Golf Rules – Play the Ball Where It Lies

December 21, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

‘Play the ball where it lies’ is a fundamental rule in golf. It prevents players from using a foot wedge or other ingenious methods to improve their playing position. During competition, I completely agree with this rule; however when playing of fun, I have to admit that I am a bit more lenient.

Back to being in competition. Recently, I received a picture from Golf Meme that I thought was pretty funny. I placed it on my Facebook page so others could share in my amusement. After a short while, I began to think about the rule that governed this situation. Unless you have read the rule book, the solution might not be all that simple.

Here is the situation:

There are many questions to pose for this picture. If you are asking yourself what to do, some of the questions might sound something like:

Do I have to play the ball where it lies?
Can I move the rake?
Can I move the rake without penalty?
What happens if my ball moves?
Is anyone looking? A foot wedge would do the trick!

It is not unusual for golfers to find themselves next too, behind, on, in or touching objects on the golf course. The trick is to know which objects can be moved and which cannot. For this answer we must read:

Movable Obstructions (Rule 24-1)
Movable obstructions (i.e., artificial movable objects such as rakes, bottles, etc.) located anywhere may be moved without penalty. If the ball moves as a result, it must be replaced without penalty.

If a ball is in or on a movable obstruction, the ball may be lifted, the obstruction removed and the ball dropped, without penalty, on the spot directly under where the ball lay on the obstruction, except that on the putting green, the ball is placed on that spot. Rules of Golf – Golf Canada

According to the above rule, any player can move the rake without fear of receiving a stroke penalty. In a tournament, knowing this rule could be the difference between winning or losing your flight. If the ball moves, just place it back and keep playing.

A word of advice, always tell your playing partner what you’re doing to prevent any confusion or possible perception you are doing something wrong!

Reading and understanding the rules of golf are important. I carry a copy with me when ever I play. If you do not have a copy, maybe Santa can bring you one for Christmas.

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

2014 Golf Rules – Decisions

May 19, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

My last post garnered some discussion about application and interpretation of the 2014 Golf Rules. Specifically, Brian Penn from All About Golf pointed out the finer points of rule 25-1 Abnormal Ground Conditions. Ultimately, we decided that hitting your ball into a temporary lake (and not being out-of-bounds or in a hazard) warrants a free lift no closer to the hole and to place our ball one club length within the nearest point of relief. Thanks Brian for the great discussion!

Coincidentally, my copy of Golf Canada Magazine came in the mail on Friday and I came across a two pages of golf decisions that are important for every golfer; specifically, those who like to compete. I have discussed these rules before, but I want to thank Golf Canada for outstanding information and adding the “How it Affects You” portion. These small tidbits of information make all the difference!

Staying informed of the changing rules of golf is important. Understanding how to play within the rules is as important as playing golf. I have played in many competitions and every time a question about the rules surfaced. If you are still not convinced, read this article about Rory McIlroy who lost by one stroke at the 2014 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

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

Following The Rules of Golf

January 18, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

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!