The 2nd Cut Newsletter: Edition #50
Are You a #1 or a #2?, Mailbag Questions, Lou's 10 Commandments, Brandel Chamblee Interview, Pinehurst No.2, Total US Scratch Golfers
“I believe wholeheartedly in golf. I consider it a game of honor. It does more to bring out the finer points in a man’s character than any other sport.” - Donald Ross
📰 Edition #50 📰
Welcome back to The 2nd Cut Newsletter!
📫 In today’s Newsletter 📫
Are You a #1 or a #2?, Mailbag Questions, Lou's 10 Commandments, Brandel Chamblee Interview, Pinehurst No.2, Total US Scratch Golfers
Check out last week’s Deep Dive 👇👇👇Lowering Your Scores 101
Recently, I was thinking about how, if I caddied for a friend, I could help them lower their scores simply through better course management. I believe I could help a mid-to-high handicapper shave at least five strokes if not more. Here's how I would do it:
Are You #1 or #2?
This tweet from Ross MacLeod is something I’ve been trying to articulate for a while.
So many golfers want to be #1. They want to get better. But the hard truth is, you're setting yourself up for failure by expecting #1 while being a #2.
Being #2 is totally fine. In fact, I’m jealous of someone who truly plays golf carefree with no expectations. Even more so if they are really good! (shout out Adam B)
The problem lies in mismanaging expectations. Playing once every few weeks (or even once a week) without practicing, learning, or taking lessons will make it hard to improve. (but not impossible!)
I see this a lot. Golfers who get SO mad at their game but haven’t been to the range to practice putting, chipping, or wedges.
This game is too hard to expect improvement or low scores without practice.
I’m not judging. I was this person 1000% for most of my life. Despite playing maybe 10 to 15 times a year and never going to the range I would get mad when I shot a 96. It wasn’t fun. But eventually I realized I either have to pick #1 or #2 and then approach golf accordingly.
I chose #1 once my kids were a bit older, and I had the time to practice and play more golf, which I really enjoy.
One more point. You can be a 1 or 2 at different stages of life or even different times of the year. For example, if I play a winter round on a random nice day, I go into it with the attitude of a #2. I know I haven’t been playing or practicing. It is what it is, and I go out to enjoy the round.
The bottom line, as Ross says, is:
Are your actions or behaviors in line with your choice?
Q&A Mailbag Submissions
It’s been a while since we did a Q&A, aka The 2nd Cut Mailbag.
If you have a question for me, comment below, reply to this email, or email me directly at the2ndcut@substack.com. I will select the best questions for a future deep dive Mailbag.
Below is the last Mailbag we did, which includes answers to:
What clubs should I carry in my bag?
How can I become more consistent with chipping?
The 2nd Cut Mailbag 📩
Question #1 from David: Hi, My question is as a mid to high handicap, what would people reckon clubs to carry in bag? My aim is to get below 20 handicap within six months. I personally have a Putter, Driver, 3 wood, 5 wood, 4 Hybrid, 5-9 irons, PW, and 56 Wedge.
🐦 Tweets of the Week 🐦
Well said Lou. We should call this The Ten Commandments of Golf and send a copy to every new golfer.
Any guesses? The answer is below in the Stat of the Week section.
📺 💻 T2C Media 📺 💻
No Laying Up’s Soly interviewed Brandel Chamblee in the latest episode. No matter how you feel about Chamblee, it was a great listen as they debated everything from TV coverage, the US Open at Pinehurst, distance issues, LIV, course setups, and more.
I personally enjoy hearing Brandel’s perspective on anything golf. The Live From Show on Golf Channel is as good as it gets and makes every event feel bigger. I may not agree with him all the time, but he brings a great historical perspective to the debate and is always well-prepared.
You can also listen to the pod here:
This year’s US Open will be held at the historic Pinehurst No.2. Whether you’re familiar with it or not; this video is an excellent overview of what we and the pros will see in a week.
A few years ago, I had a chance to play No.2 (along with No.4 and No.9), and it didn’t disappoint. My caddie not only helped me tremendously by keeping me out of trouble, but he also showed us where all the US Open tee boxes were. It was mind-boggling seeing the holes from where the pros will be hitting.
If you ever have the chance to play Pinehurst, I highly recommend it. Between the history, the excellent customer service and the facilities, the whole experience is top-notch. I hope to go back one day soon.
🔢 Stat(s) of the Week 🔢
Out of 3.3 million golfers, only 35k are scratch or better! That’s 1% of all golfers—truly rarefied air.
Thank You
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Til next time.
