memberabilia: What a Relief

Golf pro puts things back on course  for one perplexed Associate member.

ASK THE PROS
I have a question about relief from a cart path. I have been told two ways. Most golfers say relief is the nearest side of the path, the nearest point of relief. However, several others have said that new for 1999, the rules now allow relief on either side at the discretion of the golfer, regardless of the nearest point.

According to The Rules of Golf 1998-1999 (Rule 24-2), a road or path is an immovable obstruction. “Relief” through the green states the nearest point of relief. Yet the “exceptions” state that “ … the prohibition against crossing over, through, or under the obstruction does not apply to the artificial surfaces and sides of roads or paths….”

So, is relief the nearest point of relief (the closest side of the cart path) or is it at the player’s discretion (either side)?
Joe Meyers
Member, Canyon Crest Country Club
Riverside, California

Editor’s note: According to Chip Gist, director of golf operations at Barton Creek in Austin, the nearest point of relief is on one side of the cart path or the other, it is NOT a choice. He says the player is entitled to relief within one club length from that nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole. If clear relief can be taken across the cart path from the nearest point of relief, it would be permissible. In summary, the nearest point of relief is on one side of the path or the other, but the one club from there could be across the cart path.   

Readers are invited to send their questions regarding golf or any other aspect of the private clubs experience. We’ll find an expert to provide the answer.

TIME ZONES
Thanks for the nice article regarding my travels in the May/June 1999 issue [Clubs & Members, “Golf Crazy”]. It was a kick reading it and the picture was fun. One correction: I flew from London on the Concorde to New York and then to Los Angeles, playing 18 holes in each city. Because of the time change, it would be impossible to play in New York, London, and New York on the same day.
Nobby Orens
Member, Braemar Country Club
Tarzana, California

THANKS FOR THE MEMORY
Many thanks for offering the Putter Boy poster as a remembrance [of the 1999 U.S. Open]. My husband said the Private Clubs’ “Collectors’ Issue” [May/June 1999] is the best we have received. As native Tar Heels, Pinehurst is special to us.
Gloria M. Carter
Member, Citrus Club
Orlando, Florida

OH, STOP
Congratulations on your spectacular May/June 1999 “Collectors’ Issue.” Your design is terrific. It really makes me want to read the magazine. You attracted some outstanding advertisers as well.
Geoff McGuire
McGuire Co.
Coral Gables, Florida

GRAND PERFORMANCE
We want to extend Our compliments to the University Club Atop Symphony Towers in San Diego. We recently hosted a marvelous dinner there, in absentia. Our daughter was being married the next day and, while we were occupied with the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, we wanted to provide a special evening for 16 of our out-of-town guests. We arrived in time for dessert and in time to receive all the accolades. Our sincere thanks.
John and Pat Sieloff
Members, Skyline Club
Indianapolis, Indiana

STAR AMONG STARS
I recently had the opportunity to stay at The St. James’s Club in London and wanted to share my experiences. During our weeklong visit, we found ourselves at the end of the day saying that it had to be this day that was the best we had had in London. I am sure my staff is tired of hearing examples of STAR Service displayed by the staff of the St. James’s. The food, the service, and the quality of the accommodations, in addition to the location, have earned the St. James’s a well-deserved five-star rating.
Randy Glenn
Club Manager, Snee Farm Country Club
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina