Tip - "Coming over the top" Whether you agree or disagree, coming over the top has plagued golfers since the beginning of the game. While the problem is extremely frustrating, it doesn't have to destroy your mental attitude.  The biggest problem is that players try to correct the wrong fault.  Most players work with the backswing instead of their head position at impact.  If a player's head moves forward towards the target before impact, the club face will be open on the intended line of the target 99% of the time.  Most golfers try to take the club back into their backswing more inside, to keep from coming over the top.  This is a huge mistake because they trap themselves, and force the downswing to go outside the swing plane, causing an outside to inside motion on the downswing.  Look at some of the latest golf magazines and focus on the head positions at impact with tour players.   Concentrate on balance and head position and you will see immediate results, I guarantee it.

What is the Rule? - A player is probing for his/her ball in the water hazard and accidentally kicks the ball, which is lying in long grass on the bank within the water hazard.  What is the ruling about a penalty?

Answer:  As the movement of the ball was related to the player probing for the ball, the player must incur a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a for moving his/her ball in play.  The player can replace the ball and play it, or under an additional penalty of one stroke, proceed under Rule 26-1 that will not require them to replace the ball.

Golf Courses and Turf Management - Golfers are prone to be unreasonable and demand perfect putting turf irrespective of weather conditions.  Players will invariably demand May turf during the adverse months of July and August.  In considering turf ills, corrective measures need a proper diagnosis of the trouble.  Soil is not simply just dirt.  It supplies the expanding turf with water, plant food, and trapped oxygen, which is vital to the life of the root system. 

We all have yards at home.  Some of us hire outside experts to diagnose and care for lawn needs.  However, very few realize what goes on beneath that lush green surface.  There is a very delicate balance between to much of one thing and too little of another.   Some examples are excess water, extreme acidity, bacteria, and the list goes on.  Many players do not realize that chemicals applied each season are weakened by mutating bacteria and fungi.  To predict the impact of this process is dangerous and often damaging to reputations.  However, several things seem apparent, adequate drainage of heavy soils and the use of top dressing materials of suitable physical condition are fundamental.  Extreme care in watering is important to avoid excesses, and during the hot months, involves a lot of hand watering on greens.   Yes, this means maintenance personnel must intrude upon play during these high stress months.   The worry over turf conditions the superintendent must endure during the golf season, by far justifies the minor inconveniences each player must endure to enjoy the golf course.

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