LOP Golf Course Closure

Good morning golfers,
    I’ve just completed a National PGA Board Meeting, and they supplied an updated list of states that were allowing golf to be played with social distancing restrictions. There are 21 states with full playing privileges for all golf courses, 16 states with certain spot area openings, and 13 states that are not allowing play, but the courses will still be maintained. A golf course not maintained turns into a hazardous field, with increased tick and mosquito populations, and un-kept turfgrass can be lost forever.       Concerning our community course, being now closed from yesterday morning, due to the GM and Board’s decision on advice from their consul, we will be scheduling two marshaling shifts per day, 10a.m.-2 p.m., and 2p.m.-6p.m. The marshals will be there to make sure no damage is done to the course, along with making sure the walkers are on the path, and no dogs are off leash. Unfortunately, and it breaks my heart, but we will be making sure no one is playing until the restrictions are lifted.
    I’ve been playing golf since I was 5 years old, all over the Western Hemisphere, and it has given so much to myself and my family. Probably the greatest gift, is the relationships that came with all the special events, or even during a simple pickup game of 18 holes. I can remember playing with so many wonderful ladies and gentlemen in the 70’s who were so passionate about the game. They are mostly passed on now, but their image and kind hearts are burned into my memory.
    I have hope, and some ideas, that when the end of the month comes, this course can open again with no fear of negatives but appreciating what the course and the game can give our private community. On the bright side, the course was going to be closed all next week, and this weekend because of rain, which takes us to the middle of the month. Having the greens aerified, putting is strictly a no skill, sledgehammer swing that is awful for your stroke, so you wouldn’t want to play on those things anyway. Putting is like a fine art to be diligently practiced and cared for. It can save your round’s score, and keep you coming back for more. All my life, if someone ever asked me how I putted after a round, my answer was either good, or great! Just because you missed a few putts doesn’t mean you’re putting bad; you just didn’t start them online. Your putter is one of your greatest tools for scoring success, believe and trust it.
    When I was younger, I unfortunately grew up eating too much McDonald type process food resulting in clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) by 20 years old. But as Patrick’s luck would have it, it was a blessing in disguise. I became a student of the health sciences and cleaned my internal self-up and my problems disappeared. Why I mention this, is that we should be focusing now, in this current atmosphere of virus-mania, to concentrate on getting our immune systems as strong as possible. Exercising, fresh air, sunshine, quality sleep, pure water, fruits and veggies, and a productive hobby, along with a positive attitude, are all facets of a solid foundation to springboard into a healthy future. Healthful living produces health!   
    LOP is a wonderful community filled with assortment of great personalities. We need to stick together, building each other up, and making sure our community rises above the negatives, and grasps at a bright future that God will provide.   

Sincerely yours,

Your Pro Paddy O’Shaw

2019 LOP Pro-AM

I just took a meteorology class on youtube, and I can guarantee no rain for our Pro-Am Friday, May 10th at Lake of the Pines C.C.

This year is our club’s 50th anniversary, and we are planning some very entertaining activities before the Pro-Am competition. We again have great payouts for all the winners, whether they be individual pros, or teams. The closest to the pins, and the putting contest will have some wonderful merchandise prizes for the amateurs, and $100 bills for the pros. A Hole-in-One on the 2nd hole will win an EZGO lithium battery, 2019 golf cart, an $8000. value. Movado has stepped up again as a gift sponsor with some stylish men, and lady watches.

Our tournament theme pays tribute to the 1970’s Celebrity Pro-Am Classics. Many of us have fond memories of the West Coast’s Bing Crosby Pro-Am, Bob Hope Desert Classic, Glen Campbell L.A. Open, Andy Williams San Diego Open, and the Dinah Shore LPGA, as well as on the East Coast, the St. Jude Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, Sammy Davis Jr. Hartford Open, and the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic. I was very fortunate to attend, and work at a few of these special events, and like Bob Hope use to say “Thanks for the Memories”. I expect a visit from Glen Campbell, Dean Martin, and a few other (look alike) celebrities, so bring you’re A game, and singing voice to warm up for the round with the golden oldies.
If you don’t have a team, no problem, we’ll have a few local members to join in.

Pat Shaw, “Rhinestone Cowboy”

Tentatively our PGA Pro list includes:
Dave Carr
Shawn Kelly
Daryl Fukano
Mike Galli
Jacob Marta
Bill Childs
Jamie Harper
Ryan Eckroat
Don Thames
Scott Prenez
Katy Hamilton
Brian Glosser
Paul Marchewka

Course walking clarification

Course walking clarification: The new walking policy schedule needs to be adhered to whether the course is open, or closed. The only time walkers are allowed on the paths while the course is closed, will be during the 2 annual aerification weeks, or during their normal scheduled times.

(Clarification; all)

2018 SUPER BOWL SCRAMBLE

2018 SUPER BOWL SCRAMBLE

OPEN TO ALL LOP RESIDENTS & GUESTS

Date: February 3rd

Time: 11am Shotgun

Format: 4 Person Scramble- 3 drives minimum with step aside after drive to green, all players putt.

Modified team handicap, official ind. hancp. required, or play scratch.

Flights: Men, Woman, and Mixed

Entry Fee: $18.00 annual pass member fee

Discounted Green fee: $25.00  + $18. tourn. entry = $43. Guest fee

Contests: Pre- event putting

Closest to the Pins

Super Bowl Team

Player 1_______________________________Ghin___________

Player 2_______________________________Ghin___________

Player 3_______________________________Ghin___________

Player 4_______________________________Ghin___________

Refer any questions to the golf shop @ 530-268-8337

Come join the fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#2 Green cut to match the others – Now they are all fast

Cold weather and slow growing greens have contributed to the FAST LOP greens this month. LOP Stimpmeter readings this month are at about 10.5 to 11.

The USGA stimpmetered putting greens across the country to produce the following recommendations:[1]

 Speed Length
Slow  4.5 feet (1.4 m)
Medium  6.5 feet (2.0 m)
Fast  8.5 feet (2.6 m)

For the U.S. Open, they recommend:[1]

 Speed Length
Slow  6.5 feet (2.0 m)
Medium  8.5 feet (2.6 m)
Fast  10.5 feet (3.2 m)

The greens at Oakmont Country Club (where the device was conceived) are some of the fastest in the world, with readings of 13–15 feet (4.0–4.6 m).