Earth Course Dubai - shocking commentary

[John Chilver-Stainer]

Another shocker from a Skysport golf commentator at the Race to Dubai Final.

On the 16th Hole Hanson hit a rake laid outside of the bunker, leaving him an awkward tight stance between the bunker and the ball.  His subsequent shot was pulled into the rough – afterwards followed some aggravation from the commentators.

The placing of the rake inside or outside the bunker got a non-committal - “it is open to discussion”.

However the following comment. “The bunker shouldn’t be in the middle of the fairway – he shouldn’t be penalized for hitting a good drive”

Well – what can one say – apparently “strategic golf” and “risk and reward” aren’t part of his vocabulary.  

Although the Earth Course has white sand and  lush grass, and fluffy surrounds at least the greens appear to be hard with significant undulations. However it is still very much target golf.

I’m rooting for Paul Lawrie.

[Melvyn Morrow]

We must remember all that money at stake (as Mac reminded me 'also "our Game is at stake"), so designers make it easy for these guys, because without their modern ball and equipment Old Tom and Young Tommy would see them off faster than saying 'Look there is a bloody bunker on the fairway, how stupid to leave one there, trying to place hazards in the way of a good game of golf', what will they think of next?’

This is the modern face of the game, which I just hate and have only contempt for the TV and their commentators.

Will someone tell them that if its Golf they are playing so where else would one place a strategic bunker?

Melvyn

[Mac Plumart]

We must remember all that money at stake

Scrub that...our Game is at stake.

[John Chilver-Stainer]

Thanks for the enlightenment Brian,

After viewing the telecast, the surrounds must have been fluffed up for the event, as I have not seen any friendly bounces into the green.
More often a recovery from outside the green consists of a laid down flat wedge with a fill swing lob, rather than a deft little chip.

Hopefully it will be returned to the set up you described.