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Re: Punching on the green

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Fri, Mar 2 2012 7:08 AM (23 replies)
  • alosso
    21,065 Posts
    Thu, Mar 1 2012 1:47 PM

    I really don't understand the fuss about the spirit of the game here.

    In real golf, it's ok by the rules, it's ok by a decision, so why should there be an ethical issue with that shot? IMHO, those who whine "only putters on the green!" lack an important part of the game, that is fantasy! They may never use the long driver punch below some trees or a putt from a bunker.

    To me, the major goal in the game is fixed in rule 1: Score as low as possible following the rules, and the other major guideline is in the etiquette section, including a "thou shalt not harm anybody" imperative.

    Yet don't push the damage item too much in front: Divots on the fairways are frequent and commonly accepted.

    FWIW, the only reasons preventing me from chipping on the green are

    - respect for the value of the green and the work of the greenkeepers, and
    - the fact that it's a difficult shot due to the thin lie on a hard surface.

    Due to the first reason I don't do it in private rounds,
    due to the second I've not done it in tournaments ever since the first try failed.

     

    In WGT, the main reason drops out, so why not include another successful variant to your repertoire? The divots will be repaired perfectly by some Heinzelmaennchen when you leave the green :)

  • mapewest
    499 Posts
    Thu, Mar 1 2012 6:06 PM
  • Phaxda
    145 Posts
    Fri, Mar 2 2012 12:53 AM

    This thread has been most helpful! Not only have I learned how to punch on the green, but also what a "Heinzelmaennchen" is... well Google had to help me with that, but I would not have Googled it on a mere whim.

    I have played with a few punch-happy folks in my time and I don't have a problem with it. Seems kinda cheap and not entirely sporting and I imagine these folks are the type to mix a good 16-year-old single malt with Coca-Cola, but to each his own. I can hold my nose and watch someone punch a 10-footer--in my view not the ideal way to play the game (or drink the scotch) , but who am I to say? You can do it, so why not?

     

  • hawgy
    79 Posts
    Fri, Mar 2 2012 7:08 AM

    well for those that say we need to lean to putt instead of wedge putting i have a 1.78 putting avg. and still use this shot. http://www.wgt.com/replay.aspx?ID=282fe817-0ffb-42

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