On The Green, Issue 7
Fall has arrived. Pumpkin spice everything. Buffalo check plaid. Bean boots.
The autumn clichés are in full effect this time of year. In Vermont fall isn’t all about clutching close to a mug of hot cocoa and warming up to a good book. Fall for many here means hard work. There’s firewood to stack and leaves to rack. Gutters to clean. There’s garlic to plant. Houses to winterize. Each spring we think, “We’ll get to it in the fall.” And each fall we’re surprised when it still hasn’t been done.
Between lots of hard work, there’s a sense of urgency to enjoy the outdoors. Of course, there’s plenty of outdoor adventure to be had in New England during the winter, but the convenience of only wearing a single layer of clothing while you waltz out the door in flip-flops is one we’d all like to capture and bottle and recreate year-round. But we’re in the grip of fall now and that time is short. Frost is setting in and it’s not long until the snow flies.
There’s still plenty of time to enjoy fall golf. You could still post your personal best score or hoop that elusive hole-in-one (still waiting on mine, +20 years in the making…)
Whether you’re close by the Woodstock Country Club or further afield, this month’s On The Green is dedicated to finding your best golf this fall.
Fore please,
Ross Evans
OTG Creative Director
Early fall colors beginning to pop at Spruce Peak, in Stowe, Vermont
Stock Up On Golf Pods
You’re likely a podcast consumer or have at least dabbled in listening to a podcast, unless you’re living off the grid and avoiding digital media (which would make reading OTG very difficult). A few years ago, podcasting was still very new in the golf world. Today though, we’re showered in lots of consumable golf content worthy of our eardrums. Depending on where your interests lie in golf, there’s something for everyone just a click away. Here are a few podcasts that I recommend downloading this fall and winter:
No Laying Up: You may know the No Laying Up crew from their YouTube channel, which is stacked with original content. Their podcast is a modern take on golf, with humorous commentary, and regular recaps of professional golf. They also interview golf coaches, professional players, and many others. It’s a great weekly listen.
The Golfers Journal Podcast: A companion to The Golfer’s Journal print publication, TGJ Senior Editor and author Tom Coyne takes you behind the scenes for an in-depth look at some of golf’s most off-beat stories. If you’re new to The Golfer’s Journal Podcast, start with the Mike Madden episode. It’s one of my favorites!
The Fried Egg Golf Podcast: For fans of golf architecture and design, Andy Johnson from The Fried Egg hosts a fantastic podcast. Episodes go beyond interviews with modern architects and include discussions on professional golf, golf economics, and instruction…all under the watchful care of Johnson’s dry wit and candor.
Rory McIlroy, no doubt taking in one of OTG’s podcast recommendations. Photo Credit: Bose
The Leaf Rule: Yes, It’s a Thing…Sort Of
Unless you’re planning to bring a cordless leaf blower with you on your next round, be prepared to spend some extra time looking for your ball this fall. Course superintendents do everything they can to keep the fairways and rough clear of falling leaves, but they can’t stop every one of them from hitting the ground. Thankfully, you don’t have to bring a leaf blower to find some relief. While the rules of golf don’t specifically have a leaf rule, there is a Model Local Rule that does allow courses and tournament committees to implement the leaf rule. Model Local Rules are different than “The Rules of Golf” but can be implemented at the local level (as the name suggests). How do you know if the leaf rule is in effect? Ask the pro shop or tournament director the day of the event. If you’re playing a “friendly,” just confirm with your playing partners how you’re planning on dealing with lost balls in the leaves. It’ll save you time…and a few strokes!
Learn more about Model Local Rules here.
Photo Credit: Golf Digest
Woodstock Country Club: The Home of Fall Golf
Okay, that’s a made-up title. Woodstock isn’t actually known as the Home of Fall Golf. But if there were an award for best course conditions and foliage views, we’d have to be in the running! And there’s still time to enjoy a round with us. From the Unlimited Golf Package to our Woodstock & Quechee Golf Package, allow us to be your gateway to fall golf in Vermont.
Click here to start planning your stay.
