Golf Notes

Sat., June 3, 2000

Politeness counts on the fairways

The Golf Course Superintendents of America recently asked its membership to identify players among the top 20 in the world who exhibit the best on-course sportsmanship.

Phil Mickelson was a runaway winner, with 18 percent of the vote. Tiger Woods and his friend and neighbor, Mark O’Meara, each got 10 percent, followed by Davis Love III (9 percent) and Fred Couples (7 percent).

In another question, 82 percent of the superintendents, who run the day-to-day maintenance and operation of courses, said the failure to repair ball marks on greens is the single breach of etiquette that does the most damage to a golf course.

So that’s why all the doctors golf

Good fore you health:

One thing you don’t have to apologize for is spending a day at the golf course. So says Health magazine, which reports that German researchers asked 30 men and women to wear heart monitors while playing 18 holes. The golfers spent more than two hours per round at a heart rate high enough to boost fitness. It helped that they all walked the course, carrying or pulling their clubs.

Golfing in the Big Apple

Myrtle Beach, S.C., probably isn’t quaking in its golf shoes just yet, but it has a new competitor in the hot golf tourism market: The Doral Park Avenue Hotel in New York is offering two golf packages - the “Park Avenue Golf Package” and an “Afternoon Tea Golf Package,” the latter aimed at businesswomen. The Doral says it’s the only “golf-friendly” property in the city. The package takes advantage of the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers, a driving range located in what once was a shipping pier. The packages include lodging, a one-hour lesson, 125 balls for driving, and assorted other amenities such as members-only privileges at the range. The packages cost $345 per night per room, weekdays. Information: 1-877-993-6725; Web site www. doralparkavenue.com

Hockey isn’t the only game in Canada

One of Atlantic Canada’s best-kept secrets is its great golfing. From New Brunswick to Newfoundland, there are magnificent courses with ocean vistas and rustic settings.

On a seven-day vacation it is possible to golf in each of the four provinces. In peak season, green fees range from $40 to $100, less in value season.

For information on a package guide to golf in Atlantic Canada, call (800) 565-0001.

Test finds ERC driver adds yardage

Any player who has raved that Callaway’s new - and USGA non-conforming - ERC driver gives them as much as 30 extra yards off the tee must not have been involved in an unscientific study conducted by Golf Digest.

The magazine organized a test of the new club by asking a top tour player with at least one major championship to try it out. The player requested anonymity.

Measuring nine solid drives with each driver, the test revealed the ERC averaged 6.9 yards more carry and 2.4 yards more roll than Callaway’s Hawk Eye.

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