Red and Yellow stakes are often confused. Most amateurs who do not understand the rules and drop the ball within 2 club lengths of their point of entry into the hazard and then just carry on. They often ask the question about the number of penalty stokes they must count and sometimes ‘forget’ the penalty all together. For the weekend golfer who does not really care that much about their score, it really does not matter. However, when playing in a competition it is important to understand your options in order to avoid unnecessary penalty added to your overall score.
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Counting Clubs Before A Tournament
Playing in a golf tournament requires some preparation on the competitors part to ensure they are ready. There are many aspects of prep that require attention, but one specific rule is often overlooked by amateurs and professionals alike. The rule that many players overlook prior to teeing it up on the first tee is to ensure they are carrying no more that 14 clubs. Yes, you read it right…..14 clubs. I bet you are wondering why.
Continue readingThe Dilemma of Golf
Every golfer has to deal with the dilemma of golf. The challenge is not whether to play more, practice more or to fully commit to this amazing sport, but it hovers on the moral challenges golfers face each time we tee up. Golf is a self regulating game that requires each player to, first and foremost, be their own rules official and secondly to provide over watch of the players in your group. Regardless, of which of these situations you are faced with on the course, each player is expected to play with the highest level of integrity and honour. For me, I have two standards. One during a friendly and one during a competition. I realize I should not have a double standard, but I am not afraid to admit that I do and ultimately, I think you do as well.
Continue readingDo You Roll Your Golf Ball?
Golf is a play it as it lies game. The rules are very specific about playing our golf ball down and absorbing the good and poor lies the golf course has to offer. This rule is critical in competitive matches, but is it really that important when playing a friendly match with your buddies? We play winter rules at the courses I play until mid June. The reason for this minor rule adjustment is because the golf courses in my region are waking from a long winters nap and need time to grow without excessive damage caused by playing out of new growth. Therefore, is rolling the ball a good idea or not?
Continue readingLine Of Sight Relief From An Obstruction
It is not uncommon for golf courses to have permanent obstructions on a golf course, like a fence. There are many reasons to have these obstructions especially when holes run parrallel to each other. At Osprey Links, there are two fences that come into play quite often. One is on the 3rd/6th hole and 18/1st hole. I have found myself having to take relief from these permanent obstructions more than I care to talk about. 😉 After finding myself close to these obstructions, I followed a process to take relief, but if you do not know the process, then you might inadvertently incur penalty strokes you do not need.
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The Grateful Golfer 