Rules of Golf

Stop Breaking These Simple Rules

/ The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

As an avid golfer, I think I know the rules of golf pretty well. I have read them several times through the years and have passed the level 1 rules test. I would not consider myself an expert, yet many will default to my decisions when playing. Having said this, there are seven simple rules that most of my playing partners ignore because it will make their game easier and they will incur less penalty strokes. During a friendly, I could not care less. However, during a tournament I care a great deal!

There are seven simple rules outlined by Hanna Holden that many amateurs either do not know or ignore when playing golfer. There are two specifically that I will talk about after the video because one I did not know and the other is the most common. Take a look:

The rule I did not know was repairing the line in front of your ball before the shot. Walking through the sand trap was an extreme example, however I did not know you cannot rake the sand before playing your shot. I have actually walked through a sand trap in the past, but cannot remember if I raked before or after my shot. It makes sense after I thought about it because if I missed my shot and landed in the sand trap my lie would likely be improved. So, after contemplation, I think this is a good rule.

The second rule is picking the nicest point of relief not the nearest. This happens all the time because many of my playing partners think that nicest is actually the nearest. I agree with Hanna that sometimes relief does not actually offer an opportunity to hit the ball. I have had this discussion with many players over the years while playing in a tournament. They were not happy with my interpretation, but when they asked the rules official after the tournament they found out I was correct. It did not make them any happier, but at least the stopped giving me the stink eye.

Understand the rules of golf is important. As I have stated in many other articles, knowledge of the rules will save you strokes! The will not help you create a better swing, but they will save you from compounding your mistake. Which of the seven rules above do you see broken more often than not?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Three Golf Rules Worth Knowing

/ The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

Knowing the rules of golf saves you strokes. The knowledge of what is acceptable in various situations can help you prevent additional strokes being assessed to your game. Most amateurs have not read the rule of golf and basically follow “guidelines” from their buddies vice following the hard and fast rules. To be fair, I follow the rules of golf most of the time. When in a friendly, I am more relaxed enforcing the rules, but in a competition, I am strict and unwavering. There are three rules that cause challenges to players, however they are simple and straight forward if we take the time to understand them.

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Discussing A Ruling In Golf

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The rules of golf do not always provide a clear answer. Sometimes, a ruling is required through a discussion of the playing group. If a consensus on the interpretation cannot be found, then an alternative resolution process engages to ensure that the field is protected. Of course, these rules discussion rarely happens in a friendly because the stakes are generally not that high. In a competition, however, the proper interpretation is needed. Therefore, a process of finding an equitable solution is needed. This process needs to be simple, easy to enforce, and relatively quick. It just so happens I have a process that you might find useful if you are planning to play in any golf competition.

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Golf Rule Changes For 2023

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Golf Canada announce five rule changes for 2023. These rules will likely not impact the mainstream player, but it is good to know that the governing bodies are trying to keep the rules of golf simple and fair. This is a quick look and I have not analyzed the changes yet, but I thought it is a good idea to spread the word. Here is an infographic produced by Golf Canada:

Additionally, I read that the governing bodies are encouraging the use of digital rules books: “All the updates will be available in the new Rules of Golf released on Jan. 1. But the rules “book” will only be available digitally or via the USGA and R&A Rules of Golf app. The governing bodies will print a few hard copies for rules officials, but in the interest of sustainability, they will end their practice of encouraging players to carry the book in their bags. By doing this, the USGA alone with eliminate printing 2 million books, or almost half a billion pages of paper.” (Golf Digest) As much as I like carrying a rules book, this decision to transition to a digital rules book is a good one. This is a future trend for golf that I endorse.

The rules are changing and on the surface, I do not see a real issue with the changes. As I delve deeper into the new rules over the winter, I will have more to say. But, for now the information is out there for all to read.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

An Update On Relief From Penalty Areas

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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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