| Rich, I can't believe that the NH Golf Association would stage a State
Am at a place where all contestants didn't have the option to play one
practice round without this kind of stupid restriction. At least I'd
expect them to designate one day for all practice rounds - a weekday
would be reasonable. Either that or designate a specific time period.
Truthfully, I've been to two events in Mass. that also stunk this
year. USGA Open Qualifying at Worcester was a farce. Greens were lousy,
no one kept the pace of play going (resulting in 5 min. between morning
and afternoon rounds with no buffet, no ANYTHING for contestants).
Snacks were prohibitively expensive, people running the carts were
minimally courteous and efficient. The US Open deserves better - but,
that's about what I'd expect at Worcester CC anyway.
Yesterday I was at Mass Open Qualifying at Greenfield CC. Course
condition was bogus, play was unbelievably slow, contestants were
charged for range balls, nothing was done for contestants... Hey, I'm
not saying that these people are Gods, but if I were running an event
like this, I'd want to show a little class and have everyone feel
welcome at my club. The USGA, MGA and NHGA show me squat !
--Jack
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| I wouldn't be too harsh on the USGA, MGA, NHGA. They depend on the
kindness of hosting clubs, which are not uniformly hospitable. I'm
sure they'd like to be selective in their choice of clubs, but I doubt
that class clubs are tripping over each other for the chance to give
up their course for a couple days--probably for diddly money.
My experience in MGA state amateur events has been pretty good, even at
The Country Club. The Mid-amateur, in fact, is a great event; we're
even treated to a prime-rib dinner.
I have to admit, not getting a "free" practice round is unconscionable
-- and unfair. I've certainly never encountered it. The Mid-AM is
played on two courses, and we get a practice round on each (that's
four rounds and a dinner--that used to include wives!--for the price
of an entry fee!).
I'm sure contestants at NH amateur are given a practice round, too.
Double check that.
Tom
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