USGA consulting gives thumbs up to Whitefish course

USGA Course Consulting Service

The USGA annual visitation to the Whitefish Lake Golf Club was once again a very valuable experience in that Larry Gilhuly, the agronomist, noted the improvements that have been made to both courses over the years while offering new ideas to improve the facility. Gilhuly stated that it is a pleasure to visit one of the best 36 hole facilities in the entire western United States. He was impressed with the improvements to the short game practice area on the South Course and overall conditions of both courses.

One of the significant new uses of technology is to base what the appropriate tees that players use on their swing speed instead of just handicap. It may be considered to have a tournament where swing speeds are measured and then players are assigned to the tee that best suits them, while giving the players the best opportunity to succeed. Swing speed obviously translates to distance so the slower the swing speed the shorter the course should be to accommodate the player.

Another technology available would ask players to put a tracking devise in their pocket and then a computer will track their movements around the golf course. Once enough data is collected the course could decide what areas might not need as much high level maintenance based on the available information. For example if few, if any, players end up in a certain bunker then the decision may be made to remove that bunker and save money and time on maintenance.

Club Championship Aug. 10 and 11

The Annual Club Championship will be held on Aug. 10 and 11 with play rotating each day between the North and South Courses. Tournament divisions will include ladies and Men’s overall champion plus, senior, super senior and junior champions being contested. A barbecue is included after Saturday’s rounds and a derby will also be conducted on Saturday with the top 10 women and top 10 men composing the derby teams. Go online at golfwhitefish.com to register and participate in the fun filled Club Championship.

Enjoy the game

Golf is a game and games are supposed to be fun, so let yourself enjoy the round without thinking you have to grind every time you play. Play the forward tees and enjoy hitting more fairways and greens in regulation. Enjoy nature, your friends and the exercise while on the course. While you may play serious in tournaments and matches, always make time for a fun day of golf.

Removing the ball from the hole

With the new rules allowing players to leave the flagstick in the hole while putting is a good idea it has presented a totally new concern. We ask that you be extremely careful when removing the ball from the hole by pulling the pin up quickly. I’ve noticed more damaged surfaces to the hole caused by aggressively pulling the flag out of the hole to remove the ball.