The Great “Thru” Mystery: More Than Just Bad Spelling
Alright, golf nuts, gather ’round! It’s time to unravel one of golf’s greatest mysteries: What does “thru” mean in golf? No, it’s not just a creative way to fail your high school spelling test. It’s actually a crucial piece of golf lingo that can mean the difference between finishing your round in time for happy hour or explaining to your spouse why you’re sleeping in the clubhouse… again.
Thru 101: The Basics
In golf, “thru” is short for “through,” but it’s not just about saving precious letters (though I’m sure the guy who invented it was thrilled to save a whole four characters). When we say a golfer is “thru 9” or “thru 16,” we’re talking about how many complete holes they’ve played in their round.
Think of it as golf’s very own time machine. It tells you exactly where a player is in their round without having to do any pesky math. Because let’s face it, after a few beers at the turn, counting becomes a whole lot harder.
The “Thru” Scale: From Eager Beaver to Marathon Man
Let’s break down what different “thru” numbers really mean:
- Thru 0: You’re still in the parking lot, probably realizing you forgot your lucky ball marker.
- Thru 9: Congrats! You’ve hit the turn. Time for a quick hot dog and maybe a swing oil or two.
- Thru 18: You’ve finished a full round. Time to hit the 19th hole and embellish… er, I mean, accurately recount your amazing shots.
- Thru 36: Either you’re playing in a tournament, or you’ve lost a bet. Either way, I hope you brought comfortable shoes.
Why “Thru” Matters: It’s All About Context, Baby
Now, you might be thinking, “Why should I care about ‘thru’? I’m just here to hit some balls and escape my responsibilities.” Well, my friend, “thru” is more important than you might think:
- Tournament Tracking: In professional tournaments, knowing a player is “thru 12” while another is “thru 16” helps you understand who’s really leading. It’s like comparing apples to slightly different apples.
- Pace of Play: If you’re “thru 14” and the group behind you is “thru 11,” you might want to pick up the pace before the marshall comes to have a “friendly chat.”
- Sunset Sprints: When you’re racing against daylight, knowing you’re “thru 15” with 30 minutes of sunlight left can help you decide whether to finish the round or start practicing your night vision skills.
- Alibi Creation: “Sorry I’m late, honey. I was only thru 12 when you called, and you know how slow that group ahead of us was moving!” (Use at your own risk. I am not responsible for any resulting couch-sleeping situations.)
The “Thru” Trap: When Numbers Lie
Here’s where it gets tricky. Being “thru 9” doesn’t always mean you’re halfway done. Oh no, that would be too simple. Here are some scenarios where “thru” can play tricks on you:
- The Sneaky 9-Hole Course: You’re “thru 9” and ready to head home, only to realize you’re playing an 18-hole round on a 9-hole course. Surprise! You get to play the same holes again, but this time with more frustration!
- The Tournament Trickster: In some tournaments, players start on different holes. So when you hear Tiger is “thru 18” but still has 3 holes to play, don’t panic. He probably started on the 4th hole (or maybe he’s just that good and played a few extra for fun).
- The Weather Whammy: Sometimes, weather stops play. You might be “thru 14” one day and have to come back the next day to finish. It’s like golf’s version of a TV cliffhanger, but with more sunburn.
Real-World “Thru” Adventures: Tales from the Course
Let me regale you with some personal “thru” tales that’ll make you laugh… or at least feel better about your own golf game:
The “Thru 19” Incident
Once, at Torrey Pines, I was so focused on my game (read: so lost in the rough) that I played an extra hole before realizing it. I proudly announced I was “thru 19” at the clubhouse. The looks I got were priceless. Pro tip: Golf courses generally stop at 18 holes. Who knew?
The “Thru 3” Marathon
During a charity tournament at Maderas, it took my group two hours to get “thru 3.” Between lost balls, wildlife encounters, and one player insisting on using his rangefinder for every blade of grass, we set a new record for slowest play. We were “thru” with more than just holes by the end of that day.
The “Thru” Confusion
Playing a scramble at Coronado, we were asked how many we were “thru” after what felt like an eternity of golf. In our beer-addled state, we confidently replied, “We’re through!” The organizer looked confused until we realized he meant holes, not our will to live. We were only “thru 13.” It felt like 30.
The “Thru” Cheat Sheet: Impress Your Friends, Confuse Your Enemies
Want to sound like a golf pro? Here’s your cheat sheet for using “thru” in everyday conversation:
- “I was thru 17 when I ran out of balls. Turns out the lake was hungry today.”
- He’s thru 9 and already 10 over par. I think he’s trying to play golf backwards.”
- “We’re thru 14, but emotionally, I checked out around hole 7.”
Final “Thru” Thoughts
So there you have it, folks. “Thru” in golf is more than just a funky spelling. It’s a way to track progress, set expectations, and occasionally confuse the heck out of non-golfers. Next time someone asks you “What does thru mean in golf?”, you can dazzle them with your knowledge… or just send them this article and save your breath for more important things, like cursing at your ball for not listening to your commands.
Remember, whether you’re thru 2 or thru 22 (hey, no judgment here), the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. And maybe, just maybe, finish before the groundskeeper has to come looking for you with a flashlight.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m thru with this article and thru to the 19th hole. Last one there buys the first round!