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Craigavad golf

All things golf

Craigavad is from the Irish phrase Craig an Bháda, meaning 'rock of the boat' and refers to an area of North Down on the southside of Belfast Lough.

Craigavad golf explores a broad range of golf related matters and occasionally other sports.

My other site Craigavad miscellany explores the natural world, science, mathematics and occasionally ventures into other areas of general interest.

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golf, Physics

Should you putt with the pin out or the pin in?

The rules of golf were updated in 2019 and it is now permissible to put with the pin in the hole or out of the hole. It’s the players choice. But was does the evidence say about the value, or otherwise, of leaving the pin in? Continue reading Should you putt with the pin out or the pin in?

More Than a Game 1: The Economic Impact of The Open
Economics, golf

More Than a Game 1: The Economic Impact of The Open

The Open, the oldest Major golf championship, where history meets modern excitement. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global sporting phenomenon with a huge economic impact. Continue reading More Than a Game 1: The Economic Impact of The Open

How Green Is Golf? Carbon, water, tourism and the environmental footprint of the game.
Environment, golf

How Green Is Golf? Carbon, water, tourism and the environmental footprint of the game.

How Green Is Golf? Carbon, water, tourism and the environmental footprint of the game. It’s a complicated discussion with lots of competing factors. The answer is not straightforward! Continue reading How Green Is Golf? Carbon, water, tourism and the environmental footprint of the game.

A Game of Life and Death: What the Data Says About Golf, Health and Longevity
golf, Health

A Game of Life and Death: What the Data Says About Golf, Health and Longevity

Golf is more than just a game; it’s a rounded activity that combines physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction, offering numerous health benefits. There are a lot of positives! Continue reading A Game of Life and Death: What the Data Says About Golf, Health and Longevity

The 2004 US Open: Carnage at Shinnecock Hills
golf

The 2004 US Open: Carnage at Shinnecock Hills

The US Open returns to Shinnecock Hills this week. The 2004 US Open is at that venue remembered for the absolute carnage of high scores as the USGA lost control of the course. Something similar nearly happened in 2018. Why? How? Can it be avoided this year? Continue reading The 2004 US Open: Carnage at Shinnecock Hills

Things the R&A and the USGA get wrong: Part 2. The golf ball “roll-back”
golf

Things the R&A and the USGA get wrong: Part 2. The golf ball “roll-back”

The R & A and USGA are the bodies that run golf. Tremendous custodians of the sport. But occasionally they seem to get things very wrong. The golf ball “roll back” is not going to have the desired results! It just won’t work. Continue reading Things the R&A and the USGA get wrong: Part 2. The golf ball “roll-back”

The Geometry of Fore:  Flying Golf Balls and the Expanding Cone of Risk
golf, Statistics

The Geometry of Fore: Flying Golf Balls and the Expanding Cone of Risk

Being hit by a fast moving golf ball is not a pleasant experience! How common are such incidents and what factors influence risk? The cone of risk seems to be expanding and traditional compact golf courses are a particular problem. Continue reading The Geometry of Fore: Flying Golf Balls and the Expanding Cone of Risk

The Secret Life of a Spinning Golf Ball: One Hop and Stop
golf, Physics

The Secret Life of a Spinning Golf Ball: One Hop and Stop

A golfer hits a shot to the green. It lands, bounces forward but then spins and stops. Just how does that happen? What’s the physics involved? And the maths? Continue reading The Secret Life of a Spinning Golf Ball: One Hop and Stop

Things the R&A and the USGA get wrong: Part 1. The World Handicap System
golf

Things the R&A and the USGA get wrong: Part 1. The World Handicap System

The World Handicap System was introduced in 2020 to rationalize 6 disparate golf handicap systems. Used by 131 countries it’s been successful but has many critics. What are the problems and how can it be improved? Continue reading Things the R&A and the USGA get wrong: Part 1. The World Handicap System

My Major!
golf

My Major!

Don’t forget to look at my recent piece on the failings of the World Handicap System Golf is hard. Very … Continue reading My Major!

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