July Newsletter

Clubhouse News

·         The Importance of establishing a USGA Handicap

The USGA’s GHIN Handicap System computes a player’s handicap, assuming a golfer has twenty or more rounds posted, by taking the best ten of that golfer’s most recent twenty scores.  Now remember, your best scores are not necessarily the lowest numbers you’ve shot, but rather, the lowest numbers you’ve shot relative to a course’s level of difficulty (defined by the slope and course rating which is then computed using a lengthy and complicated formula which we won’t worry about here).  Hence, a score of 85 shot at RCC might be a much better score than an 85 shot at New Meadows, a much easier course and would therefore be included in the computation of your handicap before the same score is shot at the easier course.  Now, given the system takes the best ten of your most recent twenty scores, we should understand that your handicap is more a measure of your potential than it is an average score.  As such, it again makes sense that we should not be playing to our potential every time we tee it up.  If we did, do you know what would happen?  That’s right, our handicaps would come down!  The USGA tells us that a golfer, assuming his or her handicap stays the same, should only be shooting his or her handicap 20% of the time!  If you play to your handicap more often than that your handicap will creep downward.  Conversely, if you fail to play to your handicap at least 20% of the time, you can expect to see a rise in your handicap. The moral of the story; relax and enjoy your time spent out on the golf course and realize that you are not going to have your best day on the course.

·         The Men’s Club Championship is Sunday July 19th; the format is 18 holes of individual stroke play, with tee times beginning at 730am.  The cost of playing is $40 and includes a BBQ Lunch Buffet.  

Superintendent's Corner

        We are officially in the heart of the season!  We take a lot of pride in our work and are passionate about what we do. The next couple of months will be prime golf and course conditions.
        We have had a lot of play on a daily and weekly basis. Added foot traffic causes stress. Added divots from tees causes us to frequently move and top-dress/repair divots in those areas. We will remain diligent in managing stress and using smart, managed watering practices.
        Be mindful of your bug spray and sunscreen applications. Those products kill grass so please only apply on or near cart paths. Also, please do not bring any beverages on the greens. A spilled beverage does more damage than you could imagine.
       Please remember push carts are not allowed on the greens, and to stay out of any roped off areas with golf carts. Also remember to fix any ball marks on greens and replace any divots. Also, we’ve noticed more and more broken tees on the tee boxes. Please pick up broken or used tees to help us maintain a clean course. There are boxes on several tee boxes to discard broken tees.
Enjoy the course!
Zack Lamkin
Rowley Country Club Superintendent

Tip of Month with Mike Farrell, PGA

Golfers tend to overthink their swing

Play a round of golf with no swing thoughts ...

Just look at your target and hit it there

Until next month Down the Middle solves the Riddle