Divot Mix

"The aspect of the game you lose with green speeds averaging somewhere between 11-13 on the Stimpmeter is the ability to build contour into your putting surfaces…When you take contour out of the greens and speed them up, you only make the game easier for the average-putting Tour pro, and harder for the club player." --  Pete Dye

R&A creates World Amateur Ranking

The R&A is launching a World Amateur Golf Ranking live on its Web site this month following an 18-month trial during which it was welcomed by governing bodies and tournament organizers throughout the world.

The R&A first proposed the WAGR as a means of clarifying entry into its championships but the trial introduction has gone further, with the criteria now seen as a valid indicator of player rankings throughout the elite amateur game.

"We are pleased with the way the ranking has developed during this trial period," said Mike Tate, director of The R&A. "In particular, the level of international support for its adoption has convinced us that it will be seen throughout the golfing nations as an increasingly useful tool and as a way of comparing one elite amateur player against another.

"Until now this has been a difficult task given that many play on different continents and with different handicap systems," Tate said. "Early indications suggest that the ranking will be embraced by a significant number of the major golfing nations and we are hopeful that others will realize the benefits that can accrue through its use."

Ewing to compete in Get Fit Challenge

In pursuit of promoting health and fitness to employees, Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial has joined P.F. Chang's inaugural Rock ‘n' Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon Get Fit Challenge.

The competition was created to encourage businesses and government agencies throughout North America to form teams of employees to participate in the event held in Phoenix on Jan. 14. The competition offers awards for organizations who achieve the best overall participation, as well as the most spirited team.

"Ewing was extremely proactive in forming a corporate team, even without having this competition as an incentive," said Stacey Campbell, event manager for Elite Racing, Inc. "Elite Racing started the ‘Get Fit Challenge' based in part on the program in place at Ewing to motivate and encourage other companies to do what Ewing has been doing for the last three years."

Over the past three years, hundreds of Ewing employees and their families have participated in the P.F. Chang's Rock ‘n' Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon. Ewing participants will be sporting gear with their marathon slogan "Will Rock for Water" to promote the paramount issue of water conservation to the public.

"We need to let the public know that the efficient use of water is quite effortless, and with each person doing their part, the country will conserve water supplies for future generations," said Douglas York, president and half marathon participant.

Ewing sponsors employees and family members who want to participate in the race and creates customized training manuals and nutrition guidelines for each runner. The day of the race, the company maintains a large on-site presence with their Team in Training Support Staff, who serve to motivate participating employees.

For more information on the Get Fit Challenge, visit http://www.rnraz.com or call 800-311-1255.