A few months ago, I went to the range to hit a few balls when I was unexpectedly, yet kindly, invited to play with Deeb and Joe. I cheerfully accepted their invitation as I only had time for nine holes.
Anyway, after hitting my tee ball into the right greenside bunker on the par three, 161 yard, 8th hole, I hoisted my black Sun Mountain bag onto my back and meandered across the forward tees toward the green. As I was about to exit the forward tee box, out of the corner of my left eye, I noticed what appeared to be two stone distance markers in reasonable proximity to each other.
Thinking this a bit odd, I stopped dead in my tracks, backed up on the tracks, wanting to confirm my initial sighting. I took a moment to digest the reality of the situation; a 119-yard stone distance marker, and two yards later, a 117-yard stone distance maker! Typically, tee box distance markers are spaced some fifteen to twenty-five yards apart. My tiny mind spun out of control, attempting to sort out the logic and the decision-making process of those responsible:
- Is it possible alcohol was involved?
- Was there an odd 117-yard or 119-yard stone distance marker lying around the old maintenance shed?
- The average age in Citrus County, Florida is 56. Could senility have come into play?
In short order, Columbo-like, I will get to the bottom of this! In the mean- time, feel free to share your own conclusions.
Note: Speaking of senility, the actual measurement from the center of the 119-yard distance marker to the center of the 117-yard distance marker is 110” or 3 yards/2 inches!
If you are enjoying our weekly posts, we’d be eternally grateful if you’d spread the word. Thank you for following Bad Golf Guy and be sure to check us out on Instagram.
The back nine can only get better!
Ok, I’ll venture a guess. I’ll say that the black 117 yardage maker is the designed yardage for that hole from that tee box to the center of the green. I would say that the blue 119 yardage marker indicates the center of the designated drop zone area to the center of the green in the event that you rinse one in the pond in front of the green.
I believe you are thinking to much on the golf course! LOL
I found your column in Central Ridge Villager. I look forward to seeing it every issue. About the tee markers, I have noticed that the senior tees and the ladies tees are sometimes very close together at the courses around here. Maybe not 3 yards, but very close. I feel a little guilty when playing with a lady, as I’m older and play the senior tees, but not guilty enough to move back to the white one!😁