The fair question is if you follow all the rules of golf? There are many different rules that govern how to play any particular golf shot. There are local rules that apply only to a specific golf course to make playing at that track easier. There some traditions many players consider rules, but in fact are not. Playing by all the rules of golf is a challenge for most players. I will admit that if I am playing a friendly match with my friends, I will bend a few rules just for fun. During a competitive match, absolutely not! I play by all the rules and try to ensure he integrity of the game is kept at all times. Having said that, Golf.com conducted a survey that I think is worth reading. I want to touch on a bit of their findings today.
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Following The Rules of Golf
Do you follow the rules of golf? In past blogs, I have talked about specific rules on gopher holes, replacing your golf ball, some of my unwritten rules, new rules for 2014, and many more. However, it never really occurred to me if everyone actually follows the rules.
There are many places on the web to find the latest rules and my favorite is the Golf Canada. I always read the rules several times before hitting the links to refresh my memory on the nuances of play in competition.
However, do you really follow all the rules of golf? I believe that most players follow most of the rules most of the time when just playing for fun. I believe that most of the players follow all the rules most of the time in competition. However, here is the hook, I also believe that most players follow all the rules they know all the time all the time in competition.
Well, unfortunately, my last statement is more the norm than most think. If you do not believe me, ask your playing partners about the Rule 17-1 Tending the Flagstick or Rule 23 – Loose Impediments or Rule 28 – Unplayable Ball. Chances are they do not know the rule or only part of it. This lack of knowledge can cost strokes in a tournament or match play event.
Most players honestly want to follow the rules. Unfortunately, many have not actually read them. They listen to their playing partners – who likely have not read all the rules either – and blindly play. This approach is okay except if you have any aspirations of playing in competition. At that point, you are playing with competitors who likely know the rules and will enforce them without hesitation.
If answered yes to the first question – I will follow that up with, Do you know all the rules? Golf season is quickly approaching and as part of my pre-season routine, reading the golf rules is important to my preparation for an outstanding golf season! On a side note, even though I read the rules several times, I always care an up to date version of the golf rules just in case I need it during a match.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 