USGA Golf vs. SortaGolf vs. TeeGolf [golf usga las vegas]
With the plateauing of the golf population around the world, many people are leaving the game of golf. They leave because of the cost (clubs plus greens fees) and the admitted difficulty of the game.
People become frustrated when they can't play to some standard, usually set by professional golfers and the stated par on all golf courses. Very few golfers are scratch golfers; probably less than 1% can claim to be scratch golfers, if that.
Also, few recreational golfers or casual golfers play strictly by the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland (R&A) rules. It would be interesting to see what percent of golfers actually try to play be all the rules. It's likely very low.
Golfers take Mulligans, improve their lies, and take "gimmes." That's the reality.
We say "so what?"
Enter SortaGolf and TeeGolf.
SortaGolf was created by Donn Glenn a number of years ago basically to free recreational and casual golfers from the strict and hard-to-remember golf rules established by the United States Golf Association (USGA). He is the commissioner of the SortaGolf Association of America. [golf usga las vegas]
TeeGolf was created by Chuck Peterson in 2003 as another attempt to help recreational and casual golfers enjoy the game and just have fun golfing. His title is Head TeeGolfer.
This article contrasts some of the major differences between USGA golf, SortaGolf, and TeeGolf.
1. One common luxury many recreational golfers indulge in is hitting a Mulligan if they don't like their initial golf stroke.
USGA golf: No Mulligans! You can take a provisional ball if you think your ball will be lost. If you can't find your initial ball, you can play the provisional ball. If you find your initial ball, you can play it and ignore the provisional ball.
Or you can just take another stroke that will count against your final score.
SortaGolf: You can take one Mulligan per round. Assumed is that at round of golf equals 18 holes. Assumed is that the Mulligan doesn't count against the golfer's final score. The Mulligan can only be taken from the tee.
TeeGolf: Golfers can take 3 Mulligans per 9-hole round. Thus, 6 Mulligans per 18-hole round. This makes sense since most recreational or casual golfers play only 9 holes much of the time. The Mulligans don't count against the golfer's final score. Plus, they can be taken at any point on the golf course: tee box, fairway, rough, bunker, or green.
2. Some golfers use tees on other parts of the golf course than the tee box.
USGA golf: No tees permitted except on the tee box.
SortaGolf: Use of tees not addressed but assume that they can be used since recreational golfers are out for fun, not competition. [golf usga las vegas]
TeeGolf: Golfers may use a tee any place on the golf course except the greens.
3. Many golfers, when they're out for fun, take "gimmes" when their golf ball is within a certain distance from the cup.
USGA golf: No "gimmes" allowed.
SortaGolf: "Gimmes" allowed, in fact, encouraged.
TeeGolf: "Gimmes" not encouraged, but allowed between playing partners.
4. Often golfers improve their lies.
USGA golf: A golfer must play their ball where it lies, with some exceptions.
SortaGolf: Golfers may move their ball within one golf club length no closer to the pin.
TeeGolf: Golfers may move their ball as far back on a line from the pin through the original lie of the ball as they want within one club length on either side of that line. Plus, they can place the ball on a tee if they want.
5. Recreational golfers use all sorts of golf clubs and golf balls.
USGA golf: The USGA regulates the type of golf clubs that can be used. It maintains a list of "nonconforming" golf clubs that drive the ball too far. Also, certain golf balls are not approved for play for the very same reason. Plus, a golfer may only carry a maximum of 14 golf clubs.
SortaGolf: Golfers may use any golf clubs and golf balls they desire. No limit on the number of golf clubs.
TeeGolf: Golfers may use any golf clubs or golf balls they desire. No limit on the number of golf clubs.
6. Some recreational golfers only take so many strokes over par.
USGA golf: No allowance for a maximum score on each golf hole.
SortaGolf: Golfers only have to take a score of two strokes over the par for any given hole.
TeeGolf: No allowance for a maximum score on each golf hole.
There are other differences between USGA golf rules, SortaGolf rules, or TeeGolf rules. But these will not be covered here.
Basically, SortaGolf and TeeGolf, considered alternative golf games, have been invented to give the average recreational or casual golfer a chance to play the game of golf without all the restrictions and hard-to-grasp rules of the USGA. Nothing against the USGA.
But the revised rules should help the recreational golfer feel less guilty about not playing strictly by the USGA rules.
And why should they feel guilty? If somebody asks why they are not playing by the rules, they can tell them that they're playing another golf game: either SortaGolf or TeeGolf.
End of story.
by Charles Peterson
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Other Golf Games - Alternative Golf
The Other Golf Games - Alternative Golf [golf las vegas]
Most people are barely aware of alternative golf games. If you're a golfer or have some interest in golf, you pay attention to the Professional Golf Association (PGA) and maybe even watch the Golf Channel.
The golf game we know is played according to the rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland (R&A). However, there is, shall we say, an underground of golf games played by millions.
These golf games are called alternative golf. They can be classified by:
- Change in golf courses
- Change in golf rules
- Change in equipment
- Miscellaneous
Change of Golf Courses
The typical golf course - called a championship course is roughly 7,000 yards usually peppered with hazards such as woods, narrow fairways, bunkers, and water hazards. However, we have golf courses that are less difficult to play, such as:
Executive courses which can vary in distance and difficulty, but they usually have several holes with pars of 4. [golf las vegas]
Par Three courses are much easier than executive courses, and all the holes have a par of three.
Distances that you easily reach the green with a nine iron characterize pitch and Putt courses.
There is also a category of golf course called a short championship course. These courses are usually fairly difficult, but the overall distances are much shorter such as 5,000 yards.
A primitive golf course can take on a number of forms, including pastures and parkland. The grasses may be cut short, but the greens can take on any number of forms. They could be sand or well-manicured greens.
Perhaps the most well known alternative golf game is miniature golf or putt-putt golf. Of course, miniature golf is a drastic change in the golf course.
Change in Golf Rules
Less know are golf games that have made significant changes in the rules as administered by the USGA and R&A. Most were created to make the game of golf easier for the recreational or casual golfer. Two such golf games are:
TeeGolf is a game characterized primarily by the use of tees anywhere on the golf course except the green. Players may improve their lies and take Mulligans without penalty. There are no restrictions of what type of golf clubs or golf balls that a player can use, giving the recreational golfer a better chance of hitting the ball farther.
SortaGolf is a golf game characterized by the player being able to improve their lies plus take one Mulligan per 9-hole round. As in TeeGolf, there are no restrictions on golf clubs and golf balls. [golf las vegas]
Change in Equipment
The major golf game where the equipment is changed is disc golf. The Frisbee-type discs are thrown at a basket-type apparatus. The game is scored by the number of times you throw the disc to reach the basket.
Miscellaneous
There are several miscellaneous golf games that are hard to classify.
Speed golf is played on any regular golf course where the players play by USGA rules, but they run the course. The score is obtained by combining the number of strokes and the running time.
Extreme golf is played at a ski resort where the players start out at the top of the ski lift. They then hit the ball to the start of the lift. The number of strokes it takes to run the lift 9 or 18 times tallies the score.
Snow golf is played on any regular course in the snow. Rather than hitting the ball into the hole, the players have to get the ball into a circle usually 6 feet in diameter.
While this is not a comprehensive list of alternative golf games, but these cover the primary golf games that we play other than what we commonly call "golf."
Go out and try an alternative golf game. You'll enjoy it!
by Charles Peterson
Most people are barely aware of alternative golf games. If you're a golfer or have some interest in golf, you pay attention to the Professional Golf Association (PGA) and maybe even watch the Golf Channel.
The golf game we know is played according to the rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland (R&A). However, there is, shall we say, an underground of golf games played by millions.
These golf games are called alternative golf. They can be classified by:
- Change in golf courses
- Change in golf rules
- Change in equipment
- Miscellaneous
Change of Golf Courses
The typical golf course - called a championship course is roughly 7,000 yards usually peppered with hazards such as woods, narrow fairways, bunkers, and water hazards. However, we have golf courses that are less difficult to play, such as:
Executive courses which can vary in distance and difficulty, but they usually have several holes with pars of 4. [golf las vegas]
Par Three courses are much easier than executive courses, and all the holes have a par of three.
Distances that you easily reach the green with a nine iron characterize pitch and Putt courses.
There is also a category of golf course called a short championship course. These courses are usually fairly difficult, but the overall distances are much shorter such as 5,000 yards.
A primitive golf course can take on a number of forms, including pastures and parkland. The grasses may be cut short, but the greens can take on any number of forms. They could be sand or well-manicured greens.
Perhaps the most well known alternative golf game is miniature golf or putt-putt golf. Of course, miniature golf is a drastic change in the golf course.
Change in Golf Rules
Less know are golf games that have made significant changes in the rules as administered by the USGA and R&A. Most were created to make the game of golf easier for the recreational or casual golfer. Two such golf games are:
TeeGolf is a game characterized primarily by the use of tees anywhere on the golf course except the green. Players may improve their lies and take Mulligans without penalty. There are no restrictions of what type of golf clubs or golf balls that a player can use, giving the recreational golfer a better chance of hitting the ball farther.
SortaGolf is a golf game characterized by the player being able to improve their lies plus take one Mulligan per 9-hole round. As in TeeGolf, there are no restrictions on golf clubs and golf balls. [golf las vegas]
Change in Equipment
The major golf game where the equipment is changed is disc golf. The Frisbee-type discs are thrown at a basket-type apparatus. The game is scored by the number of times you throw the disc to reach the basket.
Miscellaneous
There are several miscellaneous golf games that are hard to classify.
Speed golf is played on any regular golf course where the players play by USGA rules, but they run the course. The score is obtained by combining the number of strokes and the running time.
Extreme golf is played at a ski resort where the players start out at the top of the ski lift. They then hit the ball to the start of the lift. The number of strokes it takes to run the lift 9 or 18 times tallies the score.
Snow golf is played on any regular course in the snow. Rather than hitting the ball into the hole, the players have to get the ball into a circle usually 6 feet in diameter.
While this is not a comprehensive list of alternative golf games, but these cover the primary golf games that we play other than what we commonly call "golf."
Go out and try an alternative golf game. You'll enjoy it!
by Charles Peterson
Invest Now In Las Vegas Real Estate!
Invest Now In Las Vegas Real Estate! [invest las vegas]
Invest Now In Las Vegas Real Estate!
If you have been thinking about buying property in Las Vegas, don't waste any more time thinking. Real estate investments are a sensible choice for any investor and to invest in a popular place like Las Vegas can't be wrong now or in the future.
Right now the median home price in Las Vegas is $310,000. That is down 2.5% year over year. It was inevitable to see some type of correction in THE hypermarket of the 90's.
You can still make a killing out of your investment; if you get the timing right and you buy into the right area. Property prices in Las Vegas are down and distress sales are on the rise as a number of players got into the speculation game late and are losing thousands a month.
Remember, in real estate, it's not what you sell it for; it's what you buy it for! Here are a few reasons why you should go ahead with your plans and invest in this market regardless of a downturn:
1. No state tax - Nevada does not charge corporate or personal income tax. This fact alone is sometimes the difference between profit and loss and makes Nevada a hot market for that reason alone.
2. Limitless business opportunities - The market is expanding for businesses in Las Vegas all the time. Realize that two major industries need to be supported in Las Vegas, gaming and housing.
3. Las Vegas weather - Fantastic all year round. No hurricanes or real threats from earthquakes make this a fantastic choice. [invest las vegas]
4. Tourism - Vegas will always be a favorite destination for tourists and business alike.
Understand that Las Vegas itself is a draw in that while Vegas will feel pressure from other areas coming online with gaming, not many are going to be able to compete with all of the things that make Vegas, Vegas. For that reason the market as a whole will continue to expand.
While current market conditions are weaker than a year ago, the exemption from state taxes alone is a big draw for individuals and businesses.
When looking at new markets to invest, there aren't many that compare to Las Vegas in opportunities or attractions. From gaming and entertainment to sight seeing and tax advantages you shouldn't waste any more time. Time lost is money lost; it's time to invest in Las Vegas, today![invest las vegas]
by Darren Slaughter
Invest Now In Las Vegas Real Estate!
If you have been thinking about buying property in Las Vegas, don't waste any more time thinking. Real estate investments are a sensible choice for any investor and to invest in a popular place like Las Vegas can't be wrong now or in the future.
Right now the median home price in Las Vegas is $310,000. That is down 2.5% year over year. It was inevitable to see some type of correction in THE hypermarket of the 90's.
You can still make a killing out of your investment; if you get the timing right and you buy into the right area. Property prices in Las Vegas are down and distress sales are on the rise as a number of players got into the speculation game late and are losing thousands a month.
Remember, in real estate, it's not what you sell it for; it's what you buy it for! Here are a few reasons why you should go ahead with your plans and invest in this market regardless of a downturn:
1. No state tax - Nevada does not charge corporate or personal income tax. This fact alone is sometimes the difference between profit and loss and makes Nevada a hot market for that reason alone.
2. Limitless business opportunities - The market is expanding for businesses in Las Vegas all the time. Realize that two major industries need to be supported in Las Vegas, gaming and housing.
3. Las Vegas weather - Fantastic all year round. No hurricanes or real threats from earthquakes make this a fantastic choice. [invest las vegas]
4. Tourism - Vegas will always be a favorite destination for tourists and business alike.
Understand that Las Vegas itself is a draw in that while Vegas will feel pressure from other areas coming online with gaming, not many are going to be able to compete with all of the things that make Vegas, Vegas. For that reason the market as a whole will continue to expand.
While current market conditions are weaker than a year ago, the exemption from state taxes alone is a big draw for individuals and businesses.
When looking at new markets to invest, there aren't many that compare to Las Vegas in opportunities or attractions. From gaming and entertainment to sight seeing and tax advantages you shouldn't waste any more time. Time lost is money lost; it's time to invest in Las Vegas, today![invest las vegas]
by Darren Slaughter
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
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