will send the ball soaring straight up into the air, traveling a minimum distance onto the green. (2) The ball will go so high in the air that when it drops down into the cup it will invariably bounce out and roll away. By hitting the top of the lip, you will give it enough backspin so that after popping out, the ball will roll right back into the hole.
Now I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering how to play the hole if you miss the trap on your second shot.

Saving Bogie

If you have missed the trap on your second shot you will probably find yourself past the green and into the rough. After all you have lost the opportunity to have the sand stop your ball. First things first: give up on thinking about birdying or parring the hole at this point. Think about saving bogie.
You’re probably in the rough in an uncomfortable lie at this point, so you want to just chunk the ball and get out of the rough. Your 4th shot is important here. You’re not on the green yet and face a downhill shot. Not an easy choice and can lead to some frustration. The best bet is to just work on getting onto the green. Make sure you hit the ball hard enough to get past the cup, and only concern yourself with staying on the green. A long putt, maybe 45 feet, is actually preferable for, again, two reasons: (1) You will leave yourself with an uphill putt, and everybody knows an uphill putt is easier than a downhill one. (2) By being a good distance away, you have removed all of the pressure. Nobody expects you to be able to drop a 45-foot putt so you are free to be loose and easy. At this point just line it up, stroke it, and watch it drop in – Saving Bogie!

For those off you that think they are “special” and can just drive, pitch and putt for birdie. Let’s look at it another way. A birdie like that will provide you with a “nice birdie” comment from your partners. You’ll move onto the 18th hole and that bird will be forgotten. However I’ve gotten 4 to 6 weeks out of #17, and aren’t bragging rights what golf is all about?

Enjoy your next 18, and…

Say a prayer for somebody today.