K e e p e r s o f t h e G a m e
To retain and enhace golf's core values
Holmes Harbor Ball Mark Project
Method
Over two seasons, we evaluated different ways to help golfers become more aware of the need to repair ball marks on the green. Our goal was to find a simple way of reminding players to fix them.
We tried signs in the pro shop, signs in the pro shop plus a gift, signs on tees and signs on greens. The sign in the proshop was a simple 8.5 by 11 notice to repair ball marks that was taped to the check-in counter.
The wooden sign for the course was a white rectangle with rounded corners, about one foot by two feet with the words, "Please fix your ball mark." This was placed at the front end of the tee boxes so it could be seen by all players and at the front/side of the greens.
The procedure was to determine the average number of unrepaired ball marks on three different greens, then see if this number was reduced by one of our methods. We counted ball marks on greens 2, 3 and 8. All are par threes with similar difficulty. To gage how many unrepaired ball marks were "normal," we simply went out eight different times after at least 100 rounds had been played (usually over a two-day period), and counted the number of unrepaired ball marks on each green.
Over 1104 rounds we determined an average number of "expected" unrepaired ball marks for each green. Our average for the three greens was almost exactly 7 per 100 golfers.
Then, the night prior to trying one of our methods, we went to each of the three greens and repaired all the ball marks. We then tried one method for at least 100 rounds (again usually over two days), then counted the number of unrepaired ball marks.
The average number of rounds for each method was 215 with the range from 100 to 327 rounds.
Results
A sign in the proshop reduced the average to 3.4 unrepaired ball marks per green A gift plus a verbal reminder averaged 5.5 Sign at #1 tee 4.6 Sign on #1 green 5.4 Sign on #3 green 5.0 Sign at the #3 green 4.5
Because of the nature of this study, the results are not statistically significant, but strongly suggest that these methods do decrease the number of unrepaired ball marks.
Discussion
As this was a preliminary study, we looked for trends. For example, by placing the sign on the third green, we expected to have a higher number of unrepaired ball marks on the second green, much lower on the third, and slightly lower on the eighth green Our first trial results were exactly that: 9.9 unrepaired ball marks (per 100 rounds) on second green, 1.3 on the third, and 4.0 on the eighth.
The second trial was similar: 7.4 on 2, 1.7 on 3, and 2.5 on 8. The same pattern was seen with placing the sign on the second tee.
This "halo" effect of placing the sign on an early hole helping reduce unrepaired ball marks later suggests that once reminded, the player remembers for at least a little while.
However, our study had a number of limitations, the most significant was identifying an unrepaired ball mark. It would have been best to have an observer watching balls land on the green and knowing exactly which ones made marks and what marks were repaired. Our method of measuring at least 24 hours later increased the difficulty of determining what were old and what were fresh ball marks. The longer the delay, the more difficulty there was in accurate identification.
Sometimes the signs on the course were moved, probably by golfers who found them in the way-and were often not returned to the original spot. Further problems were varied hardness of the putting surfaces, different levels of players at different times, differences in players noticing the signs, unknown number of marks fixed by more conscientious players, time of day counting made a difference in visibility, and other surface and counting factors.
Conclusions
It is obvious that doing something helps. A sign seems better than a verbal reminder. A sign on the green is stronger than one on the tee. A sign seems to have some effect for at least a few following holes.
We have no idea of the long term effect of simple reminders nor how many are necessary to have an impact. Recommendations To reach our goal of identifying simple and inexpensive ways to reduce the number of unrepaired ball marks on the green, we need a comprehensive study done with observers to ensure valid and reliable results.
This study has confirmed that simple methods can work, now we should test a half dozen or so to see which work best and for how long.
If anyone is interested, we'd be delighted to coordinate a nationwide study. We need courses, observers, signs and other devices. We'll put together a research protocol, collect and analyze the data, then distribute the results. Anyone interested in helping?
Thanks
We very much appreciate the support of Holmes Harbor, a very nice par 64 on Whidbey Island north of Seattle, Washington, USA. Manager Terry Otey and Head Professional Rich Kirk did everything possible to ensure our success. And the regular staff, Dee Dee, Bill and Jerry were quick to toss us cart keys as we were off to fix or count ball marks. This kind of project can only be accomplished with significant cooperation and we enjoyed that every step of the way.
Over two seasons, we evaluated different ways to help golfers become more aware of the need to repair ball marks on the green. Our goal was to find a simple way of reminding players to fix them.
We tried signs in the pro shop, signs in the pro shop plus a gift, signs on tees and signs on greens. The sign in the proshop was a simple 8.5 by 11 notice to repair ball marks that was taped to the check-in counter.
The wooden sign for the course was a white rectangle with rounded corners, about one foot by two feet with the words, "Please fix your ball mark." This was placed at the front end of the tee boxes so it could be seen by all players and at the front/side of the greens.
The procedure was to determine the average number of unrepaired ball marks on three different greens, then see if this number was reduced by one of our methods. We counted ball marks on greens 2, 3 and 8. All are par threes with similar difficulty. To gage how many unrepaired ball marks were "normal," we simply went out eight different times after at least 100 rounds had been played (usually over a two-day period), and counted the number of unrepaired ball marks on each green.
Over 1104 rounds we determined an average number of "expected" unrepaired ball marks for each green. Our average for the three greens was almost exactly 7 per 100 golfers.
Then, the night prior to trying one of our methods, we went to each of the three greens and repaired all the ball marks. We then tried one method for at least 100 rounds (again usually over two days), then counted the number of unrepaired ball marks.
The average number of rounds for each method was 215 with the range from 100 to 327 rounds.
Results
A sign in the proshop reduced the average to 3.4 unrepaired ball marks per green A gift plus a verbal reminder averaged 5.5 Sign at #1 tee 4.6 Sign on #1 green 5.4 Sign on #3 green 5.0 Sign at the #3 green 4.5
Because of the nature of this study, the results are not statistically significant, but strongly suggest that these methods do decrease the number of unrepaired ball marks.
Discussion
As this was a preliminary study, we looked for trends. For example, by placing the sign on the third green, we expected to have a higher number of unrepaired ball marks on the second green, much lower on the third, and slightly lower on the eighth green Our first trial results were exactly that: 9.9 unrepaired ball marks (per 100 rounds) on second green, 1.3 on the third, and 4.0 on the eighth.
The second trial was similar: 7.4 on 2, 1.7 on 3, and 2.5 on 8. The same pattern was seen with placing the sign on the second tee.
This "halo" effect of placing the sign on an early hole helping reduce unrepaired ball marks later suggests that once reminded, the player remembers for at least a little while.
However, our study had a number of limitations, the most significant was identifying an unrepaired ball mark. It would have been best to have an observer watching balls land on the green and knowing exactly which ones made marks and what marks were repaired. Our method of measuring at least 24 hours later increased the difficulty of determining what were old and what were fresh ball marks. The longer the delay, the more difficulty there was in accurate identification.
Sometimes the signs on the course were moved, probably by golfers who found them in the way-and were often not returned to the original spot. Further problems were varied hardness of the putting surfaces, different levels of players at different times, differences in players noticing the signs, unknown number of marks fixed by more conscientious players, time of day counting made a difference in visibility, and other surface and counting factors.
Conclusions
It is obvious that doing something helps. A sign seems better than a verbal reminder. A sign on the green is stronger than one on the tee. A sign seems to have some effect for at least a few following holes.
We have no idea of the long term effect of simple reminders nor how many are necessary to have an impact. Recommendations To reach our goal of identifying simple and inexpensive ways to reduce the number of unrepaired ball marks on the green, we need a comprehensive study done with observers to ensure valid and reliable results.
This study has confirmed that simple methods can work, now we should test a half dozen or so to see which work best and for how long.
If anyone is interested, we'd be delighted to coordinate a nationwide study. We need courses, observers, signs and other devices. We'll put together a research protocol, collect and analyze the data, then distribute the results. Anyone interested in helping?
Thanks
We very much appreciate the support of Holmes Harbor, a very nice par 64 on Whidbey Island north of Seattle, Washington, USA. Manager Terry Otey and Head Professional Rich Kirk did everything possible to ensure our success. And the regular staff, Dee Dee, Bill and Jerry were quick to toss us cart keys as we were off to fix or count ball marks. This kind of project can only be accomplished with significant cooperation and we enjoyed that every step of the way.
