Before we get going, this is not an April Fools joke. So you can read on in that frame of mind. I generally feel I have a good handle on the rules of golf. I figured that since I have read them, that I would remember some of the nuances of each rule. Well, I guess I need to get back into the books because I stumbled across the rule about sharing clubs that I thought was new, when in actuality it is not. Who knew?
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Turning a Blind Eye to the Rules of Golf
I was thinking back to the kerfuffle about players breaking the rules during the 2019 golf season. I will not name names because this post in not a rant against specific players, but what is being taught to amateurs by leaders of our game. When I read about golfers intentionally turning a blind eye to players breaking the rules is when I get a little hot under the collar.
Continue readingThe Golf Ball and Bifurcation – Update
In November of 2017, I first addressed the discussion of golf ball and bifurcation. The question was originally asked to me by Darwin Howard, Superintendent of Seguin Valley Golf Club, and at that time I was for it. I thought that limiting the distance professional golfers can hit a ball would be good for golf. Now, I am not so sure!
Before we go further, bifurcation is defined as the point or area at which something divides into two branches or parts. The main concern is that by changing the specifications on a golf ball for professionals, two sets of rules will be develop further separating professionals (and high-ranking amateurs) from the regular player. Continue reading
Calling A Penalty on Yourself
Calling a penalty on yourself is one of golf’s greatest attributes. Golf is designed to be self-monitoring with the its foundation built on the integrity of each player. It is expected that if we break the rules, we will graciously accept the penalty strokes and move on. Some do this willingly and others…well, we don’t need to talk about them. Russel Henley recently missed the cut because of PGA Tour rule that he could have ignored and no one would have been the wiser.
Continue readingAn Opinion on the New Rules of Golf
Well, after 11 months of the new rules of golf being implemented, I am not sure that there is any real difference to how most amateurs play. I mean, some of the new rules have made the game easier and yet, the instances where the local players sees a possible impact is almost negligible. I have tried to talk about many of the new rules, but it seems that most players who do not compete could not care less, they just want to play golf. Does seem right to you?
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The Grateful Golfer 