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Emiliano Grillo could have hit a moving ball?!?

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That and all the other crazy things we learned from his bizarre rules incident over the weekend including cart path drops…

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We admit to being guilty from time to time of overusing the terms “bizarre” and “rules incident” in the same sentence. But we’re not entirely sure how to more aptly characterize what happened to Emiliano Grillo on the 72nd hole of the Charles Schwab Challenge than as, well, a “bizarre rules incident.”

It all becomes more, ahem, bizarre thanks to the fact that Grillo overcame the double-bogey 6 he would make on the 72nd hole to win in a playoff anyway, ending a nearly eight-year PGA Tour victory drought when he looked like it was drifting away down that aqueduct along the 18th hole.

Here then is our attempt at explaining what went down and why it was so … again, sorry, bizarre…

The set-up

Grillo started the day at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth four shots back of Harry Hall and Adam Schenk but made a furious charge, birdieing four of his first seven holes. As Schenk and Hall struggled down the stretch, both searching for their first PGA Tour wins, Grillo took a two-shot lead with another birdie on the par-3 16th. That was his advantage as he stood on the 18th tee at 10 under for the tournament.

All wet off the tee

Despite being ahead by two, Grillo used a driver off the tee, the ball leaking quickly to the right. It eventually found its way into a penalty area to the right of the fairway, in an aqueduct with water about two to three inches deep.

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Downstream issues

The aqueduct tilted downhill back toward the tee, so as the ball entered the water, it started following the flow and moving backward. Slowly. Very slowly …

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The rules explained

Mark Dusbabek, the PGA Tour rules official working the broadcast, helped explain to Jim Nantz, Trevor Immelman, and the CBS crew what was going on in real-time as he was also listening in to the rules team’s discussions. Dusbabek explained that they had identified where the ball had entered the penalty area (roughly 187 yards away from the hole), which was the likely place Grillo would take a drop and play what would be his third shot with the penalty stroke. However, as the ball continued moving—as we said very slowly—down the aqueduct, there was the potential that Grillo could actually play the ball while it was moving.

Rule 10.1d notes that “A player must not make a stroke at a moving ball.” However, there are a few exceptions also listed. Exception 3 states, “When a ball is moving in temporary water or in water in a penalty area, the player may make a stroke.”

Dusbabek noted the potential for Grillo to hit the moving ball, but did Grillo know he could? Turns out he likely did, since he’d been in this aqueduct before.

“I’ve hit it there,” Grillo said after the round. “I knew, as soon as I saw the ball going right, I was like, ‘This is going to be a very long hole.’ I’ve been through that pain of watching the ball just roll 120 yards back.”

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Decision time

As the ball kept moving, however, Dusbabek explained that eventually, Grillo had to make up his mind on how he wanted to proceed. He couldn’t wait forever to see if the ball would stop in a more advantageous spot or not or if he was set to hit it while it was moving. And after roughly seven minutes, Dusbabek even interjected that the committee had decided enough was enough and that Grillo would have to decide to play the ball where it entered the penalty area (or presumably take a stroke and distance penalty and go back to the tee).

“We as a committee have been talking about it but enough time has taken place and he has been given enough time to make a decision here, so we’re going to make him go back to where it last crossed,” Dusbabek said.

Moments later, the ball did stop against a rock, roughly 140 yards or so from where it entered the penalty area.

The water runneth…and soeth does the ball…

Third shot off a cart path?!?

The camera eventually showed Grillo taking a penalty drop just outside the aqueduct but the ball rolling back in. He did this twice and then placed the ball on the concrete, which got the curiosity of Immelman.

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“Dus, why was he allowed to drop it on the path right there?”

Dusbabek alerted everyone that the red line for the penalty area was right of where he took the drop. So the cement path was not in the penalty area, and is considered an immovable obstruction. Grillo didn’t seem to be phased by it as he showed no hesitation in what was going to happen next.

Grillo played his third shot off the concrete, getting a pretty clean shot off. The ball advanced 146 yards, leaving him 44 yards left to get up and down for a bogey, that would still have given him a one-shot lead. But the fourth shot stopped 19 feet from the hole and he missed the bogey putt.

The rest of the story

To his credit, Grillo didn’t mope around after his stumble, signing for a two-under 68 and waiting to see what would happen to Schenk and Hall as they played the 18th hole. Sure enough, Hall also found water, although the more traditional sort, as he pulled his drive into a small pond left of the fairway. He’d eventually make a bogey to finish tied for third.

Schenk had a chance to win in regulation with a birdie try from 15 feet but just came up short, forcing a playoff. They both replayed the 18th for the first sudden-death hole, Grillo finding the fairway this time. Pars from both sent them to the par-3 16th, where a birdie from Grillo would clinch the victory.

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Rainy Day Golf

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Making the Most of Wet Weather on the Course

Ahoy, intrepid golfers! This week, we’re embracing the elements and diving headfirst into the wonderful world of rainy day golf. Because let’s face it – a little rain shouldn’t dampen our spirits or our love for the game. So grab your umbrellas, slip on your rain gear, and let’s make the most of wet weather on the course:

1. Embrace the Adventure: Rainy day golf isn’t just about playing through the rain – it’s about embracing the adventure and finding joy in the challenge. So throw on your waterproof gear, channel your inner adventurer, and prepare to tackle the elements like a true golfing pioneer.

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2. Gear Up for Success: The key to enjoying rainy day golf is proper preparation. Invest in high-quality rain gear, including waterproof jackets, pants, and gloves, to keep you dry and comfortable throughout your round. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella and a towel to wipe down your equipment between shots.

3. Adjust Your Expectations: Playing golf in the rain requires a shift in mindset and expectations. Accept that your shots may not fly as far, the greens may be slower, and the conditions may be less than ideal. But remember, every golfer on the course is facing the same challenges, so stay positive and focus on adapting to the conditions.

4. Master the Wet Weather Shots: Rainy day golf presents its own set of challenges, but it also offers opportunities to hone your skills and try out new shots. Experiment with low-trajectory shots to keep the ball under the wind and rain, and practice your chipping and putting techniques on the soggy greens. You may be surprised at how much you can learn – and improve – in less-than-perfect conditions.

5. Embrace the Beauty of Nature: Rainy days may not be everyone’s idea of perfect golfing weather, but there’s a certain beauty and tranquility to be found on the rain-soaked fairways. Take the time to appreciate the lush greenery, the glistening raindrops, and the peaceful serenity of the course. After all, golf is as much about connecting with nature as it is about hitting the ball.

So there you have it, fellow adventurers – the secrets to making the most of rainy day golf. With the right attitude, gear, and mindset, you can turn even the dreariest of days into a memorable and enjoyable round on the links. Until next time, may your swings be smooth, your putts be true, and your rain dances be well-rewarded. Rain on, my friends!

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From Divots to Dimples

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The language of golf explained

Fore! Welcome, fellow golf aficionados, to a crash course in the language of golf – a colorful tapestry of terms and expressions that are as unique and varied as the game itself. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a greenhorn just starting out, understanding the language of golf is essential for navigating the fairways and greens with confidence and clarity. So grab your clubs, tee up your balls, and let’s dive into the lexicon of golf like true linguists on the links.

1. Divots: Let’s start with a classic – the divot. This term refers to the patch of turf that gets displaced when you take a swing at the ball, leaving behind a little chunk of earth in its wake. Divots are a natural part of the game and are often repaired by golfers as a courtesy to the next player.

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2. Dimples: No, we’re not talking about those cute little indentations on your cheeks – we’re talking about the dimples on a golf ball. These tiny indentations help reduce drag and increase lift, allowing the ball to fly farther and straighter through the air. So the next time you marvel at the aerodynamics of a golf ball, just remember – it’s all in the dimples.

3. Mulligan: Ah, the mulligan – every golfer’s favorite do-over. This informal rule allows players to take an extra shot without penalty, usually reserved for shots that end up in the trees, the water, or the rough. It’s a time-honored tradition that’s as cherished as it is controversial, so use it wisely and sparingly.

4. Birdie, Eagle, Albatross: These aren’t just feathered friends – they’re also terms used to describe a golfer’s performance on a particular hole. A birdie is one stroke under par, an eagle is two strokes under par, and an albatross (or double eagle) is three strokes under par. So if you’re lucky enough to score one of these elusive creatures, be sure to celebrate like the champion you are.

5. Fore!: Last but not least, we have the timeless cry of “fore!” – a warning shouted by golfers to alert others of an errant shot heading their way. Whether it’s a wayward drive or a shanked iron, shouting “fore!” is the courteous thing to do to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe on the course.

So there you have it, fellow linguists of the links – a crash course in the language of golf. Whether you’re navigating divots and dimples, taking a mulligan, scoring birdies and eagles, or shouting “fore!” to warn your fellow golfers, understanding the language of golf is essential for mastering the game and enjoying the camaraderie of the fairway. So the next time you step onto the course, speak the language of golf with confidence and clarity – and remember, it’s not just a game, it’s a language all its own. Until next time, may your drives be long, your putts be true, and your vocabulary be as rich and varied as the game of golf itself. Swing on, my friends!

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Revolutionizing the Ancient Game with New Innovations

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Hello, golf lovers,

In our ongoing series “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” today we delve into the technological innovations that have transformed golf. From the digital booking systems like Loop Golf to advanced performance-tracking apps like 18Birdies, technology is not only changing how the game is played and taught but also enhancing how fans engage with the sport. Let’s explore how these advancements are revolutionizing golf.

Simulation and Virtual Reality

Golf simulators and virtual reality (VR) have significantly altered golf training and entertainment, allowing players to engage in virtual courses year-round, irrespective of weather conditions. These technologies replicate real-world physics in an immersive 3D environment, making practice both effective and engaging, particularly valuable in urban settings where real course access is limited.

Advanced Performance Tracking with 18Birdies

The 18Birdies app offers a suite of sophisticated tools that track performance and provide detailed analytics. It features a GPS rangefinder, score tracking, and social feed functionalities, allowing golfers to connect, share achievements, and participate in local golfing events and competitions, making golf more interactive and community-oriented.

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Automated Tee Time Bookings via Loop Golf

LoopGolf.co revolutionizes how golfers secure tee times. By automating the booking process and continuously monitoring course availability, the platform ensures that golfers can effortlessly book slots even during peak times. This system is especially beneficial for securing tee times at popular courses, typically a challenging task.

Enhanced Course Management and Mobility

Technological advancements have also redefined course management and golfer mobility on the greens. Electric and solar-powered golf carts equipped with GPS provide precise yardages and strategic insights during play. Modern course management systems optimize maintenance and irrigation schedules, promoting sustainability and better playing conditions.

Transformative Viewing Experiences

For spectators, augmented reality (AR) and 360-degree video technologies offer immersive viewing experiences, making fans feel as though they are part of the live action. Additionally, streaming services and mobile apps allow fans to watch tournaments from anywhere, providing real-time statistics and player information, enhancing the spectator experience.

Technology’s integration into golf is a testament to the sport’s evolution, blending tradition with modernity. These innovations not only make golf more accessible and enjoyable but also ensure its relevance and growth in today’s digital world.

Join me next time as we explore the environmental impact of golf and the sport’s adaptation to ecological challenges.

Thank you for following along in our exploration of how technology is transforming golf.

Warm regards,
Robert Greenfield

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