fixyurdivot 11,014 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 It's been interesting to see the various schemes golf courses have used to satisfy self directed or mandated rules in response to the pandemic. Some as simple as the foam tube in the cup, to those that lift the ball out, to inverted cups, to no cup at all. A quick search yields dozens of companies (or one man garage industries) offering a plethora of variations. A number of patent applications and lots of articles about these and those working on the latest "necessity is the mother of invention" gizmo. I personally like the foam tube the best as it adds no restriction on open area and, if made at the right height, offers easy ball removal. But, it's downside is that folks tend to bugger up the hole edges using the end of their putters to extract the ball. So, more recently, I'm favoring one that Cottonwood Hills has which is similar to the last photo but has a tapered cone bottom such that when you lift/slide it up with your putter, the ball drops clear of the hole. These do reduce the open area a little and may keep a small percentage of putts from dropping, but local rules are often addressing that. Which contraptions have you seen/used and which do you like the best? If you have seen any other novel designs, please share them. 1 Quote G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver | Official 2019 MGS Tester G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w G410 Irons 4-UW Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW (removed from double secret probation ) B61 Putter Link to post Share on other sites
Chip Strokes 3,891 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 i think they’re all pretty stupid and useless to be honest. what are the courses really preventing here? surface contamination has been shown to not be a significant cause of spreading the disease. even if it was, you still have to bend down and pick your ball up off the foam or inverted cup the same way you would if it were allowed to drop to the bottom. i don’t see a point. 3 Quote SIM2 8º | KuroKage XT 70TX SIM 3W 14º | Fujikura Atmos Black Tour Spec 9TX U500 2i | Fujikura Ventus HB Black 10TX T100 4-PW | Dynamic Gold X7 : SM6 52* SM8 56* SM8 60* | Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 Futura 5w Link to post Share on other sites
fixyurdivot 11,014 Posted October 11, 2020 Author Share Posted October 11, 2020 1 hour ago, Chip Strokes said: i think they’re all pretty stupid and useless to be honest. what are the courses really preventing here? surface contamination has been shown to not be a significant cause of spreading the disease. even if it was, you still have to bend down and pick your ball up off the foam or inverted cup the same way you would if it were allowed to drop to the bottom. i don’t see a point. Well, not to send this thread and discussion off into orbit, but there are many dubious, conflicting, and questionable things being done in response to Covid. I will say that if it makes the difference in golf courses being open, and us being allowed to play, I'm going with whatever makes that happen... and these aren't that cumbersome. In fact, unless you're a pin out preference, they actually can make removing the ball a bit easier. I'm going with a Big Fat No on the Star Ball Cup however... I do have my limits . 5 Quote G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver | Official 2019 MGS Tester G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w G410 Irons 4-UW Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW (removed from double secret probation ) B61 Putter Link to post Share on other sites
Chip Strokes 3,891 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 23 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said: Well, not to send this thread and discussion off into orbit, but there are many dubious, conflicting, and questionable things being done in response to Covid. I will say that if it makes the difference in golf courses being open, and us being allowed to play, I'm going with whatever makes that happen... and these aren't that cumbersome. In fact, unless you're a pin out preference, they actually can make removing the ball a bit easier. I'm going with a Big Fat No on the Star Ball Cup however... I do have my limits . oh i agree 100%. there is no shortage of cognitive dissonance when it comes to covid guidelines all over the place. it’s extremely frustrating. there’s a complete absence of logic in what you can and can’t do these days, and in what is being asked of people vs. what is blindly being permitted. as you said though, that’s a much longer conversation for a different thread and you’re right - if this means courses are open then i’m all for it. the lift out cup contraptions do make life real easy, especially if bending over is a chore. 3 Quote SIM2 8º | KuroKage XT 70TX SIM 3W 14º | Fujikura Atmos Black Tour Spec 9TX U500 2i | Fujikura Ventus HB Black 10TX T100 4-PW | Dynamic Gold X7 : SM6 52* SM8 56* SM8 60* | Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 Futura 5w Link to post Share on other sites
Rickp 22,773 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 Well, not to send this thread and discussion off into orbit, but there are many dubious, conflicting, and questionable things being done in response to Covid. I will say that if it makes the difference in golf courses being open, and us being allowed to play, I'm going with whatever makes that happen... and these aren't that cumbersome. In fact, unless you're a pin out preference, they actually can make removing the ball a bit easier. I'm going with a Big Fat No on the Star Ball Cup however... I do have my limits [emoji6].I kinda life the “Lift” ball contraption. Since we’re a bunch of “older” guys anything that can help keep us upright helps[emoji106]The Star “thing” is weird. I’ve had birdies/Pars not drop because the foam or PVC insert weren’t set correctly.Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy 3 Quote Rick Left Hand, Driver; Titleist TSi2, Kuro Kage 50 gr R2 5 Wood; Cally Steelhead 5 Hybrid; Cally Steelhead, Hazardous Vista Pro R2 Irons; Ping G710 6-GW, Recoil 460 R2 Putter; Waaay too many to list Link to post Share on other sites
3ironpunch 73 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 I agree about keeping the courses open. I have only see the “pool noodle” method. The lifting gadget seems like it would be a back saver but I have noticed a couple of courses that take the flag out and drop it at night. It seems the disks or handles could damage the green. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Quote Callaway Big Bertha Fusion Heavy 10.5 closed face setting Callaway Razor Fit 3 wood Nickent 3 Hybrid XR-OS 4i - 9i factory steel stiff 2 up +1 Ben Hogan 44,48,52,56 Nickent PP-01 Maxfli Tour Center of Gravity model Link to post Share on other sites
Kenny B 25,831 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 All of our courses in town have the pool noodle. I went to a course about an hour drive away a few weeks ago and they had a lift contraption which worked great. I had two putts this weekend that were dead in the heart of the cup that bounced out, mostly because the wind was 20-30 mph and the flagstick was leaning toward me. I called birdie!! 3 Quote “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to post Share on other sites
kingcscott 796 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 The pool noodle is fine. But i do miss the sound of the ball bouncing into the bottom of the cup. Whatever keeps the courses open. I am an ICU nurse and golf is my sanctuary, my zen, my mind clearer and my obsession. Lets PlaySent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fixyurdivot 11,014 Posted October 12, 2020 Author Share Posted October 12, 2020 2 hours ago, Kenny B said: All of our courses in town have the pool noodle. I went to a course about an hour drive away a few weeks ago and they had a lift contraption which worked great. I had two putts this weekend that were dead in the heart of the cup that bounced out, mostly because the wind was 20-30 mph and the flagstick was leaning toward me. I called birdie!! Chris and I would have given you the birdie, but Martha would make you putt it . 2 1 Quote G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver | Official 2019 MGS Tester G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w G410 Irons 4-UW Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW (removed from double secret probation ) B61 Putter Link to post Share on other sites
Rickp 22,773 Posted October 12, 2020 Share Posted October 12, 2020 All PVC were removed from holes today so that’s back to normal.Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy 1 1 Quote Rick Left Hand, Driver; Titleist TSi2, Kuro Kage 50 gr R2 5 Wood; Cally Steelhead 5 Hybrid; Cally Steelhead, Hazardous Vista Pro R2 Irons; Ping G710 6-GW, Recoil 460 R2 Putter; Waaay too many to list Link to post Share on other sites
RookieBlue7 1,692 Posted October 15, 2020 Share Posted October 15, 2020 They used noodles here and courses still put them in. Usually after 10 or so groups you find the noodle laying on the green collar. I’ve been putting with the pin in since the rule changed to see if there’s been an appreciable increase in made/missed and found little difference. I’ve had a few bounce out due to the noodle, though 1 Quote In The BagDriver: TaylorMade M2 (2017) w/ Project X T1100 HZRDUS Handcrafted 65x Strong 3 wood: Taylormade M1 15* w/ ProjectX T1100 HZRDUS handcrafted 75x3 Hybrid: Adams PRO 18* w/ KBS Tour Hybrid S flex tipped 1/2"4 Hybrid: Adams PRO 20* (bent to 21*) w/ KBS Tour Hybrid S flex tipped 1/2"4-AW: TaylorMade P770 w/ Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Black Onyx S400 SW: 56* Scratch Tour Dept(CC grooves) w/ Dynamic Gold SpinnerLW: 60* Scratch Tour Department (CC grooves) w/ Dynamic Gold SpinnerXW: 64* Cally XForged Vintage w/ DG X100 8 iron tiger steppedPutter: Nike Method Prototype 006 at 34"Have a ton of back-ups in all categories, but there are always 14 clubs in the bag that differ depending on the course and set-up. Bomb and gouge. Yes, I'm a club gigolo. Link to post Share on other sites
CarlH 5,693 Posted October 15, 2020 Share Posted October 15, 2020 We're still using noodles, leave the pin in, no rakes in the bunkers, and one person per cart (except family) or mask required if 2 in cart (although I don't think too many are doing the mask in cart thing). I'm okay with all of the preventative measures except not having a rake. Although we allow placing a ball in the trap if you're in a foot print or unrated area, I'd still rather go back to raking the traps and playing them correctly. 1 Quote Driver: G400 Max 9 degree Alta CB55 Stiff shaft Fairway: M4 3W (16.5*), 5W (21*), 7W (24*), Atmos shaft R Irons: Apex CF19 6-9, PW, AW KBS Tour Graphite 70g shafts R Wedges: CBX-2 52*, 56*, 60* wedges. Stock shafts. Putter: Stroke Lab 7S Ball: MTB-X My Photography can be seen at Smugmug Link to post Share on other sites
DiscipleofPenick 2,287 Posted October 15, 2020 Share Posted October 15, 2020 Most courses did the noodle, a few did the inverted cup or pvc pipe. After a few weeks my course just put in shallow cups like on a putting green. The ball goes all the way in so there's no question. If anything this has gotten me used to putting with the flag in. Take Dead Aim 1 Quote Take Dead Aim Link to post Share on other sites
tony@CIC 19,006 Posted October 15, 2020 Share Posted October 15, 2020 Chris and I would have given you the birdie, but Martha would make you putt it .The ladies at our Club are really tough - no gimmes, ya gotta hole everything out. Thankfully I play in Men's League [emoji23]Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy 1 Quote Left Hand orientation G410 SFT driver Cobra King F-9 5 wood 410 Hybrids 22*, 26* Cobra Speed Zone 6-GP/Recoil ESX 460 F3 Shafts SM7 54* Wedge Glide 3.0 60* Wedge O Works putter NX9-HD - 4 Wheel - too many shoes to list and so many to buy And BAG Boy Golf Balls: Snell MTB-X 2020 Official Tester Beginning Driver Speed - 78 2019 Official Tester 410 Driver 2018 Official Tester C300 Link to post Share on other sites
kingcscott 796 Posted October 15, 2020 Share Posted October 15, 2020 On 10/12/2020 at 5:52 PM, Rickp said: All PVC were removed from holes today so that’s back to normal. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Sweetens had no nonsense in their holes either. It was great to hear the drop of the ball 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rickp 22,773 Posted October 15, 2020 Share Posted October 15, 2020 The ladies at our Club are really tough - no gimmes, ya gotta hole everything out. Thankfully I play in Men's League [emoji23]Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpyNo kidding, the women are definitely tougher on short putts than the men.Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Quote Rick Left Hand, Driver; Titleist TSi2, Kuro Kage 50 gr R2 5 Wood; Cally Steelhead 5 Hybrid; Cally Steelhead, Hazardous Vista Pro R2 Irons; Ping G710 6-GW, Recoil 460 R2 Putter; Waaay too many to list Link to post Share on other sites
Rickp 22,773 Posted October 15, 2020 Share Posted October 15, 2020 The rakes are back in the Traps but they are optional. If you don’t feel comfortable using it you don’t have to.Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Quote Rick Left Hand, Driver; Titleist TSi2, Kuro Kage 50 gr R2 5 Wood; Cally Steelhead 5 Hybrid; Cally Steelhead, Hazardous Vista Pro R2 Irons; Ping G710 6-GW, Recoil 460 R2 Putter; Waaay too many to list Link to post Share on other sites
Crowev01 378 Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 They are using this thing called the "pop it" which is a little spring loaded lift. Its nice they can use it to keep the courses open, but when I noticed some dents on the top line of my beloved putter, I just started carrying some Purell and reaching in. They were mowing the other day and pulled the stick out once I hit up and hearing the ball drop in the cup was amazing. 1 Quote Titleist 975J Callaway Hawkeye 3 Wood Ben Hogan CFT Hybrid, Apex Plus Irons Cleveland 588 Wedges Scotty Newport 2 Mid Slant Pro Platinum Link to post Share on other sites
Patriots68 45 Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 I played a course in Florida that had the 2nd one, with the wire hook that you could lift up with your putter. Half of them were bent/stuck so you had to pick the ball up and then spent a lot of time with your hands on the thing getting it to reset. As a side note a bunch of courses by me have nothing special at all and no one seems to be complaining. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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