Ava Romero
Golf is played on a course that consists of a series of holes, each with a tee box, fairway, rough, hazards, and a green with a hole in the ground, known as a cup. The term ground access in golf can refer to the type of ticket that grants spectators entry to the course grounds, allowing them to follow groups and watch players. Alternatively, ground access can refer to the golfer's ability to ground their club, which means allowing the clubhead to touch the ground during address or practice swings. This is allowed everywhere except in hazards, such as bunkers or sand traps.
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What You'll Learn
Ground access ticket types and what they offer
Ground access tickets are a great way to experience a golf tournament and offer a more affordable and flexible way to watch the sport compared to other ticket types. They are general admission tickets that allow spectators to roam the course grounds and watch the action from various locations. Here are the key ticket types and what they offer:
Ground S Tickets
Ground S tickets offer full access to the course, allowing spectators to follow their favourite players and choose their preferred holes to watch. These tickets are ideal for those who want flexibility and the ability to roam freely. Ground S tickets are usually the most affordable option and offer a similar experience to courtside seats at tennis tournaments.
Ground GA Tickets
Ground GA stands for Ground General Admission. These tickets offer similar access to Ground S tickets, allowing spectators to follow any golfer they choose and access all areas of the course. However, Ground GA tickets may have some restrictions on specific areas, such as hospitality tents or decks, which may be exclusive to other ticket types.
Gallery Tickets
Gallery tickets provide grounds access and the ability to walk the course and sit in various public grandstands. They offer a great way to see all the action and follow the world's best players. Gallery tickets sometimes come in weeklong packages, providing access to the tournament for the entire duration.
Reserved Grandstand Tickets
Reserved Grandstand Tickets offer a premium experience with access to reserved seating areas in grandstands, providing premium views of specific holes. These tickets often include all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as access to climate-controlled facilities, private restrooms, and television coverage of the tournament.
Evening Grounds Passes
Evening Grounds Passes are available on select dates, allowing spectators to experience the tournament during the evening sessions. It is important to check the schedule to confirm which courts or areas will be active during the evening.
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Ground Under Repair (GUR)
The edge of a GUR area is typically defined by stakes, ropes, painted lines on the ground, or physical features such as a protecting fence. While there is no specific colour for stakes or lines in the Rules of Golf, blue stakes or white or blue lines are commonly used. The method of marking should be specified in the Local Rules. It is important to note that some GUR areas may not be marked, and they still constitute ground under repair.
GUR areas can include any part of the course that a committee defines as such, including grass, bushes, trees, or other natural objects. Additionally, certain situations automatically qualify as GUR, even without a committee ruling. These include holes made during course setup or maintenance (excluding aeration holes), grass cuttings and leaves piled for later removal, and animal habitats close enough to a ball that a player's stroke or stance might damage them.
It is worth mentioning that not all course conditions warrant a GUR designation. For example, tractor ruts are not automatically considered GUR, and committees have the discretion to declare them as such if they deem it appropriate. Old hole plugs, fallen trees, or tree stumps also do not automatically qualify as GUR unless they have been unearthed or prepared for removal.
While taking relief from a GUR area is not compulsory, it is generally advisable to follow the recommendations of the course maintenance crew to avoid interfering with their work or causing potential damage to the course.
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Golf course ownership
One of the key considerations when owning a golf course is the cost of maintenance relative to the play. Owners need to decide on the quality of the greens and whether to keep the putting surfaces well-maintained or allow them to become slightly overgrown. The type of course, such as a cart course or a walking course, can also impact revenue. Additionally, the location of the golf course can affect operating costs, with certain areas, such as California and Mexico, being more expensive due to the climate.
The reputation of a golf course is crucial, as it can impact the surrounding community and property values. When a golf course thrives, it provides jobs, recreation, green space, and a source of pride for the community. However, when a golf course struggles, the consequences can be severe. Real estate values can plummet, people can lose their jobs, and the course's reputation can decline, affecting the entire community.
Golf course owners also need to be aware of the unique aspects of the business, such as the pricing strategy. The price per round may not always be indicative of profitability. For example, a $100 tee time in the evening could be more profitable than a $200 tee time during the day.
Despite the challenges, golf course ownership can provide immense rewards and prestige. Owners have the freedom to operate the course according to their vision and can take pride in the positive feedback and repeat customers their facilities attract. However, it is important to approach golf course ownership with careful consideration and a thorough understanding of the business and financial aspects involved.
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Grounding the club rules
Grounding the club refers to the act of allowing the sole or flange of the clubhead to gently rest upon the ground when setting up for a swing. While this is generally permissible, there are specific rules and exceptions that golfers must adhere to when it comes to grounding their club.
Firstly, golfers are not allowed to ground their club in a bunker, which is an area of sand where a golfer's ball may come to rest. Rule 12.2b(1) specifically prohibits touching the sand in front of or behind the ball with a club. However, it is important to note that this rule only applies to the bunker from which the golfer is playing their shot. They are allowed to touch the sand in any other bunker on the course without incurring a penalty. Additionally, striking the sand in anger after a poor shot is not considered a violation and will not result in a penalty.
In contrast to bunkers, golfers are allowed to ground their club in a penalty area, previously known as a water hazard. Rule 17 states that there are no longer any special restrictions in these areas, and golfers can touch the ground with their club without penalty. However, they must not improve the conditions affecting their stroke, as outlined in Rule 8.1a.
When addressing the ball, golfers are allowed to ground the club lightly directly in front of or behind the ball, as per Rule 8.1b. However, they must be careful not to press the club down more than lightly, as this would result in a penalty under Rule 8.1a, incurring a two-stroke penalty in stroke play or the loss of a hole in match play.
Lastly, it is important to note that taking a divot during a practice swing is considered grounding the club and is acceptable on the fairway, in the rough, and off the tee. However, when playing a ball within a hazard, such as a sand trap, golfers must not allow the clubhead to touch the surface during address or practice swings, as outlined in Rule 13-4.
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Using the ground to generate force
In golf, "using the ground to generate force" is a technique that focuses on generating speed with your body, rather than just your arms. This involves understanding how to leverage the ground to create a more dynamic backswing position and increase swing speed.
To use the ground to generate force effectively, it is important to focus on the proper footwork and pressure shift. Stand with your feet at least shoulder-width apart, bend your knees as if you're getting ready to jump, and feel your quads activate. This is the general feeling you want to achieve during your golf swing, where you will shoot your back hip forward. Additionally, you can try standing on your tip-toes and adding the swing to get a sense of pushing against the ground.
Golf instructor Jason Baile emphasizes the importance of understanding how to use the ground to your advantage. He suggests starting with the pressure on the ball of the left foot for right-handed players and then loading up into the top of the backswing. This creates a dynamic position, where the lower body moves forward while the arms and club go back, resulting in a snapping motion in the club.
To improve your ground force reaction and speed, you can also work on strengthening your legs and feet. Golf Digest's Best Teacher in America, Mark Blackburn, recommends exercises that focus on making your lower body stronger. One such exercise is the vertical jump, which develops your vertical force and horizontal braking ability.
It's important to note that there is no single correct way to use the ground to generate force in golf. Each player must find the technique that works best for them, and a coach can provide valuable guidance in this process.
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Frequently asked questions
Ground Access refers to the type of ticket you purchase to enter a golf course. "Grounds" tickets will get you in and give you full access to the course.
The choices may vary depending on the golf course, but some common options include "Ground S", "Ground GA", and "Cadillac Lawn". The more expensive tickets may offer perks such as preferred seating, access to grandstands, or free food and drinks.
General admission tickets typically allow you to follow any golfer you want and access any area of the course to observe.
Ground Under Repair (GUR) refers to an area on the golf course that is considered unfit for play due to damage or ongoing repairs. It is treated as an Abnormal Course Condition, and relief is usually allowed without a penalty.
