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Re: 18th on Merion is the dumbest hole.

• Vikereign 3 Posts

  Mon, May 13 2013 11:35 AM

  I've upgraded my driver significantly and I still can't reach the fairway off the tee.  After that, I'm left with a second shot out of ridiculous grass and can only get about halfway to the green from there leaving me, at best, on in 3 and sometimes I'm the best I can do is a one-put for bogey.  How can this be possible?

• MBaggese 15,378 Posts

  Mon, May 13 2013 1:48 PM

  Because you are playing from "Champion" tees...i/e legend tees, in the qualifier.

  If you want to eliminate the frustration, forgo the Qualifier and set up a practice round from your own tees.

• Vikereign 3 Posts

  Mon, May 13 2013 2:35 PM

  So, in order to feel competitive I have to not compete?  I don't get it.

• alanti 10,564 Posts

  Mon, May 13 2013 3:13 PM

  Vikereign:

  So, in order to feel competitive I have to not compete?  I don't get it.

  All MB is saying, as this is a "Major" everyone tees off from the same tees. Put simply, you will not be competitive with the top players - nor will I for that matter or the vast majority of players. The shorter hitters on the PGA do not get dispensation to tee off from the women's tees, this qualifier is no different.

  Certainly you can compete but it will be tough for any player who does not have the equipment or the skill to do so. And as MB said, if you would prefer to play from your tees and play the course you can do so, but not for the qualifier.

• TigerWoo 114 Posts

  Mon, May 13 2013 3:16 PM

  Not to offend you, but with qualification currently at 58 you have to improve your best score with 31 strokes, so an extra stroke to get out of the grass on 18 and back onto the fairway is probably not your biggest concern.

  I did get stuck in the rough short of the FW on 18 in headwind, but would then hit a PW or 8/9 punch shot to get myself back on the fairway and within green distance for my 3rd shoot. Still leaves you with a par opportunity with a close approach shot.

• MBaggese 15,378 Posts

  Mon, May 13 2013 4:15 PM

  Vikereign:

  So, in order to feel competitive I have to not compete?  I don't get it.

  I'm not sure if you're in a CC...if so...gather other similar level player into a tourney using the Qualifier scores...so say "levels 1-40" in your CC...best score wins.

  So difficult to compete at you level from the tips, unless you are playing with like-equipped players.

   

  Best of luck.