LITTLE ROCK — GOLF First Tee hosts rules seminar
PGA master professional Adam Carney says the average golfer can save three strokes a round just by knowing the rules of the game.
“That’s a professional opinion,” the former club professional at Big Creek Country Club in Mountain Home said. A frequent rules official for PGA events, Carney is the only PGA-designated rules official in the state.
Carney and the Arkansas State Golf Association conducted a seminar Saturday at the First Tee of Central Arkansas. About 75 people attended the event, including collegiate players from UALR and club pros from around the state.
“Knowing the rules, there is more advantage than disadvantage,” Carney said.
ASGA Executive Director Jay Fox noted the statewide organization held a similar event several years ago, but that he brought the idea back because, “we never had a facility like this.”
“Everybody out here can actually see,” Fox said as participants watched Carney illustrate various rulings on the course’s practice green and par-3 ninth hole. “We wanted to make it fun and interactive.”
Brad Martin, director of golf at the First Tee, added he agreed the seminar was a good idea.
“The rules are often an afterthought,” he said.
Carney concluded that although the rules of golf can sometimes be confusing or demanding, “The game is designed to be fair both ways. Tough luck starts somewhere.” He noted, though, that educated golfers can save strokes by using the rules to their advantage.
Fox remarked, “Anytime you can save a stroke or two it will add to your enjoyment.” - Jim StallingsTRACK AND FIELD
UCA finishes conference championships
Central Arkansas claimed four school records Saturday at the Southland Conference Indoor Championships in Norman, Okla. The men’s team finished seventh, their highest finish since joining the conference. The women’s team finished 12th.
Donavan Loring led the men’s team with a second place finish in the triple jump at 15.29 meters. The 4x440 yard relay team finished seventh in 3:22.22. Jasmine Ellis led the women’s team and finished third in the pentathlon with 3,384 points. Megan Snow placed sixth in the 60 meter hurdles in 8.86 seconds.
Sports, Pages 33 on 02/27/2011