[Ian MacLean]

Hope they have a rules seminar. There are multiple USGA rules changes for 2023. Big ones include the “Ricky Fowler rule” if you remember him at the Waste Management, he took a drop after putting the ball in the water and while looking where to hit the next shot his ball rolled back in the water (another penalty). Now if the ball moves to a different part of the course there is no penalty and you can place the ball back to where it was (only IF it moves from one part of the course to another). If the ball moves but stays in the same part of the course, play it from the new position. Do not confuse this rule with the Dustin Johnson rule, If a ball moves on the green after you nave replaced it, then you move it back with no penalty. Not so worried about the regular rules but rather the Model local rules and which ones will the WA committee use. For example, Model local rule F5 “for a ball in the general area, relief is allowed when both the ball and obstruction lie in an area cut to fairway heights or less. The obstruction (E.g. sprinkler head) must be:
1. within 2 club lengths of the putting green.
2. on the player’s line of play, AND
3. The ball must be within 2 club lengths of the obstruction.
As a rules official here in Hawaii, we have used this model rule for all championships. Can’t wait to get to the World AM this year!

[Ian MacLean]

Billy,
Welcome, I know you will have a great time. Every time I have brought 1st timers, they end up coming back over and over. In fact two have moved to the greater Myrtle Beach area. Come with expectations of enjoying yourself, you will meet some great people and play some great courses. Although every year some courses have issues, the over all experience you will have will be great. I now come 6 days early so get use to the heat, time zone and play extra golf. Hope you have a great time and you keep the ball in the short grass.

[Ian MacLean]

This was my 22nd year and over those years I have come to love the WA and Myrtle Beach so much I bought a condo at Legends. Over the years I have seen great improvements but also some set backs. For those who had to play Wedgefield Plantation (I had to play 3 out of 4 years) or Sea Gull it was not fun to fly 6000 miles to play those courses. With that in mind, I do understand those complaining about the “Cats”. I believe the WA should have standards (if you do please publish them) and say to those courses that do not meet them you cannot participate till you meet standards. They will either improve their course or suffer. I come to the WA for 13 days and play 19 rounds during my time there but the good quality courses are getting to be smaller in number. I know COVID has been the excuse I hear often but if that is true why are some courses there in great shape (if all have to deal with COVID)? In my opinion the superintendents or owners are spending the least amount of money to maintain the course and hope they keep getting play. Myrtle Beach has been and still is known for it’s golf courses but at this rate in ten years it will not be known for golf but just another over built area where developers bought failing courses to build condos. I implore Myrtle Beach golf superintendents take a stand to maintain your courses and you will keep golfers coming there for years to come but, ignore this warning and MB will just fade away (when it comes to golf). On a separate note, Scott, I know you all work very hard and I applaud all you do, please keep working to keep the WA improving. BTW, on the 19th hole, what happened to the golf vendors. It seems all the 19th hole is alcohol, finger food and a few golf booths. In years past you had club vendors, Dave Pelz, golf courses and other golf related booths. It use to be like a mini PGA golf show with food and drinks. Please bring some of those back! thanks,

[Ian MacLean]

Filling it out today means World Am it just around the corner. Now I just hope this COVID stays away so we all can have a great tournament. Scott,thanks to you and all the staff for plowing thru and getting everything ready during these trying times.

[Ian MacLean]

Hopefully we will increase in participants but if not I am still coming in from Hawaii ready for the hot and muggy weather, lots of nats and mosquitos, with the possibility of hurricanes fun I have had for 20 years of coming. Hopefully, my game makes it to Myrtle Beach this year, for some reason it never makes seems to get over the Pacific! Everyone stay safe and see you at the Beach!

[Ian MacLean]

This is my 21st year and I hate that the 19th hole is being cancelled due to COVID-19 but this will not stop me from playing the WORLD AM. I live in Hawaii but coming to Myrtle Beach every year is such a blast and over the years I have made a lot of friends down there. I will have to try more of the restaurants that always are at the 19th hole (even if it is just take out). Hopefully there will not be too many cancellations and people will still support this great event. Scott, thanks for all your efforts, Ian MacLean

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