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B26 November 2018 • Golf • www.lwca.com Fun Facts: No Penalty for Accidentally Moving a Ball Apache Main is your source for golf car sales, service, parts and accessories! Authorized Dealer 4034 E. Main St., Mesa AZ 85205 (North side of Main, west of Greenfield) www.apachemaingolfcars.com Mobile Mechanics All Makes/Models Serviced Pick-up/Delivery Available Summer Service Program Design Your Own Car! Preferred Partner to ASU Apache ain is your source for golf car sales, service, parts and accessories! Authorized Dealer 4034 E. ain St., esa AZ 85205 (North side of Main, west of Greenfield) www.apachemaingolfcars.com Mobile Mechanics All Makes/Models Serviced Pick-up/Delivery Available Summer Service Program Design Your Own Car! Preferred Partner to ASU www.bergequicklane.com 2019 Rule: Under Rule 13.1d, there will no longer be a penalty if a player (or opponent) accidentally causes the player’s ball to move on the putting green. The substance of this rule change was implemented January 1, 2017 by authorizing Committees to adopt a Local Rule that eliminates the penalty for accidentally moving a ball on the putting green. Reasons for Change: The shape, slope and condition of many putting greens today increases the chances that a ball at rest on the putting green might move. This can be difficult to determine whether a player caused the ball to move or whether the ball was moved by wind or other natural causes. When a ball moves while the player is doing nothing more than taking normal actions to prepare for a stroke, it can seem unfair for the player to be penalized. Most “ball moved” situations occur on the putting green, involve minimal movement of the ball, frequently occur when the player is taking reasonable actions to prepare for a stroke and the ball can be easily replaced. These considerations are not the same when the ball lies off the putting green. Therefore, the penalty will continue to apply (with exceptions such as accidentally moving a ball during search) to a player or opponent in these circumstances. It will reinforce the principle that the ball should be played as it lies and that players should continue to exercise care when close to a ball in play. By Shane Romesburg Here are a couple of quick fixes to get your game in shape: 1. Poor Balance? Try this drill Here’s something to look for the next time you watch a professional golf tournament: Notice how on great shots, the pros hold their finish and how on bad shots, they don’t. Why is this worth noting? Because all too often, amateurs swing as if once they hit the ball, nothing after matters. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether you are on the range or on the course, I want you to swing fully into your finish. If you find yourself falling backward, then you have pulled the golf club through with your shoulders and hips rather than starting your swing with your lead leg and then swinging your arms. If you fall forward on your toes or start to walk after you have finished your swing, then your downswing started with your shoulders and you came over the top. Without thinking mechanically about it, practicing this drill will improve your swing, contact, and distance. I want you to feel your swing from start to finish. And by finish, I mean to hold your finish. 2. Short Approach Shots? Check your Divot! Losing distance on your approach shots? Here’s a quick tip that will add extra yards in no time. Place a tee just opposite and on the outside of a ball to determine where you make a divot. If your divot is behind the ball, this indicates you have started your downswing incorrectly (most likely your upper body has led the lower body). Rather, the divot should be in front of the ball because good contact means that you have struck the ball first. This also indicates that the golf club is traveling through the ball. When first practicing this exercise, begin with half swings and use a mid-iron so it is easier to make solid contact. Feel your forward arm leading the swing. This allows the grip end of the club to lead the face. When you swing, think, PINCH the ball, not SCOOP the ball. - Shane Romesburg, PGA, is head golf professional at Leisure World. Hot Golf Tips