Tuesday October 1st. We only have 3 flights with tee off at 0745 hrs. Please be at the club by 0720 hrs. Costs will be 100 RM pax. Caddies at own expense.
It is Iain’s birthday, so he has kindly offered some NTPs, to celebrate the occasion.
We will be eating at the Chinese Restaurant on the way back to the toll.
Flight 1
Barry Cousins 32
Hans Berger 20
Andrew Robinson 23
Stuart Taylor 20
Flight 2
Ray Funnell 29
Aftab Ahmad 20
Paul Geddes 14
Iain Wise 24
Flight 3
Jeff Pearce 18
Robin Brown(Guest Jeff) 32
Tony Morris 20
Glen Wombwell 32
Month: September 2013
Results – Hua Hin Tour – 26th to 29th September 2013
10 Cannons, plus our guest Edwin Raspe all met on time at Subang ready to check in, which unfortunately proved to be a very protracted and chaotic 1 hour affair. Anyway we eventually left about 10 minutes late.
Day 1 Palm Hill
The first course, Palm Hill was only 10 minutes from Hua Hin airport, so after a quick change and help from Tam , the ground representative, we managed to tee off in front of the group of ex Malaysian policemen, who had caused the delay at Subang….. All our flights finished in daylight…..!
Great weather, good course, wide fairways and fast rolling greens for the first day of the 2 day competition. Winner of the 500 Baht was Tony Morris with 87 for 41 points. Meal and drinks were enjoyed at the club, before moving to the hotel.
After a fast check in at the City Beach Hotel, most people spent a very liquid evening in the bars of Hua Hin.
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| City Beach Hotel |
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| Hua Hin Railway Station |
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| Hua Hin seafront |
Day 2 Black Mountain
Generally agreed that this stunning course was the preferred of the three. All the landscaping has now been completed and allied to the scenery makes this course exceptional. A little unlucky with the weather, with intermittent rain, and a 10 minute stop for a heavy shower, but did not stop people’s enjoyment. Handicaps had been adjusted after the first day, with Tony cut by 2. Players went out in reverse order, with the 4 highest scorers from the first day in the last flight. With 4 holes to play anyone from this flight could have won.
Perhaps the benefit of not going out the night before, proved significant for the winner….. Hans Berger with a combined 78 points, 184 just beat Edwin by 2 points, 181. Winner received 1500 Baht + the September Trophy, second place received 750 Baht, and Klaus won 500 Baht for 8th place. Stuart and Tony both had 75 points. So a very close competition. Lowest combined gross Kevin with 171. Meal and drinks at the club before moving into the town for the evening’s enjoyment.
Full Results of 2 Day Competition
Day 3 Banyan – Scramble Competition
Another great course, in excellent condition. There was a large Lexus Cup Golf Competition being held but we got off before those flights. Lucky with the weather which was overcast but stayed dry. Tony again worked his excellent scramble magic and the resulting scores, were evidence of this. A couple of the party were a little reticent to playing a scramble but at the end of the competition, all agreed that a great day was had by all.
Winners each receiving 500 Baht were Ted, Edwin, Hans, Klaus with H/Cap 4. Gross 68 for 44 points.
Second on count back were Kevin, Tony, Stuart with H/Cap 2 Gross 69 for 41 points, and then…..
…. the “Muppets”, H/Cap 8, 75 for 41 points, led by Captain Fantastic, Graham, who, on not one of his best days, actually played one fairway shot that went through his legs and backwards by about 10 metres. The muppets still managed to par the hole, after rather a lot of humour.
A first for the Cannons followed after the game when deserts, brownies and banana splits were actually taken, and the remainder of the float was eventually used up…..Great lunch and good camaraderie. Individuals who did not win during the trip were then given a sleeve of balls kindly provided by Simon of Liberty travel. Captain fantastic after his performance won the remaining orange ball.
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| Edwin eventually opens his wallet |
Thanks to Glen for acting as moneybags during the trip. Managed to break even, with some help from Hans.
Thanks to everyone for great timekeeping, commitment and as a result an excellent time was had by all.
And of course a Big Thank You to our Convenor, Ray Funnell, for all the arrangements of this highly successful tour. In appreciation of his efforts all the group pitched in for a rather special and personalised gift which was presented to him at the close of the tour. We all hope this will take pride of place in his display cabinet along with all his golf trophies.
Our winner, Hans Berger, also treated us to his special song ….
Results – LEGS Competition @Saujana Impian – 17th September 2013
Report
The return match took place at the excellent Impian GC. The course was in very good condition, but the greens were a little slow which was the only complaint on the day. A great day was had by all. Teed off on time, and all flights were back in the clubhouse in good time. The lunch, kindly provided by the ladies, many thanks, was a success and both teams enjoyed some healthy banter. Congratulations to the club for excellent service, helped by the LEGS waitresses.
Better ball stableford was the method of play.
Stuart and his partner Allan, won with an outrageous 48 points. Well done. Bernard and Ted were second, ocb from Rebecca and Pauline were third with 44 points. Full results
attached.
1st place pair 75 RM each
2nd place pair 50 RM each
3rd place pair 35 RM each
There were three matches which were very close, one of which was shared, but the ladies won the other two and as a result won the match 3.5 versus 4.5. Well played the LEGS ladies.
So after two matches the ladies are leading 9 matches to 8. This time round the ladies aggregated stableford points were 314 against 326 for the men. Total stableford for the two matches. Ladies 689 Men 692. Overall it is still amazingly close.
By popular demand, the next match will be in early March, when it is our turn to host.
Results
Photos
Rules of Golf – Loose Impediments
Loose Impediments and Movable Obstructions (Rules 23-1 and 24-1)
It seems that many golfers are confused as to whether objects on the course are loose impediments or movable obstructions. This is an important distinction to make, as there are a number of relevant Rules where players could incur penalties if they get it wrong.
In fact, in most cases, the distinction should be easy enough. Loose Impediments are natural objects and movable obstructions are anything artificial that can be moved without unreasonable effort. Here is a sample list of some of the items that may be encountered on the golf course during a round;
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Loose Impediments
(natural)
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Movable Obstruction (artificial)
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stones
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bunker rakes
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leaves
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other players’ golf clubs
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branches and twigs
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stakes (except out of bounds)
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pine cones
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signage and ropes
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dung and droppings
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bottles and cans
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insects
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score cards
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worms and their casts
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pens and pencils
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spiders and their webs
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paper, tissues
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half-eaten fruit
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plastic bags
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fruit skins
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packets and boxes
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ant hills
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toys
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dead birds and animals
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match sticks or cigarettes
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aeration plugs
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abandoned balls
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clods of earth
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loose stones from a wall
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gravel
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wood manufactured into planks
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crushed shells
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cables
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wood chips
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doors or windows
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Be aware, that under the Rules sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green, but not elsewhere; snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player; and dew and frost are not loose impediments.
Some loose impediments may be transformed into obstructions through processes of construction or manufacturing. For example, a log (loose impediment) that has been split and has legs attached has been changed by construction into a bench (obstruction), or a piece of wood (loose impediment) becomes an obstruction when manufactured into a charcoal briquette. Also, there may be loose impediments that when placed together make up an obstruction. An example of this would be a manufactured path (immovable obstruction) made of wood chips. If a player’s ball lies on such a path and he chooses not to take relief then he may move any of the wood chips before making his stroke, providing that he does not move his ball in doing so,
Except when both the loose impediment and the ball lie in, or touch, the same bunker or water hazard, any loose impediment may be moved. But if the player causes their ball to move while removing the loose impediment, they are penalised one stroke and the ball must be replaced, unless the ball is on the putting green when there is no penalty.
Movable obstructions can be removed anywhere on the course, including when the ball lies in a hazard, and there is no penalty if the ball moves during the removal, but again it must be replaced where it was before it was moved. If the ball lies in or on the obstruction, the ball may be lifted and the obstruction removed. The ball must then be dropped, or on the putting green placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball lay in or on the obstruction, not nearer the hole.
Except when both the loose impediment and the ball lie in, or touch, the same bunker or water hazard, any loose impediment may be moved. But if the player causes their ball to move while removing the loose impediment, they are penalised one stroke and the ball must be replaced, unless the ball is on the putting green when there is no penalty.
Movable obstructions can be removed anywhere on the course, including when the ball lies in a hazard, and there is no penalty if the ball moves during the removal, but again it must be replaced where it was before it was moved. If the ball lies in or on the obstruction, the ball may be lifted and the obstruction removed. The ball must then be dropped, or on the putting green placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball lay in or on the obstruction, not nearer the hole.
As already mentioned, if a player’s ball lies in a bunker they are not permitted to remove any loose impediment from that bunker. (The above photo illustrates this well – my ball was lying on a leaf in the bunker and had to be played as it lay.) However, very often there will be a Local Rule that says, “Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions”, because it is considered that the stones could represent a danger to players if they are hit during a stroke. This is a good illustration of why it is so important to read the Local Rules before commencing a round on an unfamiliar course. Whilst on the subject of bunkers, if a player cannot find their ball in a bunker because it is covered by sand, leaves or other loose impediments, they are permitted to probe or rake with a club or otherwise, as many loose impediments, or as much sand, as will enable them to see a part of their ball. When making a stroke out of a bunker, or water hazard, the player may not touch any loose impediment in that hazard before making their stroke, which commences with the downswing. So, for example, if a player brushes leaves in a bunker during their practice stroke or backswing they incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play, or loss of hole in match play.
Next Game – Impian Golf Club – 17th September 2013
Next week is the return LEGS challenge match at Impian GC. We currently have 16, with a reserve. If anyone else wants to play then Ray Funnell must know by 1000 hrs, Wednesday 11th. Meeting Tiggy tomorrow morning to agree pairings and H/Caps. Hopefully we can achieve a close match as previously.
A further mail of the remaining details will be sent as soon as possible after the meeting. Tee off, slightly later than usual, 0830 hrs.
The 16 Cannons Men are:
Andre Holm
Allan McNicoll
Paul Geddes
Ray Funnell
Ian Dickson
Kevin Goodwin
Stuart Taylor
Hans Berger
Bernard Rohman
Aftab Ahmad
Iain Wise
Ted Parslow
Rick Currin
Graham Cadman
Bernard Rohman
Andrew Robinson
Results – Nilai Springs Golf and Country Club – 10th September 2013
Report
4 flights teed off on time, using the Island and Pines courses, in overcast conditions, which remained throughout the morning. Steady drizzle then set in for most of the first 9’s. The course was in good condition, although some drainage improvement work is taking place, which made some of the paths a bit messy, but no effect on the playing surfaces. Greens were true, but the only comments received was that the Island 9 were quicker.
Aftab must have played a lot of golf in California as he came out the winner with 93 for 40 points. Stuart was second with 90 for 38 points. Lowest gross was the returning “ice man” John Laidley with a gross of 83.
Photos
Results
| FLIGHT | NAME | H’CAP | GROSS | POINTS | POSITION |
| 1 | AFTAB AHMAD | 24 | 93 | 40 | 1 |
| STUART TAYLOR | 20 | 90 | 38 | 2 | |
| JONATHAN PERRY | 13 | 84 | 35 | 5 | |
| VINCENT VIJAYAN | 21 | 103 | 25 | 12 | |
| 2 | ANDRE HOLM | 18 | 98 | 28 | 10 |
| HANS BERGER | 23 | 96 | 35 | 5 | |
| RAY FUNNELL | 29 | DNF | 16 | ||
| BERNARD ROHMAN | 18 | 101 | 24 | 13 | |
| 3 | GRAHAM CADMAN | 22 | 94 | 36 | 3 |
| PAUL GEDDES | 13 | 96 | 23 | 14 | |
| BARRY COUSINS | 32 | 116 | 23 | 14 | |
| GLEN WOMBWELL | 32 | 107 | 35 | 5 | |
| 4 | TED PARSLOW | 11 | 89 | 31 | 9 |
| ALLAN MCNICOLL | 24 | 105 | 27 | 11 | |
| EROL AKINCI | 25 | 98 | 35 | 5 | |
| JOHN LAIDLEY | 11 | 83 | 36 | 3 |
Review of GolfSoftware Online Handicap System
We have been testing the online handicap system from GolfSoftware.com now for the last 6 weeks on a 60 day free trial basis. This online system provides an easy to use and comprehensive handicap management system for a large group of golfers. The advantage of this online system is the ability to have a number of Admins who can update and input golfer information and scores and is not dependent on a single computer installation of the software. Also it allows all golfers in the group to access their golfing scores and statistics and print out their updated USGA handicap which is obviously very useful when playing at other groups or golf courses who require an “official” handicap card.
A brief overview is given below about the system. For full details of the Handicap System you can read here: http://www.golfsoftware.com/products/hs/online-golf-handicap-tracker.aspx
Course Information
The GolfSoftware system has a large database with detailed course information. There are already many golf courses in Malaysia on the system with full details of rating and slope for each course and each tee position.
However if the course is not in the system you can add or edit courses with all the relevant hole distances, par, index and course rating and slope.
Golfers
Up to 100 golfers can be entered into the system so individual golfer information and scores can be maintained. Different rosters can be used so for example you may have different groups that you manage so the system can handle this. In our case I have an active Loose Cannons roster with an additional roster for players who are not active.
Individual scores can be entered for each player with course played, date and gross score. Once player information and scores are entered you can calculate the handicaps of all players (or individuals) on a routine automatic basis or d this calculation manually by clicking one button.
Handicap Calculation
The handicaps are calculated using USGA rules and the calculation is as follows:
| 1. Handicap Setup is as follows … | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| The table below is used to determine the number of handicap differentials to use : | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stuart has 20 scores so the highlighted parameters are used to determine which scores to use for handicapping | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. The Differentials for these scores are calculated… | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date | Adjusted Grs Score | Score Type | Course Played | Tee | Course Rating | Course Slope | Differential | Used |
| 9/3/2013 | 96 | Bukit Kemuning | White | 70.5 | 115 | 25.1 | ||
| 8/27/2013 | 90 | Staffield Resort – N&S Course | White | 70.7 | 128 | 17.0 | Used | |
| 8/20/2013 | 97 | Port Klang Golf Resort | Blue | 72.3 | 126 | 22.2 | ||
| 8/13/2013 | 95 | Bukit Tinggi Golf & Country Club | White | 68.4 | 129 | 23.3 | ||
| 8/6/2013 | 96 | IOI Palm Garden | Blue | 70.2 | 128 | 22.8 | ||
| 7/30/2013 | 91 | Tropicana E1/W3 | White | 70.2 | 126 | 18.7 | Used | |
| 7/23/2013 | 93 | KGSAAS | White | 69.0 | 128 | 21.2 | Used | |
| 7/16/2013 | 90 | Kota Permai Golf & Country Club | White | 72.0 | 113 | 18.0 | Used | |
| 7/9/2013 | 89 | Bukit Unggul Country Club | White | 70.5 | 115 | 18.2 | Used | |
| 7/2/2013 | 95 | Rahman Putra | White | 71.9 | 129 | 20.2 | Used | |
| 5/28/2013 | 96 | Staffield Resort – N&S Course | White | 70.5 | 115 | 25.1 | ||
| 5/21/2013 | 87 | Bukit Kemuning | White | 70.5 | 115 | 16.2 | Used | |
| 5/14/2013 | 92 | Saujana Impian G. & C.C. | White | 70.5 | 115 | 21.1 | Used | |
| 4/29/2013 | 92 | IOI Golf Resort | White | 67.7 | 112 | 24.5 | ||
| 4/16/2013 | 94 | KGSAAS | White | 69.0 | 128 | 22.1 | ||
| 4/11/2013 | 97 | Orna – East/West Course | White | 70.5 | 115 | 26.0 | ||
| 4/2/2013 | 94 | Bukit Unggul Country Club | White | 70.5 | 115 | 23.1 | ||
| 3/12/2013 | 86 | KRTU | White | 71.0 | 130 | 13.0 | Used | |
| 3/5/2013 | 95 | Saujana Impian G. & C.C. | White | 70.5 | 115 | 24.1 | ||
| 2/26/2013 | 86 | Bukit Unggul Country Club | White | 70.5 | 115 | 15.2 | Used |
| The equation for calculating a differential is … | |||||||
| Diff = (Adjusted Gross Score – Rating) X (113 / Slope) | |||||||
| 3. Use the differentials to calculate a USGA Index | |||||||
| Differentials ‘used’ are added together… | |||||||
| 178.8 = 17.0 + 18.7 + 21.2 + 18.0 + 18.2 + 20.2 + 16.2 + 21.1 + 13.0 + 15.2 | |||||||
| Then divide the total number used | |||||||
| Average differentials = 178.8 / 10 = 17.880 | |||||||
| Multiply average by 96%. | |||||||
| USGA Index = 17.880 x 0.96 USGA Index = 17.1 (Digits after tenths place are deleted) | |||||||
| Final USGA Index = 17.1
Individual golfers have the ability to review their scores online and download a copy of their handicap card for printing. |
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Reporting
Many useful statistical reports can be generated to track player performance and current handicaps. For example the table below shows the Most Improved Golfer over a specific period of time. Custom reports can also be designed for your won use.
Online Files
There is also a facility for uploading files onto the system to share with all golfers. For our group I have uploaded the weekly results for reference as well as the current updated Loose Cannons master spreadsheet with all the player info and handicaps. I also have prepared some user notes for the running of the online system and the updating procedure for the spreadsheet.
E-Mail/Message
There is a utility to be able to mass e-mail all the players in the roster or message them which is useful for the routine sharing of information or sending updates.
Summary
I believe that this online web system from GolfSoftware is an ideal method to track all our golfing activities and importantly calculate an official USGA handicap for all players on a routine basis. In this way there can be no arguments on anyone’s handicap. because it is an online system it is easily accessible by all players and the Admins who will run the system therefore not relying on a single person or single software installation on someone’s computer.
There is a web based system (the system we have been testing) or a desktop system. The advantage of the web based system is easy access from many different computers, iPads, iPhones, etc and access by many people. There are different pricing schemes depending on how many golfers to be managed – we would need the 50-100 golfer system.
The annual cost for a 100 player web based handicap system is 240USD and I would recommend to the group that we commit to this system for our routine ongoing handicap monitoring and player management.
Rules of Golf – Ball Unplayable
Continuing our series of golf rules here is a brief description of Ball Unplayable – prepared by our “Rules Man” Allan McNicoll
Ball Unplayable (Rule 28)
If your ball is in a water hazard and you do not wish to play it as it lies, you must proceed under the water hazard Rule – the unplayable ball Rule does not apply. Elsewhere on the course, if you believe your ball is unplayable, you may under penalty of one stroke:
- play a ball from where your last shot was played, or
- drop a ball any distance behind the point where the ball lay keeping a straight line between the hole, the point where the ball lay and the spot on which the ball is dropped, or
- drop a ball within two club-lengths of where the ball lies not nearer the hole.
If your ball is in a bunker you may proceed as above, except that if you are dropping back on a line or within two club-lengths, you must drop a ball in the bunker.
Loose Cannons Blog 