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Issue #5 February 2004
Visit our January Issue Visit our Frankly Friends Newsletter Archive 2003 |December|November| September| ___________________________________________________________________________ Mandatory Testing of COR: A solution looking for a problem? The Frankly Frog: Making a splash at the PGA Show Win a Frankly Frog and celebrate the leap year!
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Mandatory Testing of COR: A solution looking for a problem?I react with some dismay at the continued suggestions that any sort of mandatory testing of equipment should be conducted at a PGA Tour or any golf tournament site. This issue relates specifically to the “spring-like effect” in drivers, which has, without doubt, been one of the most significant improvements in equipment performance in the history of the game. Is it not a tenet of golf to abide by the rules and call oneself on unintentional infractions? Intentional infractions are almost foreign to this game and to keep it that way we must continue to rely on the conscience of the participants. The only referee we need. It is this, which separates golf from other sports. We have seized on an immediate “Solution” to an insignificant and almost non-existent “Problem”, which seems to have been created in the minds of those who first, have a twisted belief that man is forever devious and second don’t understand the true effect of a violation. Golf has proven that man can be true to himself. I ask that nothing be injected into this game, which will suggest or allow him to relinquish his personal responsibilities to retain this self-respect. Mandatory testing will do just that. If we need to police clubs on site, why not balls for size, weight and initial velocity. The difference in performance of a non-conforming ball is about the same as a grossly non-conforming driver (about 2 or 3 yards). The implication that some player may be getting a significant advantage over another by violating the COR rule by inching over the limit is based on a complete lack of understanding of the scientific facts. With the relentless introduction of new and technically advanced equipment there is no reason not to have a sophisticated and portable testing device on site to evaluate it, but only for the convenience of the players. They can, through its use, be comfortable in knowing that they are not unintentionally violating a rule. Unfortunately concomitant with the availability of such a device comes the temptation for the suspicious or those with the authority to do so, to propose using it to scan the entire field for a potential violation. If we can’t trust the PGA tour players we can’t trust ourselves and by implementing mandatory testing we will fracture the very essence of the game and foundation upon which it is built. If there are intentional violations on tour, these will inevitably surface and the penalty should be of such great significance to dissuade these infringements. Some believe we have found a reasonable “Solution” and are now trying hard to define the “Problem” to justify its implementation without due consideration as to the long term consequences. Please let us be very careful before we go down this path. Frank
___________________________________________________________________________ The PGA Show 2004Here are our thoughts for 2004..... DRIVERS: The composite head was all the rage at the Show. Although not a new concept, the combination of titanium and carbon does allow manufacturers to position the weight in the head effectively so the golfer can realise the benefits of a precise positioning of the center of gravity.
IRONS: If there was a story for the 2004 PGA Show, it was the death of the 2 and a potentially fatal blow to the 3 iron. Hybrids are the clubs of the future and every golfer has room in his or her bag to take advantage of the hybrid. GRAPEVINE CHAT: Golf Digest's Hot List was very "hot" at the Show. NEW THEMES: The move to hybrids was really what stood out at the Show. This will alter set make up and make it much easier for golfers to enjoy long shots into the greens. The shift to hybrids in place of long irons was supported by some of the shaft manufacturers who are also manufacturing shafts specifically for the hybrid clubs.
___________________________________________________________________________ Making a splash!The Frankly Frog debuts at
PGA Show with an overwhelming response
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February
is an important month. First, its a Leap Year and we begin shipping
our Frankly Frogs this month. So far, its been a busy year attending
the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, checking out all the new products.
There have also been some interesting rumblings on the equipment
front with suggestions that testing drivers on Tour should be mandatory.
Find out my views and the news in this issue of your Frankly
Friends Newsletter.
| Learn more about The Frog by clicking here |
Making a mini splash!!
Attendees to the PGA Show were offered tiny ceramic frogs as a momento of the launch of the Frankly Frog putter.
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Have your own Frog...
When you order The Frankly Frog Putter you will receive a tiny Frog, pictured above.
It will bring you good luck throughout the year, so be sure to keep it on your desk at the office or in your golf bag or somewhere else where you will see it often!
Win a Frankly Frog to celebrate the "Leap Year"!
You are invited to email us by clicking here, telling us in no more than 25 words why you need a user friendly Frankly Frog.
On the 29th of February all entries will be judged. One lucky Frankly Friend with the best reason (in the minds of the judges) will be leaping for joy when he/she recieves a Frog, compliments of Frankly Golf.
The Frankly Frog appearing in Boston
If you live in the Boston area, be sure to hop along and visit The Frankly Frog at the National Golf Expo Boston at the Bayside Expo Center from March 5th- 7th.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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The Pinehurst Golf Conference
Want to optimise your golf performance? Come to Pinehurst, NC from 21st-24th June to learn about how technology has improved equipment; psychology; conditioning and coaching and learning. Some of the best researchers and teachers in the game of golf will be presenting information which you can easily apply as a teacher or a player. Learn more and sign up by clicking here.
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Contact details:
Editor: Valerie Melvin
Frankly Golf, P.O. Box 707, Chester, NJ 07930
Tel: 908 879 1007 Fax: 908 879 5884
