Many OTHG members enjoy playing golf at Haymaker, and it is about time we got things a little organized.  Steve Richheimer has volunteered to act as facilitator and coordinator for the golf group.  We would like to get the names, e-mail, and phone numbers of people that might be interested in playing together on any given day and who might enjoy playing in a couple of fun tournaments that will offer cash and prizes to the winning golfers or teams.  If you are interested please e-mail Steve.  Don't forget to purchase your season pass for Haymaker this April and talk to the golf staff about obtaining your CGA handicap.

The second Over the Hill Gang Golf Tournament for 2011 is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011 beginning at 9:20 am at the Haymaker Golf Course.

-  This will be a 4-person (team) scramble event. 
-  Cost is $10 per person (does not include green fees or cart). 
-  Each team will be as evenly matched as possible with one low handicapper, one high and two middle. 
-  Ladies will drive off the blue tees, low handicappers from the gold tees and everyone else from the white tees.
-  There will also be a prize for closest to the pin on #12. 
-  Non-OTHG members and guests are invited to join the play.
-  You do not need an official golf handicap to play, but if you did not play in the first tournament please indicate your average score for 18 holes when you sign up for the tournament.

The deadline for signing up is Aug. 8 and the field is limited to 20 players so let me know as soon as you can that you want to play by sending an e-mail message to richheimer@zirkel.us  with a note that you wish to be included along with your handicap or average score. 

Steve Richheimer
871-4593

Ask the Rules Guy

Many golfers are confused about how to play water hazards.  Water hazards are marked with yellow stakes and the golfer has three options:
  (1) the ball may be played as it lies (often impossible and don't ground your club);
  (2) play from the same place as before with a 1-stroke penalty (also loss of distance);
  (3) drop anywhere behind the hazard keeping the point where the ball crossed the margin of the hazard between you and the flagstick with a 1-stroke penalty.

Lateral hazards are marked with red stakes and the golfer has five options to choose from.  Three are the same as for a water hazard.  In addition one may drop within two club lengths of where the ball crossed the margin of the hazard or if applicable on the other side of the hazard within 2 club lengths of a point equidistant to the green of where the ball first crossed into the hazard.  A 1-stoke penalty is assessed in all cases.  Local rules may also apply.  For example, drop areas are provided at Haymaker GC for balls hit into hazard from tee on holes #8, #10 and #12.  One gets a distance advantage as compared to re-teeing by using the optional drop area.