October Newsletter
Clubhouse News
Starting October 1st, tee times will begin at 7:30am on weekdays and at 7:00am on weekends (times will change with changes in sunrise times).
We know that it has been warm, and we have a few cool mornings, but very soon we will be having frost delays:
Zack and his crew will let us know when the course is playable. There is no set time for a frost delay; the temperature has to reach a certain temperature for the frost to go away; and that temperature can vary from day to day. The putting greens and warmup cages are closed during a frost delay just like the golf course. Thank you for your cooperation.
We have some outings in October, that will have the 1st tee closed for part of the day.
Saturday October 3rd, the first tee will be closed from 11:40am until 4:50pm.
Saturday October 17th, the first tee will be closed until 2:20pm
Superintendent's Revenge is Saturday October 17th
Our 3rd annual Turkey Shoot will be on Saturday November 7th we will send out more details very soon.
Superintendent's Corner
As we get into the fall, I am cautious and calculated with the turf in order for you all to be able to play as deep into the cool months as possible while maintaining healthy turf. We are constantly seeding greens, tees and fairways this time of year and I ask that you follow the rules with carts; staying away from greens and tees, following the ropes that we have on the course, or staying on cart paths. We have also aerated and seeded many areas in the rough.
Like I said, I want you all to play as long as possible this year; and I’m certain I can provide a good quality playing experience.
We will do our best on a daily basis with leaf cleanup but please be understanding and patient. It’s not always a winning battle keeping the course free of leaves and debris. We just added an additional tow behind blower to our equipment list which will help!
The short-term forecast seems mild, please be advised that there will be frost delays during the fall; I will let the pro shop know when the course is playable. There is no set time for a frost delay; the temperature must get to a certain temperature for the frost to go away. During a frost delay the putting greens and hitting cages are closed, just like the golf course. Thank you for your cooperation. I will do my best to get you all out on the course as soon as possible.
Tees to greens are in great shape right now! We have been striving for a faster, firmer playing experience this year and I’ve been happy with the results and how the course has responded. Rowley CC is taking things to the next level!
Please remember to fix your ball marks!
Zack Lamkin
Golf Course Superintendent
Golf Definitions
I know that many of us watch the President’s Cup last week; seeing how the Internationals played very well and made just about every putt that they had in the team matches, while the Americans were making all the putts in the single matches. We decided this month to explain the difference between stroke and match play and why everyone should establish a handicap. I know it is a lot of information but, it will help all golfers enjoy the game more.
· Why Establish a Handicap Index
o The primary purpose of a golf handicap is to provide a fair and equitable basis for competition between players of different levels, allowing golfers of all abilities to enjoy the game together by competing against their own potential rather than their raw score. It is a numerical measure of a golfer’s playing ability, calculated to the level the playing field so that a less skilled golfer has a comparable chance to win against a more skilled opponent.
o How it works to level the playing field
§ Stroke Adjustments: a handicap index translates into a specific number of strokes given to a player for a round on a particular golf course
§ Net Score: these handicap strokes are subtracted from the player’s gross (actual) score to determine their net score, which is the score used for comparison and competition
§ Equitable Competition: this system ensures that players compete against their own potential, not just their raw ability, making matches more competitive and enjoyable for everyone involved
o Benefits of using a handicap
§ Enjoyment: it fosters greater enjoyment by allowing golfers of varying skills to play and compete together without the more experienced players dominating
§ Competition: handicaps are essential for tournaments and casual matches, enabling players to have meaningful contests and a chance to win
§ Tracking Progress: a handicap index can serve as a tool for golfers to track their own improvement over time
§ Versatility: allows golfers to use their handicap on any golf course worldwide, maintaining consistency in their playing ability measurement
· Stroke Play
o Scoring: every player’s total score for the round is added up, with the lowest score winning the entire competition
o Winning: the players with the lowest total score over all the holes
o Concessions: you cannot concede a stroke or hole; the ball must be holed out
o Mental Aspect: focuses on consistency and endurance over the entire course, as even on bad hole can significantly impact the final score
· Match Play
o Scoring: compete directly against an opponent, winning holes by scoring lower than them on that specific hole
o Winning: winner is the player who wins the most holes
o Concessions: you can concede a stroke, putt, or even the entire match to your opponent
o Mental Aspect: more dynamic, as a player’s action often depends on their opponent’s actions, encouraging strategic play
· Differences between Stroke and Match Play
o Objective: win holes (match play) vs. achieve the lowest total score (stroke play)
o Opponent Interaction: direct competition on a hole-by-hole basis (match play) vs. indirect competition against the entire field (stroke play)
o Rule Enforcement: players can protect their own rights in match play; in stroke rules protect the interests of the entire field
Down the Middle Solves the Riddle