How do you play the game?

[JWinick]

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences.  

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
4) At one point is a putt "good?"
5) Do you keep a handicap?
6) Do you generally wager?
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
Do you take lessons?
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

[JWinick]

See my answers below:

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences.  

1) Do you prefer walking or riding? Walking, although I will often ride if I'm going to play 36.
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance? Yes.
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies? Yes.
4) At one point is a putt "good?" Inside the leather is good, I prefer a set standard or putt everything out.
5) Do you keep a handicap? Yes.
6) Do you generally wager? Yes.
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play? Virtually anything above 50.   Below 50, only with moderate wind and good turf quality.
Do you take lessons? Yes.
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round? Yes.
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt? Yes.

[Sean_A]

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences.  

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?  
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
4) At one point is a putt "good?"
5) Do you keep a handicap?
6) Do you generally wager?
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
Do you take lessons?
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

1. walk
2. no
3. no
4. when I or someone else says so
5. yes
6. yes
7. it depends on if I am obligated to play or not - if not obligated I  cancel if the forecast is rain - if obligated it has to be very severe weather such as lightning/snow/frost
8. never had a proper lesson
9. no
10. yes

Ciao

[Brad Fleischer]

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?   Walking but have no problem riding either.
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance? Sometimes
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?  This one is cute, always ,ummm no
4) At one point is a putt "good?" when the other guy says it is ,who am I to argue ?
5) Do you keep a handicap? Yea my clubs
6) Do you generally wager? Alot but not always, but it can be a wager with no regards to money hence my pink grips right now.
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play? That depends at home 55 or above, when I was in Ireland you couldnt have stopped me even when I should have been stopped.
Do you take lessons? Just started a full over haul
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round? Usually don't have time but I like to
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt? No

[Jon Wiggett]

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences.  

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?Walking only
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?No, but maybe a yardage book
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?yes
4) At one point is a putt "good?"depends on the day
5) Do you keep a handicap?no
6) Do you generally wager?just for a pint at the end of the round
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?Lightning storm
Do you take lessons?occasionally
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?no
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?no

[Brent Hutto]

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
4) At one point is a putt "good?"
5) Do you keep a handicap?
6) Do you generally wager?
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
8] Do you take lessons?
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

1) Always walk.
2) Often but not always.
3) Yes if it's in a match or a stipulated stroke-play round.
4) When my opponent(s) concede it.
5) Yes.
6) About 50/50 I guess.
7) If it's cold enough I need gloves (wind chill below mid-30's F) or if it's raining heavily before I tee off or if it's over 90F
Yes, generally a 3-4x a year
9) Often none at all, sometimes a dozen or so as a warm up, almost never more than that before a round.
10) Never.

[Melvyn Morrow]

Thanks to Brent and his wonderful words it would appear that, I have been recently established as a Deity. Initially I notice no God like abilities, no clear directives from the Supreme Deity himself. Just my normal strong views relating to the preservation to the great game of golf. However, this weekend I have started to notice some unbelievable changes. So let me pass on some of my new experiences, which I must, in all fairness put at the feet of Brent.
 
1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
I now glide, having no need to walk or ride. Although I tend to walk on water to get to my floating ball

2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?No my divine eyesight allows in an instance to note exact the information I need to play the game of golf.

3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
Normally I prefer to play it as it has come to rest, however my divine powers allow me a few options when I believe they comply with the Rules of Golf (which I am currently having reviewed – if you got the power – use it)

4) At one point is a putt "good?"
On hearing the Angles clapping

5) Do you keep a handicap?
No recently, however, as a Deity I feel that ‘Scratch’ may be the next order of the day

6) Do you generally wager?
Only with the Souls from the wayward American easy game of Golf

7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
When Hell freezes over

 Do you take lessons?
Yes from Old Tom Morris via his family, as a Deity who else would be equal to the task - perhaps the all seeing all knowing Brent may come close or is that just hero worship?

9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?No, why should I, unless winning is the only important reason for playing. Of course as a Deity, I have nothing to prove.
 
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?
No, it’s a cardinal sin, only used by weak and sickly golfers who have lost their faith and way to the pin. Remember, not all lines lead to the pot of gold, ye shall reap what ye sow.

Here ends the first lesson from the book of Morrow Chapter One verses 1-10.

Melvyn

PS Thanks Brent, I now see the light and will continue my fight knowing that God is on my side

[Stephen Britton]

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?Ride although I'll walk with a caddie.
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?Rangefinder.
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?Always play it as it lies.
4) At one point is a putt "good?"Depends who I'm with.
5) Do you keep a handicap?Yes.
6) Do you generally wager?Yes.
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?Too cold and rain. Although never too hot.
8)Do you take lessons?No.
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?Yes.
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?No.

[Emil Weber]

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences. 

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
4) At one point is a putt "good?"
5) Do you keep a handicap?
6) Do you generally wager?
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
Do you take lessons?
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

1) walk
2) no, just distance markers on the course
3) yes
4) yes
5) yes
6) sometimes...
7) thunder and lightning
about 3 times a week 
9) mostly
10) no.

[Ross Tuddenham]

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?  Walking
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance? No
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies? Yes, who cheats?
4) At one point is a putt "good?" Yes, Unless it's strokeplay or I want the practice.
5) Do you keep a handicap? Yes
6) Do you generally wager? Depends who I play with
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play? Snow or frozen ground
8)l Do you take lessons? Had about four in 12 years
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round? No
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt? No

[Bill Gayne]

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences.  

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
4) At one point is a putt "good?"
5) Do you keep a handicap?
6) Do you generally wager?
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
Do you take lessons?
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

1. walk
2. no
3. yes
4. foot to foot and a half.
5. yes
6. Less then $15
7. I've played in most everything
8. Once a year now
9. yes
10. no

[Gary Slatter]

1. Prefer walking but enjoy riding if carts are on fairways
2. very seldom
3. always play it down
4. when my wife says its good
5. I have a Thursday handicap, scratch the other 6 days
6. Wager when possible, Thursdays for sure
7. When the course is closed
8. no lessons
9. a few long putts suffice
10. no line, prefer to set ball with nothing visible

[Wade Whitehead]

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
4) At one point is a putt "good?"
5) Do you keep a handicap?
6) Do you generally wager?
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
Do you take lessons?
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

This is already an interesting thread.

1. I prefer to walk but find most courses don't encourage it and some don't permit it.
2. I was given a SkyCaddie recently and have enjoyed using it some.  My home course has nothing but 100, 150, and 200 yard markers, so I'm used to playing with just those.
3. I play the ball down.
4. A putt is good anytime a match play opponent decides it is.
5. I keep a handicap and post every score.
6. I don't initiate bets but almost always accept them.
7. If I can keep my grips and inner layer of clothing dry, I'll play.
8. I've never taken a lesson but love to study the golf swing.
9. I like to hit 6 or 8 shots before a round if possible.
10. I don't align putts using a line because it's against the rules, right?

I look forward to reading other responses.

WW

[Michael Blake]

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences.  

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?  walking
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?  no
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?  yes
4) At one point is a putt "good?"  foot or so
5) Do you keep a handicap?  yes
6) Do you generally wager?  no
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?  way too cold
Do you take lessons? not in a couple of years
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?  rarely
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?  i used to a number of years ago but stopped NOT because Shivas thinks it's against the rules, but because it didn't seem to help, and i didn't like how it slowed down my play

[Carl Johnson]

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?  Walk with a push cart if possible.  However, will ride if dictated by the nature of the layout, course requirements or weather conditions.
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance? No.
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?  Yes, unless the course is in very bad shape and has a lift, clean and place policy in effect.  In the latter case, I'll take advantage of that from time to time.
4) At one point is a putt "good?" When conceded by my opponent.  (In the rare case of playing "for fun," about one foot or less.)
5) Do you keep a handicap? Yes.
6) Do you generally wager? Yes, but only nominal amounts.
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?  Most any circumstances if the course is playable, except for lightening storms, but it will vary according to the circumstances.  Several years ago I played Muirfield in awful weather (rain).  I would not have gone out and played my home course in rain that heavy, but having a substantial investment in the Muirfield endeavor I was going to endure it.
Do you take lessons? I have from time to time, but not in the last three years or so.
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?  Yes, if a range is available at the course.
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt? No.  I have no objection to it in principal, but it would not help me in my putting.

[James Boon]

Most of these answers depend who I'm playing with and is it a friendly or a match...
1. Walking.
2. No. I will use yardage books when playing away but very much to back up what my eyes are telling me.
3. Yes. If its just a knock around then dont kill yourself trying to play one from some damn awkward lie, but if its a match dont spend all your time trying to get relief. Find it, hit it, find it again...
4. In matchplay I'll give an opponent a putt when it feels good. I can't see the point in setting a distance as you may as well say when its in the hole to stop any argument?
5. Yes
6. Only in a friendly.
7. Lightning, unless I'm down to play with Sean, then its whatever he says...  
8. Only when I know I have the time to practice what I've been taught, which at the moment means no.
9. Just a few to warm things up if I can.
10. Yes

[Bill_McBride]

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences.  

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?  Walk unless it's over 90 degrees like it is most of the summer here on the Gulf Coast, or if it's an event where everyone is riding
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?  No, but I have no problem looking at a yardage guide or sprinkler heads.  I would never invest in a SkyCaddy.
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?  Yes, unless it's a competitive event where the field is doing otherwise
4) At one point is a putt "good?"  When an opponent says, "That's good"
5) Do you keep a handicap?  Yes
6) Do you generally wager?Yes, if it's a game where everyone wants to
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?Quit on the 17th Thursday when lightning was seen on the horizon!
Do you take lessons?yes, unsuccessfully as a rule
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?Warm up, yes
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?Not since Shivas went postal....have never spent any time at it.

[Jed Peters]

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences.  

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
4) At one point is a putt "good?"
5) Do you keep a handicap?
6) Do you generally wager?
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
Do you take lessons?
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No
4. When it doesn't matter to the match/score/myself
5. Yes
6. Yes
7. None, really?
8. Yes
9. Yes
10. Yes

[Tim Gavrich]

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
4) At one point is a putt "good?"
5) Do you keep a handicap?
6) Do you generally wager?
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
Do you take lessons?
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

1. I prefer to walk, but I end up riding almost all the time when I'm in SC, as the heat and the mandatory-carts situation at most courses precludes walking.
2. No, although since they're now allowed in tournaments, I may end up getting one at some point.
3. Yes, unless the fairways are in awful shape and/or very wet.  Then I may roll it in the fairways, but no more than a foot.
4. Depends; usually 20-24" is good.
5. Yes; I play in tournaments outside of college events, so it's needed.
6. I like to, but never a whole lot.  The most I've won or lost on the golf course is about $15
7. Basically thunder and lightning.  If the course is open, I will want to play.
8. I haven't had a formal lesson in about three or four years; I play largely by feel and tend to know when there's something really wrong.
9. Yes; fewer than 40 or 50, in most cases.
10. I did that for most of my golfing career but in the last 10 days, I have stopped.  I try to putt a little more by feel nowadays.

Cheers.

--Tim

[astavrides]

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences.  

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
4) At one point is a putt "good?"
5) Do you keep a handicap?
6) Do you generally wager?
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
Do you take lessons?
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

1.ride if included in price, otherwise walk
2.yes
3.yes
4. depends on the situation
5. yes
6. no
7. depends on the situation
8. no
9. no
10. no

[Tom Birkert]

The simple and short answer to this question at the moment is "badly"...

However, to deal with the questions in order:

1) Walking. You get more of a feel for the course, the land, the weather and I enjoy it a lot more.
2) I have just purchased a laser range finder so I'm going over to the dark side.
3) Yes
4) Absolutely
5) Yes, but it's only altered in club competitions as I almost always play match play
6) Definitely
7) I'll play in pretty much anything.
I used to, and I need to again.
9) No
10) Yes

[Tony_Muldoon]

1) Do you prefer walking or riding? Walk, I literally can't play from a cart. They are uncomfortable and my back tightens up. Even worse when I tried one on an old bumpy course. Never tried on on a path.
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance? NO
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies? ALWAYS? Nearly
4) At one point is a putt "good?" "Within the leather" - matchplay.
5) Do you keep a handicap? Yes
6) Do you generally wager?  NO, Occasionally
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play? Don't understand.  Once we're set to play golf WE ARE PLAYING GOLF
Do you take lessons? Yes but you wouldn't know it unless I told you
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?  NO but i wish I did, I generally better when I have done
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt? I'm with Shivas on this.

[PCCraig]

GCA brethren,

In light of some recent discussions on how one plays the game, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a brief survey of GCA member's playing preferences.  

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
4) At one point is a putt "good?"
5) Do you keep a handicap?
6) Do you generally wager?
7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
Do you take lessons?
9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

1) Walk
2) No
3) Yes
4) Within 2ft +/- 6 inches....even still most of the time I will tap them in if time allows.
5) Yes
6) I don't have to but will
7) Lightning
8 ) Yes
9) Yes
10) I don't think it helps...I only like to see white.

[Jamie Barber]

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?
Walk and carry

2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?
Just bought a Bushnell

3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?
Yes. Otherwise it's not golf

4) At one point is a putt "good?"
In a medal play, when it's in the hole. It matchplay it depends

5) Do you keep a handicap?
Yep

6) Do you generally wager?
Sometimes

7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?
Lightning

Do you take lessons?
No

9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?
No

10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?
Yes

[Jason Connor]

1) Do you prefer walking or riding?

Always walk if I'm allowed.

2) Do you use a rangefinder/GPS device to judge distance?

No.  But if a playing partner does on a par 3, I listen.

3) Do you always play the ball as it lies?

I play by the rules of golf.  So yes unless a drop is allowed.

4) At one point is a putt "good?"

When it's in the hole.

5) Do you keep a handicap?

Yes.

6) Do you generally wager?

Very small ones.

7) Under what weather circumstances will you not play?

I lived in Cleveland.  I'll play almost any time.  Though I seek cover in lightning.

Do you take lessons?

I've taken one in my life.  I prefer to suck on my own.

9) Do you generally hit practice balls on the driving range before a round?

Rarely. 

10) Do you use a line on a golf ball to align your putt?

No.  Not since Dave Schmidt ran out of the woods, threw my ball in the lake, and broke my putter over his knee.