Conference 7.286::golf

    
    I myself keep the ball with the label Top Flite XL 4 up so I look
    right at it, this helps keep your eye on the ball and it seems to
    work for me.  I always stand with my body facing just to the side
    of the hole but my ball is lined up right at it.  I also have a
    superstition about leaving my Glove on well walking to the next
    shot and the green, I have found that when I remove my Glove and
    then put it back on I hit alot better.
    
    Well I hope that other people will share in there superstitious
    habits.
    
    	Mike_who_hit_a_hole_in_one_yesterday_145yrds_9_Iron.

    I have the same problem with pink tees.  Also, if I'm playing well,
    I try not to acknowledge the fact.  Surest way to ruin a good round.
    
    -Alan-
    

    I have a couple, although I do not have a superstitous bone in my
    body...Except I avoid ladders...But that's just habit....
    
    
    I never remove my glove, or change it if it gets wet..I will also
    use the same glove until it wears out....Right now my glove looks
    like the ad in Golf Digest for those soft gloves...Mine is the one
    that looks like it's 120 years old..
    
    My other "habit" is to use only plastic tees....Whenever I use a
    wooden tee, bad things happen....
    
    Well, maybe a little one is during match play, I never want to know
    mine or anyone elses score...
    
    Ok, this is my last minor quirk...I wear the same socks....But I
    do let my wife wash them...
    
    
    Jim 
    

  I only hit white balls and preferrably off of white tees.
The reason why balls go further when writing is horizontal
to ground is that the two piece covers have more strength
hitting them that way, and putting with the label the other
way yeilds a smoother putt.

                       Robbie
    

    Re .0,.4:  Aligning the ball on the tee the way you mention is suppose
    to be more accurate and go further. The reason being is that most
    balls have the name over a section where there are no dimples. So
    when you hit it on this smooth surface, you are giving an even force
    to the area, instead of a spotty force to a dimpled area. Does it
    work?? I never noticed a difference.  
    
    The putting line up you mention in .4 is smoother because there
    is a line around the ball that has no dimples crossing it. If you
    put and keep the ball rolling on this line it will go smoother.
    
    Supersitions, me, never I just never use orange balls.
    
    --Bob

    re: .3
    Never, never, never use plastic tees unless you use metal woods.
     They will leave marks on the plastic inserts in wooden clubs.
    
    re: ball position
    There should be no difference, according to USGA, in placing a ball
    in any orientation for hitting.  But I, like others, find that certain
    positions help concentration and confidence.
                     
    

    I look up in the air and ask God for a birdie or two before I 
    hit.  Other than that I just use profound language when I'm not
    doing very well!  HAHA  But I also always remember that it's suppose
    to be a gentlemans game!  And of course I always say...There's always
    another hole......see you at Stow

    re: .1
    
    9 iron for 145 yrds?  Not bad!  That's a 7 iron for me.  Do your
    forearms look like they belong to Popeye??
    
    Any tips for getting the extra distance?
    
    Just spinach?
    

    
    re: .8
    
    I normally use a Pitch and Wedge from that distance, but my is being
    repaired.  The only advace I can give you is just meet the ball
    square and take a complete swing, and no I don't have forearms that
    look like Popeye.
    
    	Thanks for the recognition.
                Mike D.
    

    	As far as a ball being longer because of its position or rotation
    on a tee, it's just not true.  It probably has a lot more to do
    with your concentration level or confidence, enabling you to put
    a better swing on the ball.
    	Distances from one person to the next vary greatly.  I'd bet
    that most pros could hit a pitching wedge 150 yards, but don't choose
    to do so.  They would either swing harder, causing them to loose
    some accuracy, or simply move the ball back in the stance, so the
    hands are ahead of the ball, causing the pitching wedge to act like
    a 9 or even 8 iron.  Knowing the distances you hit your irons with
    a swing tempo that you are comfortable, will help you a lot more,
    than trying to hit a 9 iron 145 yards.  I myself hit a 9 iron about
    135 to 140 yards, but many times have seen my opponents who have
    hit up to 5 woods from the same distance, get their ball inside
    of mine.  Distance is no good, if it's not done with accuracy. 
    Take it from a guy who used to try and hit everything out of sight,
    just to see my score out of sight by the end of my round!!!
    
    By the way, I have no known superstitions when playing golf.
    
    
                                                  Beak

    
    RE: .8
    
    	.10 is right.  I also believe that you must have a good
    concentration level or confidence.  I wouldn't be too worried about
    hitting a 9 Iron 145, if you can hit a 7 and you put it where you
    want or need than there's nothing wrong with that.
    
    	I feel confident when I hit a pitching wedge and I have a lot
    of concentration.  I have also been with people that use a 3 Iron
    or even a 4 Iron for a 200 yrd. par 3, now me on the other hand
    can only hit a 2 Iron, but I'm right on the stick, so I don't worry
    about useing a lower club.  I would advise you to only use a lower
    club only if you feel comfortable.  I hope this helps you in your
    choice of clubs.
    
    		Mike D.
    

	 I always  use  balls  with  the number "1" on them. Of course, this
	 gives  me  a  problem  whenever I buy a box of balls - you know how
	 there are always four different numbers when you buy a dozen balls.
	 So I always have to re-arrange "1"'s from four different boxes into
	 mine. Some pro shops don't like me...

	 But the worst thing is when I find a ball in the rough which is not
	 a "1". I just throw it into the nearest water hazard... :-) :-)

	 -- Mr Litby

    re .12
    
    I thought I was the only person around with a fetish for  number
    1 balls.  However I carry it one step further,  I will only play
    Ultra "1" any other ball I find, regardless of condition or brand
    will wind up in the woods or a nearby swamp while I am waiting on
    a tee.  I also will only use white tees and will never use a tee
    i find on a tee even if its white!!  Don't know if it really matters
    but it makes me feel better, and we all know what a head game golf
    is!!!!!!
    BTW,  most pro shops don't like me either, but I have gotten friendly
    with a couple and when they see me come in they will start pulling
    boxes and taking the 1's out!!!

    I tend to prefer Green Tees. I also like Balls #1 or 2 nothing higher.
    So I am not quite as disliked by the Pro-shops. I will tee off the
    first hole only with a new ball. 
    
    Jeff

>    I also like Balls #1 or 2 nothing higher.

     Oh yeah I forgot about that one too.  I seem liberal compared to you
     guys I'll go as high as 4.  I just like the dozen ball you buy numbered
     5 - 8.  Some of these comments why I end up with a dozen balls all
     numbered 3 or 4.

     I also don't play balls that I find in the woods or water (other than
     those I just put there).  I just throw them in the shag bag.  I guess
     it's because balls loose their resiliency and go out of round after
     you play them for a while.  With a found ball you don't know how long
     it's been used.  Also balls in ponds get water logged.

    I  personally prefer white balls unless the yellow ones are a gift
    or real cheap.   Not too much can help my game anyway.  re the 9
    iron hit 145 yds., some days i can hit a 7 or an 8 iron 145 yds
    and some days i need a 4 iron.  I like to play alot but home
    construction and wifee and kidees limit my time to about once a
    month.  When i'm having a real good round, at the turn i won't have
    anything to eat or drink as i've heard that this can screw up your
    metabolism and change the way you are swinging(only in my head but
    what the hell).  on the same token, when i'm having a horrible day,
    i'll have a 'dog or two and a beer or large coke at the turn in
    hopes of finding a better nine awaiting me.  an example of how the
    no eating or drinking works, when i was in Myrtle Beach last month,
    i played the Dunes Club, a magnificent course and layout, and shot
    a 44 the front nine (my handicap requires a calculator to display)
    i had nothing to eat or drink at the turn, birdies the first hole
    on the back nine and proceded to shoot a 61 for the back nine. 
    so much for that theory but i stick by it anyhow.

    Many  Professionals and low amatuers line the ball up so they hit
    the trade or brand mark.  They do this because the seam of the ball
    runs down between the two brand marks.  Thus, the player is striking
    the ball at the axis of one of the halves and not the seam the ball
    tends to fly truer.  Also, the players tend to put with the seam
    lined up at the intenden roll path.  The seam tends to roll end
    over end better that the axis!
    
    
    

    
    As was mentioned earlier the position a ball is placed in on the
    tee has NO effect on it's flight. This is tested by the USGA
    extensively. When the Titleist 384DT's first came out they did not
    conform to this symetrical flight rule and subsequently were not
    allowed to be played. This is why you see an asterist by the 384
    on the Titleist balls, these are legal.
    
    Placing the ball on the tee with the label horizontal does provide
    a very good focal point during the swing.
    
    						Fred Deady

Here are some superstitions.... Well maybe not really, but I hope you enjoy
the humor in them. 

- A good game always starts off by losing the first ball off the first tee.
  (each time I've been out this year, lost the first ball each time.)

- Always use a new ball on the second hit.  
  (Well this follows, from losing the first ball)

- When a hit is good, it's the clubs.  When a hit is bad, it's me.
  I can always improve, the clubs can't.

- When I concentrate on addressing the ball too much, I walk away and come 
  back to it.  Usually it turns into a better hit.  (The club must have
  needed a break)

- Always use a scratch ball (those that are found, so you previous noters  
  keep throwing them away) when going over water or by woods where I'll
  probably slice into them.  This way those types of balls will feel at home
  with others of its kind. 

- Don't always follow the "Hit the ball where it lands" rule:
  - I always remove the ball from the water before hitting it, my friend
    drowned last year by not doing this. 

- When it looks like I'll need a camel to find the ball in a large sand trap,
  I'll shyly drop another ball and hit it where I stand.

- Never get jealous or upset if someone says they saw your wife hooking on the
  course, and she is probably still in the bushes.  It could mess up your game.

- If driving the cart upsets your game, bring your wife.

- If you want some excitement, let your pre-car-driving teenager, drive the
  cart. 

- Since I never played with someone who knows how to play golf, this notes 
  conference has enlightened me in the game tremendously.  For those who are 
  new to this game.  I'd like to relay some of the definitions as I had
  to figure them out.

	"Ground" rules:  
	   If you find your ball has been "Ground" up by the course mower,
	   use the remains closest to the tee for a new drop. 

        "Downhill lie": 
           Similar to telling a fish story that gets out of hand, and 
           before you are finished telling it, you realize it's going 
           "downhill". Like... "This is my worst game ever."

	"Uphill lie":
           Similar to an Downhill lie, but this is one everyone
           believes, like... "This was my worst game ever."

	"FOUR":
	   Some annoying person yelling how many people in their party.

	"WOOPS":
	   I've been told this should be "FORE".

	"Playing a SCOTCH":
	   Being partnered up with a M*A*S*H Klinger dress-alike in a plaid 
	   skirt.  (Never happened yet, but I'm sure I'd play faster and 
	   get off the course as fast as I could)

	"#&%^@(#":
	   Typical common golfing expression, no explanation needed.

	"Hole in one":
	   Golf term, for "Time to replace these golf shoes".

	"ROLL ROLL ROLL":
	   Sadistic person yelling at someone driving the cart too fast 
	   around a tight corner.

	"Made PAR":
	   Still wondering about this one...

	"Divot":
	   The size of which reflects your improvement.  (See favorite golf 
	   terms)

	"Getting a firm grip":
	   What you need to do with yourself when the game is not going so 
	   well.

For those who have superstitions about tees: 
 - ALWAYS put the pointy end INTO the ground.  Though the flat end does 
   rest easily on the ground, balancing the ball on the other end just 
   takes too long.  No matter how deep the dimples are.

For those who have superstitions about gloves:
 - Being a softball player, I don't know how you guys hit so good wearing one.
   BTW: I was the catcher, it helped make some great home plate plays, but it
   hindered on the golf course so much I stopped using it.
 - If your glove gets too stiff, use some glove oil and wrap it around a ball, 
   (golf ball I'd presume) and secure it with a belt, overnight.

For those who have superstitions about clothes:
 - Wear them.

For those who have superstitions about balls:
 - I never hit balls with cute Mickey Mouse or other characters on them.
   My wife is still calling me a Bambi killer.
 - Always hit the XXXXXXX's this way you eventually wear them out and it looks 
   like you have a "good" ball.

For those who have superstitions about using a found ball:
 - Keep throwing them away, but not so far, I can always use them. 
   I figure, why not, it's probably the ball I put there last time.
 - Those found in the water, make such a exquisite squish sound, especially off 
   the first tee.  (There is don't matter, that ball get's lost anyway)

Hope these have helped your humor about the game.  Really I made all this up... 
well most of it... OK OK  just a couple of things.

    Mike, who slices...

    My superstition may be common to many of you. It is related to how
    I mark my ball. It starts with the selection of coin. If things
    are going good I'll keep the same coin and also watch if it was
    marked heads or tails up. I'll keep marking  it that way until things go
    bad. If things are going sour I may keep the
    same coin but change from heads to tails or vice verse. This way
    a coin only gets 2 chances and then adios. Sometimes it has been
    know to travel great distances. This also best represents why I
    need to rob a parking meter before I head out to the links.
    
    Ken 
    

Saturday I noticed that the seam on my Hogan Tour Edition's was not
perpendicular to the axis of the labels as I and several of you who mentioned 
it in your prior notes believed.  This was not an exhaustive sample size (2 
balls, first qualtiy not seconds or X outs).

For other habtis/superstitions I know people that when they mark their ball on 
the putting green always use a quarter with the heads side up except when they 
are putting for birdie or eagle then they flip it over and use the tails side 
(which contains an eagle for you international noters).

One habit that I have is never switch to an old ball when faced with a tough 
tee shot over water.  I feel it places you in the wrong frame of mind and your 
swing subconciously is not the best you could make.  (Now if you have 2 "new"
balls in your pocket using the one that has been in play for the most holes, or 
is more scuffed up only makes "wise financial sense".)

Larry

I have a habit of playing only titleist in tournaments, I don't want
    to rely on a two piece ball under tough conditions!  Anybody else
    feel the same way.
    ?
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
     

    Re .20 Thats why I use only penny's when I mark the ball. 8^)
    
    Kevin_who's_only_spent_50_bucks_on_the_game_so_far_and_even_his
    tee's_squeek_going_into_the_ground. (Not counting greens fee's)

	 Re .22 -

	 I'd rather not rely on myself during tough conditions...

	 Re .16 -

	 I'm surprised how you can keep your game in shape for a whole round
	 if  you don't drink anything (yes, I know, some drinks can ruin the
	 game).  I've realised  how much the loss of liquid, particularly in
	 hot weather, can affect the game. 

	 This last  week  I've  played 36 holes a day (vacation) during very
	 hot  (at  least  for Swedish conditions) weather, the temperature's
	 been hovering between 27 and 30 degrees C. The average player loses
	 several  litres  of fluid during a round, and it is usually hard to
	 bring  that  much  to  drink with you in the golf bag (we don't use
	 golf cars here, so no beer coolers). 

	 I've found  out  that  by  drinking 1-3 litres of fluid, preferably
	 water  or  something  like Gatorade, during the round I can counter
	 the  loss of concentration caused by the loss of liquid. If I don't
	 drink  heavily  :-)  during the round my game will fall apart after
	 5-6 holes if the weather is warm.

	 -- Mr Litby

    
    RE:
    < Note 302.24 by BIRKA::LITBY "...and he built a Crooked House" >
                             -< Nunc est bibendum >-

>    	 If I don't
>	 drink  heavily  :-)  during the round my game will fall apart after
>	 5-6 holes if the weather is warm.
    
    If you had something GOOD to drink you'd still fall apart but you'd
    feel much better about. 8^)
    
    
    					KO