FAR HILLS, N.J. (April 13, 2015) – The USGA will host a free public symposium about golf course architecture from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 18, at its campus in Far Hills, N.J. The four guest speakers will be Gil Hanse, talking about golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016; Robert Trent Jones II, speaking about Chambers Bay and the 2015 U.S. Open; Michael Hurdzan, discussing 2017 U.S. Open site Erin Hills, and sustainability; and Forrest Richardson, exploring golf course design as art and the work of golf course architect Desmond Muirhead.

“One of the most recognized activities in sport and leisure is golf, says Debert Cook, publisher of the 12-year old African American Golfer’s Digest.  “Black Americans have long been playing golf recreationally, but few take a look at the opportunities that are available on the business-side of the game, for themselves and their children.”

“Yes, it’s great fun, and great exercise, but besides being an avid golfer, golf course architecture is a career field to be considered…and there is money to be made.  Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not record any data regarding golf course designers specifically, Salary statistics for landscape architects, however, are available.  The average annual salary of a landscape architect in 2010 was $66,880. More experienced and talented architects and designers, however, made even more, with the highest ten percent earning over $100,000.”

Hanse began his career in golf design while studying at Cornell University in the late 1980s. Hanse was a design partner with Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design. In 1993, he founded Hanse Golf Course Design, Inc. He is one of only a handful of Americans to build a course in Scotland, where he constructed the Craighead Golf Links. He was chosen to design and oversee creation of the Olympic golf course in Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games. He also designed and constructed the nine-hole Pynes Putting Green on the USGA’s campus.

Jones II has designed more than 270 courses in more than 40 countries in six continents. He learned about golf from Tommy Armour while at Winged Foot Golf Club and started working with his father on golf course design after completing his studies at Yale University and Stanford University. Known by some as “the father of environmental golf course design,” Jones designed Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash., the site of the 2015 U.S. Open Championship.

Hurdzan is an internationally recognized authority on golf course environmental issues. He is a past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and serves on the USGA’s Museum Committee. His book, Golf Course Architecture: Design, Construction & Renovation has been described as “one of the definitive modern volumes on the subject.” He is one of the architects of Erin Hills, the host site of the 2017 U.S. Open Championship.

Richardson studied golf course architecture in Scotland, learning under Arthur Jack Snyder. He established his own firm, Forrest Richardson & Associates, in 1988. He has authored four books on golf course architecture, including Bunkers, Pits & Other Hazards. Richardson is a member of the USGA Museum Committee and has studied the work of Muirhead for several decades.

WHAT:        

USGA Golf Course Architecture Symposium

WHO:

Gil Hanse, Golf Course Architect
Michael Hurdzan, Golf Course Architect
Robert Trent Jones II, Golf Course Architect
Forrest Richardson, Golf Course Architect

WHERE:

USGA Museum
77 Liberty Corner Road
Far Hills, NJ 07931

WHEN:

Saturday, April 18, 2015
•10 a.m. to 4 p.m.EDT

CONTACT:

RSVP if you plan to attend:
Jeff Altstadter, USGA Communications
[email protected], 908-326-1880 (office) or 973-908-9991 (cell)

Cup Points through the Masters
As of April 13, 2015

U. S. Ryder Cup Qualifications
The United States points system will be determined as follows:

• Eight of the 12 members of the U.S. Team will be named on points earned following the conclusion of The Barclays, which is scheduled to conclude Sunday Aug. 28, 2016. This new timetable gives two additional weeks for players to earn Ryder Cup qualifying points.
• Captain’s Picks – U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III will make three of his four Captain’s Picks after the conclusion of the BMW Championship, which is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. His final Captain’s pick will take place Sunday evening after the TOUR Championship, Sept. 25, 2016. This new timetable also is pushed back two weeks.

Points System
All U.S. players will earn points based upon the following criteria starting in 2015 and concluding Aug. 28, 2016:

• 2015 Major Championships (1 Point per $1,000 earned) – The Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship, PGA Championship
• 2015 WGC Events and The Players Championship (1 Point per $2,000 earned) – WGC Cadillac Championship, WGC Match Play Championship, The Players Championship, WGC Bridgestone Invitational, WGC HSBC Champions
• 2016 Regular PGA TOUR Events (1 point per $1,000 earned) – Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, through and including the Barclays on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016
• 2016 Opposite Field PGA TOUR Events will not receive any points
• 2016 Major Championships (2 points per $1,000 earned)

The 41st Ryder Cup will be held Sept. 27 – Oct. 2, 2016, at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.

So finally, you have made your way to the Masters and it’s a first-time experience for you.  While you eagerly anticipate your first step out onto the precisely manicured grounds of Augusta National to watch the Masters tournament, this can also be a quite intimidating time for you, too.

As you may have seen while watching this featured tournament on television, you are expected to behave in a particular manner while watching the top golfers in the world play up-close, right in front of you.  It can be quite a daunting task, trying to keep all of that excitement and anticipation inside.

With the exception of native birds, twittering and soaring overhead, everything—and everyone else— displays a quite reserved attitude.  Conversations are at whisper level and body language is staunchly conservative.  Things are eerily similar to that of being at a First Sunday church service during communion.  First, you will notice that all of the caddies are dressed in their white regalia and, second, many of the lady spectators on the course, well, they’re outfitted in their ‘Sunday best’, complete with matching hats, socks and shoes…there’s also plenty of silent praying going on.

With your credentials (i.e. your tickets) in hand here is What TO and What NOT TO do to have a grand time at the Masters:

1. CELL PHONE ETIQUETTE

On site at the Masters there is absolutely no tolerance for cell phones.  So, be sure to leave your phone in your hotel room.  This is the Masters and things are done differently here.  Other Tour tournaments will permit such behavior, but not here.  Best way to stay aware of the score is to view the mechanical scoreboards.

2. SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

At Augusta National there is an orderly way to do things (we cannot say this enough).  There are particular spaces for fans and supporters with chairs, and, there are special areas that are roped off. Many ticket holders arrive bright and early in the mornings to ‘claim’ their spots. So, when you arrive at each hole do not be surprised to see lots of the best spaces already taken up with chairs and seated guests, because, they’ve been there quite a while.  Over at the 12^th tee one of the best areas at the Masters to view is just behind these bleachers.  Over here you have a straight line of sight to see the 11^th green, the part-3 12^th and a whole lot of the par-5 13^th, also called the “Amen Corner”.

3. NO GREEN BLAZER or DENIM

When you’re getting dressed, you will not want to wear a green blazer or denim.  The green blazers are reserved for Augusta National members and for past Masters champions. Steer clear of causing any misunderstanding onsite by not wearing these garments.  Should you wish to wear a blazer, then just pick something of another color or plaid—it always works.

4. CASH, CREDIT or DEBIT for SHOPPING

It’s all okay here, pay with cash, credit or debit card—and there is plenty of good stuff to bring back home.  You’ll find an array of souvenirs that are either printed, engraved, embossed, embroidered, screened, or otherwise, that display the prestigious Master’s logo for patrons to purchase to show off their Masters experience to the world.  The memorabilia here ain’t cheap, but some reasonably priced golf caps, visors, shot glasses, ball markers, and a few other items, help balance out the lower end of things.

5. CIGAR SMOKING

If you’re a cigar aficionado then this is heaven.  On the grounds at the Masters you’ll witness just about everyone around you enjoying a variety of cigars.  Golf legends have walked this course while chomping on big, rolled cigars and the tradition is still very much alive today.  So, bust out your best cigars and bring them along.

6. SAVOR THE FOOD

At Augusta National you’ll need a full tank of energy to keep up with things.  Among the food choices is the very popular mini moon pie.  Chocolate covered outside, it’s filled with yummy white marshmallow and satisfies your sweet tooth.  You’ll also find a variety of affordable sandwiches, potato chips, peanuts, trail mixes, beverages and other snacks to keep you energized.

7. WATCH THE CLOCK

You won’t want to miss a beat on things at the Masters, so be sure to set your clock to wake up early and arrive there.  That overpriced hotel room and rental car are just to help you enjoy your overall experience.  Don’t sleep in like you’re on vacation, or something.  Washington Road, leading to the tournament, is packed full of vendors, food establishments and other terrific stops.  So, get up early, inhale deeply, and get ready for a long day.  Prepare to wind down late at night—just before the morning rooster crows, I suggest.  Because being at the Masters is what it’s all about.

8. NO SHOUTING

This is the Masters and you must watch your manners.  So, please, no shouting, yelping, whistling or other wildly expressive behavior.  A simple, graceful clapping with your hands following a good golf shot is the proper response.  However, (and this is a big however) should an awesome and impressive golf shot be made that defies reality, you may react appropriately and scream your lungs out!  Think about Tiger’s shot a few years back….

9. PLEASE SIGN THIS…

Okay, we’re all kids at heart when at the Masters, right?  It’s the top of the world for the greatest players in golf and they are all there.  But, please, ladies and gentlemen, if you’ve passed the quarter-century mark (age 25) do not pester the players for an autograph….Let the young people indulge here.

10. EXPLORE THE AREA

Augusta is a fanciful city with much to see and do.  Many recall it as the hometown of the late R&B entertainer James Brown.  The Brown family still lives in the area and are often seen out and about.  Take in some of the delightful pleasures of Augusta by visiting the Historic Lucy Craft Laney Museum that’s packed with artifacts that celebrate the African American community.  Play in the Augusta GolfFEST tournament hosted by the African American Golfer’s Digest on April 10 at Metropolitan Golf Course.  Take in a round of golf at River City golf course (just North of Augusta), or play in Aiken (S.C.) Golf Club (20 minutes away).   The magnolias are blooming everywhere in Augusta during Masters Week, so make the most of it.

It’s happening!

Yes, according to the former world No. 1 Tiger Woods tweeted earlier today that he will, in fact,  play in next week’s Masters.

“I’m playing in the Masters,” Woods said on his website. “It’s obviously very important to me, and I want to be there.

“I’ve worked a lot on my game and I’m looking forward to competing. I’m excited to get to Augusta and I appreciate everyone’s support.”

Through this publication we gave notice earlier in the week about Woods’ Golfstream 5 aircraft being spotted parked in the regional airport in Augusta, Ga., now, he’s confirmed to play.  Woods arrived at Augusta National on Friday for a second practice round this week.  His appearance comes right on the heels of a reported 2-over 74 in a Tuesday practice round.

It’s not exactly clear what Woods did with his time while on Augusta National grounds on Friday, but perhaps it was something that helped him make up his mind– and influenced his decision to play.

Woods, a 14-time major winner, hasn’t played competitively since Feb. 5, when he withdrew after 11 holes in Round 1 of the Farmers Insurance Open. He was at 2 over when he withdrew, stating that he had back pain.

On Feb. 11, on his website, Woods announced that he would take a hiatus from the game, saying that he would not be playing again until his game was “tournament ready.”

Woods did not play in The Honda Classic located right in his hometown of Jupiter, Fla., he also did not qualify for the WGC-Cadillac Championship and, did not play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a tournament that he has won eight times.

Four Masters wins are in Woods’ pocket, historic victories that have made him the most recognizable golfer in the world.  However, he hasn’t won the tournament again since a 2005 playoff victory over Chris DiMarco.

Well, no one knows for sure if he will will next week’s competition or not, but it will be good to hear the crowd ‘roar’ again when Woods makes his entrance on the green.

“Many of our readers are strong, passionate fans of Tiger,” says Debert Cook, publisher of African American Golfer’s Digest whose magazine will host its third annual Augusta GolfFEST tournament on Friday, April 10 at the Augusta Municipal Golf Course.  “We plan to have a great time in Augusta, and we sure are rooting for Tiger– and for his continued health improvement.”

THE FACTS:

-It’s been ten years since Tiger’s last Masters win

-It’s been 19 months since his last PGA Tour win

-He’s only play 47 holes on the PGA Tour this year

-His world golf ranking is at 104, previously he held the top spot for a record 683 weeks

Some fans have their doubts about his performance for next week, wondering if he’re really ready (physically and mentally) for the tough competition.   But despite the long lag in wins, Woods is showing the world the he is not one to give up.

Will he or won’t he?  Everybody is wondering.  Will Tiger plan to play in next week’s Masters?  Well, the odds of that happening may have inched up a bit.  According to the Augusta Chronicle, Woods’ private plane is reportedly parked at the regional airport.  This could mean that the former world No. 1 has intentions of being on the field.  Verification of the aircraft was made by matching the Golfstream 5’s tail number.

Some folks are saying that Tiger just plans to play a few practice rounds in Augusta.  Nevertheless, the four-time Masters winner is in Georgia territory and could be aiming to play the year’s first major, as there is no looming deadline for his final decision.  Woods last played on February 5 in the Farmers Insurance Open, but he voluntarily withdrew.  For the first time since 1996 his ranking was outside of the OWGR top 100.

In Early March, he missed the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a tournament that he has successfully won eight times.  Tiger said then, he would not return to playing golf until he was “tournament ready.”  So, is the time now?  After undergoing surgery on his back he missed the 2014 Masters, a first since he turned professional.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed.   Perhaps we’ll see Tiger in this year’s Masters lineup.