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27 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | February 2015 | From The President – Gerry Edmonds: Congratulations to Mel Warner who aced the 17th hole during the club's Tuesday outing on Dec. 23. Mel says that this is his second career hole-in-one but the first during a club sanctioned golf outing. His name will go on the plaque that hangs in the Lodge honoring all that have accomplished this feat during club competitions. Prior to retiring and moving to Four Seasons at Hemet, I taught science for 20 years. At the beginning of each year, I would introduce students to the process of science. The word itself means knowledge. Scientists gain knowledge by investigating nature, reviewing the work of their predecessors and peers, and continuing to challenge common perceptions. For example, during the 1500s, Copernicus upset conventional understanding of that time when he claimed that Earth revolved around the Sun, something we now take for granted. Commenting on the cumulative process of science in a letter to contemporary Robert Hooke in 1676, Sir Isaac Newton wrote, "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Later this year we will celebrate its tenth anniversary. It is both appropriate and necessary that we acknowledge the work of our founders, as it is their shoulders upon which the club now stands. We take for granted such things as our by-laws, Tuesday golf outings and the major championships sponsored by the club. Our founders' work has impacted our community as a whole as events such as TGIF potlucks grew out of club events. Their processes and events are now part of our accumulated knowledge as a community. I would like all current members to look for ways to highlight the work of our founders during this coming year. As with science, we also need to revisit the work of our founders to ensure the club continues to grow. As I write this, the new board has not met during 2015. However, a committee has begun a review of our By-laws and Procedures, Guidelines and Rules (PG&Rs), which governs the club's organization and play as recommended by the previous board. Our goal is to amend the By-laws and PG&Rs as quickly as possible. Also, I have spoken with several members about specific concerns regarding past issues. I intend to address these issues in the coming days. Finally, I remind you that the club needs input from all the members. If you wish to raise an issue, please do so at the quarterly membership meetings after our Tuesday golf outings. If you cannot wait for the next meeting, please contact a board member. I may be reached either by email at g.edmonds@sbcglobal.net or by phone at (951) 264-1811. From the Tournament Chair – David Balser: February Schedule of Tournaments: Feb. 3: Presidents Cup - Match Play Feb. 10: Presidents Cup - Match Play Feb. 17: Presidents Cup - Match Play Feb. 24: Presidents Cup - Match Play Note: During Match Play, all others will be playing Low Net and Low Gross by flight. To play in our Tuesday games sign up a week in advance at our prior event or use the sign up sheet located on the bulletin board in the Lodge Game Room, which is available until Sunday noon. Late signups may contact David at dbalsertournamentdirector@gmail.com or (760) 436-6139. On Tournament days, registration will be available until 15 minutes prior to the first tee time. It will be helpful and appreciated if all players sign in no later than 30 minutes prior to the first tee time. From the Membership Chair – Ross Thomas: Another year is in the books and we can proudly acknowledge that is was a most successful and enjoyable experience, most of the time, trying to hone our golfing skills. Some had more success than others but we enjoyed the good times with our fellow golfers. The membership signup for the New Year is closed, but still available for all who would like to become members. New members are always welcome and those who didn't make the cut off are certainly welcome to re-up for the New Year as well. Membership forms are available at the Lodge front desk, and its only $63 for the club dues and your SCGA membership. Come join the club where we all talk a great game, but continue to strive to improve. The membership at the beginning of 2015 is 159 men and women who love the game of golf, but love the friendship of the club even more. From the Rules Chair – Melody Lewis: This month I will address the #2, #3 and #4 most misunderstood rules of golf. These are the rules from the USGA. Please remember that "local rules" that may be in place will override the rules mentioned here. The #2 most misunderstood rule is the "unplayable lie." In the event that you are faced with an unplayable lie you have three options. 1. Take two-club lengths relief no closer to the hole and assess a one-stroke penalty. 2. Replay the shot from the original position incurring a stroke and distance penalty. 3. Take the ball back as far as you want keeping the point where the ball lies between you and the hole incurring a one-stroke penalty. The #3 most misunderstood rule is "improving your swing path." You cannot bend, break or hack anything growing or fixed if it improves your lie, your stance, or your area of intended swing. The #4 most misunderstood rule is "unplayable lie in a bunker." You can deem your ball unplayable anywhere on the course other than in a water hazard. In the event you deem your ball unplayable in a bunker you have 3 options. 1. Take a drop of no more than two club lengths no closer to the hole, but still in the bunker incurring a one shot penalty. (MUST BE DROPPED IN BUNKER) 2. Go back as far as you like in the bunker and drop keeping that spot where your ball laid between you and the hole incurring a one stoke penalty. (MUST BE DROPPED IN BUNKER) 3. Replay the shot from as near the original position incurring a stroke and distance penalty. Knowing the rules can help you play better golf and enjoy the game!

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