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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Dropping The Golf Ball
This article is not about the new rule of how to drop a golf ball. I think that topic has runs its course, for now. I am talking about a failure on my part to properly prepare for the 2020 golf season. I have identified my error and have decided to rectify that omission post haste. I figure that by fixing this oversight I will save a few strokes over the course of 10 rounds. For a 3 handicap player, that partial stroke, on average, each round makes a tremendous difference.
First the background information that will set the stage for my next move. As you are all aware, in February 2018, I successfully passed the Level 1 Rules Course from Golf Canada. I believe it was a good achievement and felt (still do actually) that it helped my golf game. Understanding the rules properly will save you strokes! Well, here is where my great intentions went off the rails and dropped the proverbial golf ball.
The new rules were released in January 2019 and I was not prepared to retake the Level 1 in the Rules Education Program. So, I gave myself a pass, but I did read the new rules from cover to cover. I think with everything going at that time it was a good decision. My intent was to take the course during the 2019-2020 off-season, however I neglected to follow up on my plan and as a result I did not recertify.
Well, I am disappointed in myself for letting a year go by without any follow up! I am happy to announce that this oversight is being rectified. Three days ago, I registered for the free, online Level 1 Golf Rules program through Golf Canada. This course is run by the R&A and is a universal course no matter where you live in the world. What a great opportunity for everyone who has some extra time on their hands due to COVID; I am looking forward to increasing my knowledge and saving strokes in the upcoming 2021 golf season.
After completing this new golf rules course, I plan to explore (actually complete) my Level 2 with Golf Canada. I missed the January intake, but will look to see what March has to offer.
If you are interested in learning more about the rules of golf, check out what the R&A has to offer. It is free and I am sure you will not be disappointed.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Golf World Handicap System – Update
For the past few years, “An extensive review of existing handicap systems administered by Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) has been undertaken.” (The R&A)
“More than 15 million golfers in over 80 countries presently have a handicap, a numerical index long used as a measure of a golfer’s potential skill level. Handicaps are currently delivered through six different systems around the world. The aim of the proposed handicap system is to adopt a universal set of principles and procedures that will apply all over the world.” (The R&A)
And now there is movement towards the World Handicap System. Continue reading
The Grateful Golfer 