PGA Tour Adds Green Reading Books Restrictions Effective January 1, 2022

PGA Tour Memo To Players

This one is a little embarrassing for the USGA and R&A, who tried to limit green reading books by reducing their size and only prompted players to the silly cheat sheets closer to their face. But in a rare and welcomed moment of product introspection, the PGA Tour Advisory Council took bold action to all but limit their use in PGA Tour events.

Brian Wacker first Tweeted the message sent to players:

Changes coming to PGA Tour yardage and greens books starting January 1, 2022. pic.twitter.com/GhgsXReUC3

— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) November 1, 2021

Enforcement of this should be interesting as players tuck books into leather covers and spotting “Committee Approved Book” may be tricky. But otherwise, it’s a welcome change and one that should have happened sooner in the name of protecting skill as well as pace of play.

Presumably the USGA and R&A will follow suit since they provide players yardage and green reading books at their majors.

The Masters does not allow surveying of their surfaces and therefore green reading materials have not been an option. The PGA of America will presumably follow suit but given their tendency to play an outlier role, there are no guarantees.

Finally: Amateur Golfers Can Cash In On NIL! Just Don't Charge For A Lesson

It was a brief but glorious time in which college golfers could cash in on their name, image, likeness and really good golfing ability—as long as they didn’t give a less or accept cash prizes over $750. And now it’s over, as all amateur golfers of all ages can cash in on endorsements, assuming such deals are not in conflict with their league eligibility. See your local compliance officer for more details.

Below is the press release. You’re better off going to one of these links:

Guidance Notes (scroll a lot to get to the above embedded portion on how to go full logoclad).

Glorious infographics for those golfers who like pretty pictures instead of that pesky fine print.

Rules of Amateur Status.

For Immediate Release:

Golf's Modernized Rules of Amateur Status Published 

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. USA AND ST ANDREWS, Scotland (Oct. 26, 2021) - Golf’s new Rules of Amateur Status have been published by the USGA and The R&A ahead of their January 1, 2022, effective date.  

The work is the latest step by the governing bodies to make the Rules easier to understand and apply and follows the modernization process of the Rules of Golf in 2019. The new Rules were informed by golfer and golf industry feedback as a part of a comprehensive review, to ensure they continue to reflect how the modern game is played by millions of golfers around the world.

This review, along with the global feedback received when the proposals were publicly shared earlier this year, reaffirmed amateur golf’s important position in the game and the value in maintaining amateur status Rules. 

The result is a set of Rules that removes many of the restrictions that previously applied to amateur golfers, while ensuring that the integrity of the game is protected by limiting the form and value of the prizes an amateur golfer can accept. 

As part of the modernization effort, the new Rules identify only the following acts that will result in a golfer losing their amateur status:

• Accepting a prize with a value exceeding the prize limit ($1000/£700) or accepting prize money in a handicap competition.

• Playing as a professional.

• Accepting payment for giving instruction (although all current exceptions still apply, such as coaching at educational institutions and assisting with approved programs).

• Accepting employment as a golf club professional or membership of an association of professional golfers

To achieve this simplified approach, the following key changes have been introduced:

• Distinguishing between scratch and handicap competitions in terms of the prizes that may be accepted.

• The prize rule applies only to tee-to-hole competitions played on a golf course or a simulator, but no longer apply to long-drive, putting and skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition.

• Eliminating all advertising, expense-related and sponsorship restrictions.

The new opportunities provided by lifting sponsorship restrictions and the ability to accept prize money up to the increased limit of $1000 or £700 in scratch-only competitions will be of significant benefit to elite amateur golfers looking for ways to fund golf-related expenses.

“Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational and competitive players,” said Craig Winter, USGA senior director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. “This was emphasized in the feedback we received earlier this year and we believe these updates will help simplify these Rules and ensure the long-term health of the amateur game, not only to those who compete at the highest level of amateur golf, but for the millions of golfers at every age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their home courses.”

Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to be rolling out the modernized Rules of Amateur Status today. These Rules play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport, but the code must evolve to meet the needs of the modern game. This is particularly important for modern elite amateur golf, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential. The new Rules give them this opportunity and will help to make the game even more inclusive.” 

The new Rules are accompanied by guidance notes, an overview document and explanations that detail the rationale for why changes have been made and, in some instances, why they have stayed the same. 

These materials can be found at www.usga.org/amateurstatus

October 17th: The Open Turns 161 Today

Big birthday to celebrate for golf fans.

A Quadrilateral for all explains.

*The big birthday was noticed on social media…

161 years ago today the 1st @TheOpen Championship was played @prestwickgc (17 October 1860)

A simple stone cairn to the west of Prestwick’s clubhouse marks the spot where the first Open Championship tee shot was struck in 1860. pic.twitter.com/ulHZtGOmAA

— Prestwick Golf Club (@PrestwickGC) October 17, 2021

161 years ago today, the first ever Open Championship took place.

Next year we will host The 150th Open at the Home of Golf ⛳️

Everything Has Led To This. pic.twitter.com/wElnmkvG2n

— The Open (@TheOpen) October 17, 2021

The winner of the inaugural Open Championship 🏆🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pic.twitter.com/LmThjcgaL6

— The Open (@TheOpen) October 17, 2021

46 Inches: USGA, R&A Announce Local Rule Option For The Elites

As I wrote yesterday in a Quadrilateral for all to see, the most interesting news in capping non-putter length clubs at 46 inches is not what it will do to distances, but what this means for distance politics.

Besides setting a precedent of different rules for “those running professional or elite amateur golf competitions”, we now get to see whether the “Model Local Rule” is adopted. Already, reports GolfDigest.com’s Mike Stachura, the PGA Tour has signed on despite what will amounts to a mid-season rule change, citing low usage of drivers longer than 46 inches. That’s a huge Rules of Golf endorsement from the Global Home. And while they won’t say it, this is bifurcation of the rules. Yes, the big, nasty B word!

Next up, we’ll see what Augusta National, the PGA of America and various other tours say. Golf Digest reached out for comment and only the PGA of America replied, saying a decision will be made before their 2022 events.

For those keeping track of such things, the 48-to-46 capping came six months and one day after the end comment period ended (it had been extended a month to April). A similar comment period ends on a range of more substantial distance questions posed by the USGA and R&A, so put Tuesday May 3, 2022 down in your calendars.

Here is the rule, length tolerance and penalty language.

For Immediate Release:

THE USGA AND THE R&A ANNOUNCE NEW MODEL LOCAL RULE OPTION FOR LIMITING CLUB LENGTH

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. and ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (Oct. 12, 2021) – The USGA and The R&A have announced that a new Model Local Rule (MLR G-10) will be available beginning on January 1, 2022 to provide those running professional or elite amateur golf competitions the option of limiting the maximum length of a golf club (excluding putters) to 46 inches. 

The proposal was announced in February 2021, which opened a notice-and-comment period to allow the industry the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the equipment rulemaking procedures. The comments received from the golf industry, including players, professional tours and equipment manufacturers, were carefully considered before the decision to proceed with the new MLR was reached.

New acronym alert!

The USGA and The R&A issued an Area of Interest notice in 2014 indicating that research was being conducted into the impact of club lengths of more than 48 inches on hitting distance and whether that limit remained appropriate.

Only took seven years to reach the finish line…

A proposed change to the limit was subsequently put forward in 2016 but was put on hold in 2017 when the Distance Insights project got underway.

Mike Whan, chief executive officer of the USGA, said, “We’ve worked closely with our industry partners to ensure the future for golf remains strong. Admittedly, this is not the ‘answer’ to the overall distance debate/issue, but rather a simple option for competitive events. It’s important to note that it is not a ‘Rule of Golf,’ and as such, it is not mandated for the average, recreational golfer. Rather, this is an available tool for those running competitive events.” 

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said, “We have taken time to consult fully with the golf industry, including players, the main professional tours and equipment manufacturers, and have considered their feedback carefully. We believe this is the right thing for the game at this time and will provide tournament organizers with the flexibility to choose for themselves within the framework of the Rules. We are working hard to maintain an open, collaborative and considered dialogue with these key stakeholders as we continue to evolve the Equipment Standards Rules to ensure they reflect the modern game.”

And they still won’t be happy.

The proposals submitted in February for changes to the testing method for golf balls and the testing tolerance for spring-like effect are still under consideration. The governing bodies plan to consider feedback on these proposals in line with the responses to the broader Area of Interest – Research Topics notification, which are due by November 2.

R&A's Seve Documentary, Exhibit And Book Debuts

Based on the reviews and track record of the R&A’s recent film efforts, the new Seve film, exhibit and book of David Cannon images sounds like the fitting tribute his epic career deserves. While I think the 2014 film Seve is fascinating mix of documentary and re-enactment scenes highlighted by Jose Luis Gutierrez’s performance as the young Ballesteros, a pure documentary was needed.

The debut screening took place this week in St Andrews where Javier Ballesteros, playing in the Alfred Dunhill Links, and sister Carmen were on hand to watch and participate in a Q&A.

From TheOpen.com story:

Supported and co-produced by The R&A and directed by David White and Joss Holmes, SEVE tells the story of the three-time Champion Golfer through interviews with members of his inner circle and peers, and never-before-heard audio clips and footage of Ballesteros himself.

As well as capturing the joyous highs of Ballesteros’ career, including his trio of Open wins, two successes at the Masters and his revolutionary impact on the Ryder Cup, the film also examines the tough times the Spaniard faced as he battled injury, a dramatic loss of form and ill health.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “Seve was an inspiration to so many of us in golf and we wanted to celebrate his life and show just how much he meant to the sport. Working with Seve’s family and other key contributors, this landmark documentary chronicles the life and story of this charismatic, flamboyant and inspirational golfer who is without doubt one of the greatest of all time.”

The story says the film can only be screened in Europe as of now, with efforts to secure an international distributor underway.

The exhibit will be on display for 18 months, coinciding with the 150th Open at St Andrews.

Martin Dempster wrote the film for The Scotsman and while I don’t agree with his assessment of the prior Seve film, I’m glad to see such a rave review

It wasn’t all sweetness and light for Seve, of course. From a very early stage in his career, he suffered chronic back trouble while he also suffered from depression.

To try and counter the latter, his manager, who, incidentally, reveals he was taking a 25 per cent cut, set up a phone chat between Ballesteros and the great Muhammad Ali.

Wife Carmen shares some great memories, as do his three children - Javier, who has followed in his footsteps and is playing in this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Carmen and Miguel.

Efforts have been made in the past to try and do justice on the big screen but failed. Not this time, though.

Quadrilateral: The Ideal Ryder Cup Course And Major(s) News & Notes, September 30th, 2021

It’s been a busy last ten days or so with The Quadrilateral. Hope you’re enjoying and signed up, but if not today’s weekly News and Notes is another chance to sample the wares. I’ve got an item suggesting the matches were closer than they appeared, NBC’s (record low for a domestic Ryder Cup) ratings, a couple of USGA/U.S. Open items and an update from the R&A on The Open ticket ballot.

The day prior I sent subscribers my take on what would make the ideal Ryder Cup course and why we need to start campaigning for the two perfect options which (A) have not hosted and (B) are not on the future venues list.

The Open Returns To Royal Portrush In 2025

After all those years we heard it couldn’t be done, Royal Portrush will host its third Open Championship—and second in six years—with today’s announcement. The course and region were huge hits so it’s a fitting statement to make the unusually quick return.

For Immediate Release:

THE OPEN SET FOR TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO ROYAL PORTRUSH AND NORTHERN IRELAND IN 2025

8 September 2021, Portrush, Northern Ireland: The Open is set to make a triumphant return to Royal Portrush in 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in the history of golf’s original championship and providing another outstanding showcase for golf in Northern Ireland.

Following the success of The 148th Open at Royal Portrush in 2019, the First Minister for Northern Ireland Paul Givan MLA, Junior Minister Declan Kearney and Economy Minister Gordon Lyons joined Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, and Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush Golf Club, at the renowned links on the Antrim coast today to announce that the Championship will be played there from 13 – 20 July 2025.

The Open generated more than £100 million for the economy of Northern Ireland two years ago, attracting a record attendance for the Championship outside of St Andrews of 237,750 fans throughout the week. More than 5,400 hours of television coverage were broadcast to hundreds of millions of viewers globally as Irishman Shane Lowry performed superbly to become Champion Golfer of the Year and lift the famous Claret Jug.

The return of the Championship to Royal Portrush for only the third time in 74 years has been wholeheartedly supported by the Northern Ireland Executive and Tourism Northern Ireland as well as the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Martin Slumbers said, “We could not be more thrilled to be bringing The Open back to Royal Portrush in 2025. There will be huge excitement among golf fans around the world to see the best men’s players facing the challenge of this magnificent links once again.

“The Open in 2019 was a massive success and showed just how much collective enthusiasm, passion and commitment there is to make Royal Portrush one of the leading venues for the Championship and to build a distinctive golf tourism brand for Northern Ireland. We greatly appreciate the support we have received from the Northern Ireland Executive, our partner agencies and, of course, from the Club and its members. We look forward to working with them to deliver another fantastic celebration of golf in four years’ time.”

First Minister Givan said, “Following the outstanding success of The Open at Royal Portrush in 2019 I am thrilled to welcome the return of the championship in 2025. It has been a key aim of the Executive to bring The Open back to Northern Ireland quickly and as we start our preparations to host the championship again I am certain that it will provide a platform on which to build a global golfing destination brand for Portrush and Northern Ireland to complement that of St Andrews and Scotland, in partnership with The R&A, as well as an opportunity to stimulate additional private sector investment in the COVID-19 recovery era.”

Attending the event on behalf of Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Junior Minister Declan Kearney said, “I wholeheartedly welcome the return of The Open in 2025 along with the anticipated business and jobs that it will bring to these shores. We are an island with a wonderful golf product and in a normal year we welcome hundreds of thousands of golf visitors. 2019 was an exceptional year for golf here when we staged The 148th Open at Royal Portrush and attracted almost 240,000 spectators over the course of the week. Following a tumultuous period that has greatly affected travel, tourism and events I now look to the future with greater optimism as well as look forward to welcoming our international visitors back to the north coast to explore the very best of what we have to offer.”

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said, “As the home of some of the world's best golfers and the location for some of the finest golf courses that can be found anywhere in the world, I am determined that Northern Ireland should make the most of its golfing assets and achieve strong economic benefits from them. The benefits to Northern Ireland in excess of £100 million from The Open in 2019 demonstrate the sheer scale of our success and are a reflection of what can be achieved through collaborative working across public and private sectors, focusing on a shared and common goal.”

Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush, said, “We are delighted to see the return of The Open to Royal Portrush Golf Club. This is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and to see it return to Northern Ireland and Royal Portrush so soon, is a recognition of the excellent work done by all involved in 2019. The Open in 2019 created a positive festival atmosphere in the area and we look forward to hosting this wonderful event once again.”

Mayor Councillor Richard Holmes of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, added, “The Open will be etched in the memories of those people who either live, work or were fortunate to be visiting the borough between the 14th to the 21st July 2019, so I am delighted to learn that we will again be hosting and enabling the largest sporting event on the island of Ireland.

“Based upon the way the whole of Northern Ireland embraced The 148th Open, I have no doubt that in collaboration with The R&A, Royal Portrush Golf Club and the other delivery partners, we will honour this incredible event and build upon the achievements of 2019.”

An independent report produced by the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University found that The 148th Open delivered a direct economic impact of £45 million to the Northern Irish economy. An additional £37.3m of Advertising Equivalent Value (AEV) was generated by global television coverage and Tourism Northern Ireland assessed £23.7m AEV in other media coverage.

Royal Portrush joins a formidable line-up of venues for The Open in the coming years with The 150thOpen being played at St Andrews in 2022 and then Royal Liverpool and Royal Troon hosting the Championship in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Quadrilateral: Major(s) News & Notes, August 26th, 2021

No shortage of major news to cover in this week’s Quadrilateral notes edition, starting with the latest Ryder Cup quotes and potential blame game (hint: 46).

Plus a new look at Augusta's new 11th hole, Women's Open ratings, R&A policy change and the Green Jacket maker is remembered.

Carnasty, It Was Not: Nordqvist Wins Women’s Open

My Quadrilateral wrap of the 2021 AIG Women’s Open from Carnoustie.

Mother Nature did not deliver but the course still produced an interesting finish and worthy champion in Anna Nordqvist.

Granted, it was hard to tell from a listless NBC broadcast interrupted at all the wrong moments by breaks (where have we heard that before?). That plus other elements from Sunday’s final round are noted in the latest installment.

Quadrilateral: Major(s) News & Notes: August 19th, 2021

Will Carnoustie play tougher this week? I explore that and much more in this week’s Major(s) News & Notes.

Plus, R&A/AIG purse moves, Women's Open TV times (until they change), a U.S. Open ticket scam follow-up, the case for Kisner at Whistling Straits and new Augusta National aerials analyzed!

Purse Wars! AIG Women's Open Becomes Richest In Golf

We’ve had the road wars, the rabbit wars, World Wars and now the R&A one-upping the USGA’s record U.S. Women’s Open purse of $5.5 million.

For Immediate Release, and do note how the R&A never mentions the surpassing of the U.S. Women’s Open…

THE 2021 AIG WOMEN’S OPEN SETS A NEW BENCHMARK FOR WOMEN’S GOLF WITH RECORD PRIZE FUND

18 August 2021, Carnoustie, Scotland: The AIG Women’s Open has set a new benchmark for prize money in women’s golf with the announcement that the prize fund for this year’s championship will increase by $1.3 million to $5.8 million with the winner earning $870,000.

With the support of title sponsor AIG, the largest prize fund in women’s major championship golf will increase by a further $1 million to no less than $6.8 million in 2022. This will more than double the prize fund from 2018 before AIG’s partnership with The R&A commenced.

The AIG Women’s Open takes place from 19-22 August at Carnoustie and will be played in 2022 at Muirfield, another of Scotland’s world-renowned links courses.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “We are absolutely committed to elevating the AIG Women’s Open and enhancing its status as one of golf’s premier championships. With our partners at AIG, we are taking action to make change happen and sending out a strong signal that more needs to be done by everyone involved to grow women’s golf. It needs greater investment and support from golf bodies, sponsors, the media and fans to help us grow the game’s commercial success and generate the income and revenues necessary to make prize fund growth viable and sustainable.

“We have set a new benchmark for prize money in women’s major championship golf this week and, thanks to AIG, will build on it still further next year. We hope this will inspire other events to follow our lead and help us to take a collective leap forward for the women’s game.”

Peter Zaffino, President and Chief Executive Officer of AIG, said, “AIG is proud to be the title sponsor of the AIG Women’s Open, which is one of the most prestigious and celebrated golf championships in the world. We are committed to serving as allies to women in golf, in business and in the communities where we live and work. Striving for pay equity and highlighting the achievements of successful women are critical components to this commitment and part of AIG’s core values. We are very pleased with today’s announcement as it represents an important step forward in raising the profile of women’s golf and the status of the AIG Women’s Open. We thank The R&A for their excellent partnership and I am confident that together we will continue to lead the way in achieving meaningful progress.”

In 2019, in AIG’s first year as title sponsor of the championship the prize fund was increased by $1.25 million to $4.5 million, an increase of almost 40% on the previous year.

Women's Open: Carnoustie Will Be Tougher This Time Around

Matt Cooper previews the AIG Women’s Open and its return to Carnoustie after ten years.

This time around, it seems the players should expect a much tougher test.

Five years before that, Carnoustie made its debut on the Women’s Open rota and once again the tee boxes were in the wrong place. The final hole, as we all know, is a brute, with the Barry Burn threatening both the drive and the approach. Those too fearful of the water risk dragging the ball into rough on the left (or, worse, out of bounds), taking the green out of the equation for the second shot.

It’s unquestionably one of the toughest examinations in world golf and yet the field didn’t face it. The tee was moved up, the drive became straightforward, and the burn was more or less irrelevant for both the first and second bunt.

It was a little like plotting a route for the Tour de France that ignored both the Alps and the Pyrenees, instead just faffing about on the flat.

Lydia Ko already confirmed, reports The Scotsman’s Martin Dempster.

“Seventeen is a beast. Eighteen is also a beast,” declared the two-time major winner, expressing a view, of course, shared by most people, even though Paul Lawrie birdied both of them in the play-off in his 1999 Open win.

“I think the sport and the R&A has made good progress but there is a hell of a lot more to do.”

With the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie this week, the Guardian’s Ewan Murray talks to Phil Anderton, the R&A’s person in charge of development looking at spending their dollars to grow interest among women and girls. Anderton says golf has “underperformed” when it comes to women and girls but has theories on how to change that.

“I think golf in general fell previously into the trap of talking to itself,” Anderton says. “Golf talked to golf. If you didn’t play it, you didn’t know anything about it. I think it also fell into the trap of just putting on programmes; come here and learn about golf. If you have a perception barrier and people don’t think it is a sport or a brand for them, you can put on every course and build every structure you want but it will be incredibly difficult. Women and girls have to see this as a sport for them, promoted to them.

“If you had once asked people in the UK for their perceptions of tennis, I think most would have said ‘Wimbledon, whites, strawberries and cream.’”

Don’t forget the Pimms!

Anderton is hoping to see purse equity and other initiatives help the cause. As noted here and elsewhere, do not underestimate the elevation of the women’s majors to iconic, time-tested venues.

R&A Secures Approval For Re-imagined Glasgow Golf Facility

The Scotsman’s Martin Dempster reports on the R&A securing approval for plans to redevelop Lethamhill Golf Course into a nine-hole with putting greens, short-game areas, “adventure golf” and a lighted driving range. The main theme, however is to re-imagine an existing facility into something that may fine more appeal with more people, including new players and families. It’s a pretty bold but also overdue move by one of the governing bodies to go beyond mere messaging campaigns.

For Immediate Release:

THE R&A SECURES APPROVAL TO BUILD NEW COMMUNITY GOLF FACILITY IN GLASGOW

10 August 2021, St Andrews, Scotland: The R&A has secured approval for its plans to redevelop the existing public golf course at Lethamhill in Glasgow to create a brand new community golf facility in the north-east of the city.

Ownership of the site has now been transferred to The R&A by Glasgow City Council following agreement between the two organisations and preparations for the construction of the revamped venue will now begin this week.

The new development includes the creation of a nine-hole course, putting greens, short-game area, adventure golf and a floodlit driving range to allow visitors to enjoy a wide range of golf activities, including shorter forms of the sport.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “This is a vital step towards realising our ambition of creating a new golf facility which presents the sport in a fun, affordable and accessible way for the enjoyment of families, young people and community groups living locally.

“We are hugely excited about the potential of this project and will be making a significant investment in transforming the existing course at Lethamhill into a first-class venue where everyone feels welcome, no matter their age or ability, in which they can have fun exploring golf’s many different formats and connect with nature, outdoors in the fresh air.

“We believe that golf can be and should be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and so this is a real opportunity for us to break down some of the unhelpful perceptions and barriers that exist and revitalise the way in which the sport is offered so that everyone feels they have the freedom to play and enjoy its many health and social benefits.”

Golfers have been provided with alternative arrangements by Glasgow Life to continue playing golf at nearby Littlehill until construction is completed and it is hoped that the new facility will open in the summer of 2023.

Councillor David McDonald, Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, said, “Having worked closely with The R&A over the last year to understand and help develop their plans for the new facility at Lethamhill Golf Course, we are thrilled that construction is now set to get underway.

“The new offering will ensure the space at Lethamhill is used to its full capacity, offering activities for everyone from the individual golfer, through to families with young children. We’re looking forward to seeing the progression of the project, and continuing to work with The R&A to ensure the new facility provides key benefits to the local community.”

The agreement will also enable the Seven Lochs Partnership, which overseas the Seven Lochs Wetland Park that includes nearby Hogganfield Loch, to use the facility as its base and hub for the delivery of heritage learning and engagement activities, a free park events programme, volunteering and employability training linked to park management and maintenance.

Access to nearby Hogganfield Loch for leisure activities will be maintained for local users throughout the period of construction.

Councillor Maureen Burke, Chair of the Seven Lochs Partnership, said, “I am delighted to be part of this new partnership, which will bring much needed investment to the local area, creating new jobs and attracting visitors from across the city and beyond. As well as a fantastic new golf facility, the new centre will allow the Seven Lochs team to work with local schools to deliver outdoor learning, offer volunteering opportunities and employability training linked to park maintenance, and support a range of outdoor activities that help improve health and well-being in the local community.”

You can see a few more images of the indoor portion of the facility here. If I find a master plan or more views of the course I’ll include it here.

Langer On Distance Regulation: "They haven't done anything...it's just common sense"

Golf Monthly’s Andy Wright reports on Bernhard Langer’s pre-Senior Open comments regarding distance and rendering venues like this week’s host, Sunningdale, obsolete.

“The R&A and the USGA are making our rules, we try to play by their rules and so far they haven’t done anything really of any great impact to bring the ball back or any of that,” Langer, who is looking to win his 12th senior major this week, said. 

No, they haven’t.

“They’ve obviously put restrictions on the trampolining effect on the driver but people are hitting the ball incredibly far, the young folks. 

“It’s a fascinating part of the game, so it’s a difficult decision and I do get it, because people come out and watch Bryson DeChambeau, right? Because he is the longest guy on tour right now, or one of the longest, and it’s fascinating to watch.

“People came out to watch John Daly because he could hit it really far and if you take that away, then you make the game maybe less attractive.”

Then again, tees can be moved up and depending on the execution of any regulation, a case could be made for real long hitters standing out more, getting a greater advantage for their skill and the thrills of players driving a green or going for a par-5 in two offsetting whatever would be lost in altering today’s version of golf.

“But at the same time, you’re making some golf courses obsolete in terms of the distances that they’re hitting it and golf becomes a little more expensive because you used to have 7,000 yards of golf, now you need 8,000 yards. 

“You need an extra 1,000 yards, more or less that you need to take care of, maintain, rent, buy or whatever you want to call it, water it. It’s just more expensive to do an extra 1,000 yards than not, it’s just common sense.”

Yes it is.