The late very great Seve Ballesteros was renowned for his short game and one of his party tricks was playing a soft three-iron, as his choice of club from a green-side bunker. And I believe I'm correct in saying even the great Jack Nicklaus said there's no way he could play that shot.

As a senior (in age) member of the golfing community and yet not that old that they were still playing stymies when I began playing the game. I watched with interest Seve's attempt to play a stymie - approximately 45 seconds into the video clip.

For the younger readers who've never heard about a stymie. This from Brent Kelley.
"The stymie is an archaic part of golf that was included in singles match play until it was eliminated from the Rules of Golf in 1952.
When "stymies" were in effect, golf balls on the green were not marked and lifted in singles match play unless the two balls were within six inches of each other. A "stymie" occurred when another ball was directly in the putting line of your ball. Since that ball was not lifted (unless it was within 6 inches of your ball), you'd have to putt over or around it."

Playing stymies sounds like a lot of fun. You know that thing we are supposed to have while playing golf. And it's maybe something you'd like to suggest to your golf club as a fun day format.

Here's the link to Brent

Quote of the Day
"The Stymie-let's have it back" - Robert Tyre Jones, Jnr
Quoted in Sports Illustrated Nov 14, 1960

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