rules

The Gentlemen’s Game

/ The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

Golf is the game of Kings and Gentlemen!

The game of golf is to be enjoyed by all.  However, there are some aspects of etiquette that seem to have been lost on some golfers.  Tony Carbon of Duffer’s Digest talks about players having a little etiquette while playing golf.  I totally agree with his views.

Etiquette is an integral part of golf!  The unwritten rules of replacing your divot, fixing your ball mark on the green, raking the sand trap (properly), waiting until the group in front of you is out of range, waiting for your turn to play, not talking while others are shooting and respecting the honors on the tee are all designed for you and others to enjoy their round of golf.

Most, if not all, etiquette rules are not written down.  However, they are as important as the actual rules.  Proper etiquette allows everyone to enjoy their round of golf because despite what most people think – – it is not all about them!

I hope everyone enjoys their time on the links this weekend.  I am a grateful golfer.

Playing in the Rain

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Warming Up in the Rain!

Warming Up in the Rain!

Well today was a wet day!  It started to sprinkle when we started and by the 5th hole it was raining.  Interestingly, the wet weather did not really affect my score, but it sure changed the way I played.

The first change I made is how I swing the club.  I generally swing at about 80% normal strength.  This allows for a smooth transition through the ball.  I also allows for the extra rain gear that I wear.

To compensate for the less aggressive swing, I use one extra club on most shots.  This seems to work very well for me.  It allows for the distance I required  and keeps me in balance while playing on a wet surface.

Lastly, I am more aggressive when chipping around the green.  The ball always lands softer and as a result does not release as far.  By being more aggressive, I adjust for the changing conditions and alter my game to match my environment.

The casual water rule (24-2 25-1) was used extensively today.   “Casual water’’ is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his stance. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player. Manufactured ice is an obstruction. Dew and frost are not casual water. A ball is in casual water when it lies in or any part of it touches the casual water. This definition was taken from the Rules of Golf 2012.

Overall it was a great round and I am a grateful golfer!

Rules of the Game

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While playing golf on Thursday, I encountered an interesting situation.  I hit my second shot on the 15th hole par five and my ball came to rest beside a tree with a red ribbon attached to it.  Under our local rules, these trees are ground under repair and I was to take full relief.  Nearest relief present a wide open chip shot to the green which I stuck within 6 feet and made my birdie putt.

This is an unusual situation, but the point of my story is that everyone should know the rules of the game.  If you have not read them yet, make a point of doing so as proper enforcement of can help or cost you strokes.