Have you ever thought about which golf rule you dislike the most? If you had a choice, which rule would you eliminate from the books? This is a question I ask myself as I started to reread the rule book before starting my Level 1 rules course. After the revamping of the rules in 2019, there is a hold over rule I would like to see changed. I think that with a slight modification, it would greatly enhance an amateurs ability to score will on the links. It is Rule 4.1b.
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Rule 15.1a – Removal of Loose Impediment
This particular rule has changed play since it was refined in the 2019 new golf rules release. Basically, any player can remove a loose impediment through the green; so this includes hazards. This is a break from the previous rules and for the most part, I think this is a good change and will help many players improve their game. Specifically, I want to talk about what constitutes a loose impediment. Because history shows that this definition can be applied in very loose contexts.
Continue readingTurning A Blind Eye To Rules Infractions
I have played thousands of rounds of golf. I generally do not focus on what my playing partner is doing unless we are in a competition. If a players wants to bend the rules so they can enjoy their round, who am I to douse their flame of enjoyment. And like all amateur golfers, I have stretched the rules from time to time while playing a friendly. In the big scheme of things, I do not think it is a big deal……unless you are in a competition! Then we play straight up with no exceptions!
Continue readingDropping The Golf Ball
This article is not about the new rule of how to drop a golf ball. I think that topic has runs its course, for now. I am talking about a failure on my part to properly prepare for the 2020 golf season. I have identified my error and have decided to rectify that omission post haste. I figure that by fixing this oversight I will save a few strokes over the course of 10 rounds. For a 3 handicap player, that partial stroke, on average, each round makes a tremendous difference.
First the background information that will set the stage for my next move. As you are all aware, in February 2018, I successfully passed the Level 1 Rules Course from Golf Canada. I believe it was a good achievement and felt (still do actually) that it helped my golf game. Understanding the rules properly will save you strokes! Well, here is where my great intentions went off the rails and dropped the proverbial golf ball.
The new rules were released in January 2019 and I was not prepared to retake the Level 1 in the Rules Education Program. So, I gave myself a pass, but I did read the new rules from cover to cover. I think with everything going at that time it was a good decision. My intent was to take the course during the 2019-2020 off-season, however I neglected to follow up on my plan and as a result I did not recertify.
Well, I am disappointed in myself for letting a year go by without any follow up! I am happy to announce that this oversight is being rectified. Three days ago, I registered for the free, online Level 1 Golf Rules program through Golf Canada. This course is run by the R&A and is a universal course no matter where you live in the world. What a great opportunity for everyone who has some extra time on their hands due to COVID; I am looking forward to increasing my knowledge and saving strokes in the upcoming 2021 golf season.
After completing this new golf rules course, I plan to explore (actually complete) my Level 2 with Golf Canada. I missed the January intake, but will look to see what March has to offer.
If you are interested in learning more about the rules of golf, check out what the R&A has to offer. It is free and I am sure you will not be disappointed.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Par 3 OB – A Golf Rule Interpretation
I have a rules question that I am hoping you can solve. I call it Par 3 OB. It is pretty simple in concept, but the 4 people I asked, including my club pro, I received the “ooohhh, I am not sure”. My club pro even suggested that if he was a playing partner, I might get slapped. He was joking of course…..I think 😉 . Regardless, this is something I need clarification on because it happened last week and I am unsure what to do.
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The Grateful Golfer 