Rules of golf

[Bellyhungry]

As golfers gain more knowledge about the rules of golf as they play more. Would that increase their chance of incriminating themselves (provided that they are honest)?

Will someone who knows the rule book cover to cover call penalties on oneself and adding penalty strokes throughout their rounds?

If you play a casual round. What is the penalty for signing the wrogn score card?

At the opposite of the spectrum, if someone does not know they brach a rule and no one there to tell them, they might intentionally sign the wrong score card.

Is ignorance a bliss in golf?

[Carlton]

Is ignorance a bliss in golf?
Unless that person is in a tournament, there's no chance that he/she will sign a wrong scorecard during a casual round. A bit of amateurs play with a single scorecard to begin with to track their own and their friends' scores. Breaching certain rules of golf is almost certain at that level. They probably see and play golf with as much abandon to some of its rules as in a game of shinny hockey amongst friends. Nothing wrong with that.

Now on the extreme end, you have the die-hard BY THE BOOK traditionalist who's a stickler for the rules of the game and will accept nothing less than 100% dedication to the rules even in a casual game.

In the middle you will probably have the serious amateur who wants to better his/her game. That person will most likely track their own score as well as game stats ie. fairways hit, greens in regulations, bunker saves, putts, drops, penalties etc. They're more concious of the rules but they're also focused on improving their game.

Is ignorance bliss? I think that with any sport that you're 100% into (not just a social excuse to get out and get drunk with your friends while you happen to be hitting some silly white ball with a bunch of long and short sticks <hiccup>) you owe it to the game to learn the rules. Just like if you were to play tennis, basketball, hockey etc.

If you don't know the rules of golf, even the most common ones like casual water, OB, drops, grounding your club in a hazzard, playing provisionals, which infringement gets you 1 stroke vs 2 stroke penalties etc. you should not be playing in any tournament where others WILL abide by the rules governing the game. Basically, not knowing the rules of golf and playing a tourney is just as bad as cheating. No excuses for that.

You might get away with idiocy but not ignorance... :D

[Grass Roots Tour]

I think the rules of golf are there to help you. Knowing the rules better will only serve to help you get the best out of an ugly situation. Sometimes there are many options available to you with regard to drops and what not. If your unaware of those options you could penalize yourself more than necessary.

I wish I knew the rules better.

[Bellyhungry]

If the rules of golf is as sacred as some believe, should all new golfers be made to take a rules-of-gold test before being allowed on the course?

[iyell4]

If the rules of golf is as sacred as some believe, should all new golfers be made to take a rules-of-gold test before being allowed on the course?
how about this?
A governing body (TGN could volunteer) creates 500 questions based on the rules of golf.
These 500 questions should be made known to everyone ... posted on websites, have tutorials around them, discussion groups about them, broadcasted all over the world.

At the the pro-shop before paying for your round, each customer is randomly asked one of the 500 questions. If they anser correctly and completely, they can proceed to pay and play. If not, they are escorted off the course immediately but welcome to come back but only after 7 days. :)

[Golfbum]

If the rules of golf is as sacred as some believe, should all new golfers be made to take a rules-of-gold test before being allowed on the course?You can't be serious? Here we are tying to bring new people into the game of golf and you want them to take a test? Sure way to turn people off the game of golf in my opinion.

Let's all face the facts. Most of us do not know the Rules of Golf inside and out. Most of us are casual golfers, sure we might play 150+ rounds a season, but we do not play in any sanctioned tournaments. We play the game for fun and the enjoyment of it, along with the enjoyment of the company of our playing partners.

If Joe Golfer takes a drop from the cartpath and ends up a foot closer to the hole I really do not care. If Gary Golfer has a tap in for double boogie and just picks it up, am I going to call a penalty on him? Unless it is CLUB C or Men's Night, no I am not. I played a round of golf yesterday with 7 other guys who are once or twice a month golfers, they play to have fun. They are not out there trying to bash each others brains out, or beat the course records! It is a social thing for them. I give them some putts, and yes they count those strokes. But as I said, to them it is just a day out, a social thing. If they shoot 100 they don't really care.

During our Club C my group had a couple of incidents involving rulings. We handled them, all agreed on the rulings were proper and played on. Since we know longer have a CPGA Pro at our course we are left to ourselves to police the rules.

The game of golf is hard enough for beginners to learn without stuffing rules down their throats.

I would much rather see a new golfer learn the proper etiquette of the game before bombarding him/her with rules. Let them enjoy the game first. Once they become established into the game then you can point out some of the rules to them.

Do I know all the rules of golf? Hardly. I do know the basics when it comes to hazards etc. I have been playing the game for a long time and I still do not know all the ins and outs. Yes I should know all of them, should carry a rule book at all times.. But I don't. I rarely have to take drops for unplayable lies, I know the rulings for lost balls,OB, water hazards etc. I think it depends on the courses you constantly play too, if there is a lot of trouble areas you can get into then you might want to know your options better.

I agree with Carlton, if you are playing an event that is sanctioned or requires GAO index cards then you better know the basics rules etc when it comes to OB, hazards etc etc. If you have situation that you need a ruling on you can always play two balls to finish the hole. Record each score, then ask the Rules Committee for the proper ruling and score, then sign your card.

As for testing for rules for new golfers, I say NO WAY. That makes us start to sound to much like our Governments! :( And that's a bad thing!

[Bellyhungry]

I agree that it is impratical and unrealistic to test the knowledge of golfers of the rules of golf.

So the consensus is: if you are in a tournament, then the rules are to be strictly adhered to and applied. if you are in a casual rounds, it is the discretion of the foursome.

Personal opinion: I think there's a lot of belief that the rules of golf is there to help golfers. I think a lot of golfers are penalized rather than helped by the rules of golf.

[el tigre]

I agree that it is impratical and unrealistic to test the knowledge of golfers of the rules of golf.True, but it is not impractical or unrealistic for every golfer to have a rulebook. They cost less than $10 and are available at almost every golf store or pro shop. Personally, I would specify a rulebook as required equipment for anyone entered in a club championship or higher-level tournament. Whether you read it or not is your choice, but at least ignorance is no longer an excuse.

So the consensus is: if you are in a tournament, then the rules are to be strictly adhered to and applied. if you are in a casual rounds, it is the discretion of the foursome. I generally agree with this assessment. The only thing I would add is whenever a casual round includes a few $$$$ at stake, the Rules of Golf should apply unless you have agreed to some exceptions in advance. Just a lot fewer arguments that way.

Personal opinion: I think there's a lot of belief that the rules of golf is there to help golfers. I think a lot of golfers are penalized rather than helped by the rules of golf. Generally speaking, I think this depends on your handicap. High-handicappers tend to find themselves in penalty situations far more often, so playing strictly by the rules will increase their scores. Low-handicappers will have less penalty situations but will still be able to use the relief provisions for GUR, obstructions, etc., so the rules can be more helpful for them.

[aaagc]

The R&A provide copies of the Rules for free

[Carlton]

The R&A provide copies of the Rules for free
Yep, you can get the R&A Rules of Golf PDF here:
http://www.randa.org/index.cfm?action=shop.productlist&deptid=2&free=1&cfid=1559279&cftoken=99264049

Note that in Canada, we use the RCGA rules which is a mix of the USGA and R&A rules. Note that RCGA uses the USGA conforming lists for clubs and balls.

[el tigre]

Yep, you can get the R&A Rules of Golf PDF here:
http://www.randa.org/index.cfm?action=shop.productlist&deptid=2&free=1&cfid=1559279&cftoken=99264049

Note that in Canada, we use the RCGA rules which is a mix of the USGA and R&A rules. Note that RCGA uses the USGA conforming lists for clubs and balls. The Rules of Golf are identical everywhere in the world, regardless of jurisdiction. Here is a quote from the R&A site:

As independent bodies The R&A and the United States Golf Association have worked closely together since 1952 to produce a uniform code of rules so that wherever the game is played the same laws apply.

Each organization has the Rules of Golf posted on their website. The USGA and the R&A also post the Decisions, in case you really want to go into great detail on some of the more obscure points in the rules.

I think providing the rulebook for free is a great idea. I'm not sure it would work as well in North America however, where most golfers are public-course players who do not belong to a dues-paying club. However, for those who are members of an RCGA/USGA golf club, why not add $5 to the membership fee and provide them with a free copy of the Rules of Golf?

[iyell4]

... for those who are members of an RCGA/USGA golf club, why not add $5 to the membership fee and provide them with a free copy of the Rules of Golf?
Well, then it wouldn't be exactly 'free' then, would it?:)

Instead, how about adding $10 to the all golf memberships across the country to fund/sponsor the distribution of copies of the Rules of Golf to patrons of daily-fee courses?? (consider it a philanthropic endeavor, spreadin' the wealth and the knowledge)

[el tigre]

Instead, how about adding $10 to the all golf memberships across the country to fund/sponsor the distribution of copies of the Rules of Golf to patrons of daily-fee courses?? (consider it a philanthropic endeavor, spreadin' the wealth and the knowledge) Why should club members subsidize the rule books for green-fee players? Especially when you consider that in North America there are FAR more green-fee players than club members.

Private and semi-private clubs that join their provincial golf association pay dues on a per-member basis. If those dues went up by $5 to pay for rulebooks, the club could either pass on the increase in the form of higher membership fees (in which case you are correct - they aren't really free) or eat the increased costs. I suspect most would pass on the increase.

[jmr73]

I don't want to be charged $5/year for a rule book. I can't see the need to have a new one every year.... or to have one at all for that matter.

It is possible to know the rules and not have a rule book. Why should I be forced to buy one though my membership.

I agree with golfbum. I know enough of the rules to enjoy the game. I don't need/want to know the rule book from cover to cover.

[iyell4]

Why should club members subsidize the rule books for green-fee players? Especially when you consider that in North America there are FAR more green-fee players than club members.
Like I said, it's a philathropic endeavour for the betterment of the game of golf. Who better to hit up for the extra coin (they've definitely got the mean$) than members of golf clubs?
"spare some change, mister?"

http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Everything_Else/Money/Sack_of_money.gif (http://www.animationlibrary.com/a-l/?n=image.php3&image_id=8232)

[el tigre]

I don't want to be charged $5/year for a rule book. I can't see the need to have a new one every year.... or to have one at all for that matter. OMG, a whole 0.1% increase in club membership fees for some book that is only needed for club tournaments and/or if I want to keep a valid handicap!!! When will this runaway inflation ever end??:eek:

C'mon, golf is played by a set of rules - it would be nice to get a book to tell you what they are for a lousy $5.

It is possible to know the rules and not have a rule book. Why should I be forced to buy one though my membership. I don't think so. It is possible to think you know the rules without a rulebook (I certainly did), and it is possible to learn through trial-and-error enough of the rules for casual golf. But if you enter tournaments or play competitively, you should have a rule book or be prepared to learn things the hard way.

I agree with golfbum. I know enough of the rules to enjoy the game. I don't need/want to know the rule book from cover to cover. Hey, you don't need to know ANY of the rules to enjoy the game. It is just that much fun.:D

And even if you play competitively, you don't necessarily have to read the entire rule book - it is simply a good idea to have one in case questions arise. Kinda like the telephone book - nobody reads them cover to cover, but they sure come in handy sometimes.:)

[westbeach]

You know what I hate the most. When you're playing for coin and somebody breaks a rule and doesn't acknowledge it. They'll argue till hell freezes over they are right and you are wrong. Then when you pull the rule book on them and they realize they are wrong, they think you're a stickler of the rules. What gives?! You either follow the rules or you don't. There are no grey areas as far as I'm concern when it comes down to competition. It's like saying to a basketball player he didn't step out of bounds when he clearly did. Unfreaking real.

As for the rule book and people being too cheap to buy it. If you know the rules inside out, you can use it to your favor for favorable drops, etc. Or in the case of Big Break, you can use it for the detriment of your opponent. ie. DD and the caddy in regards to the lost ball rule. You may win more $$$ or lose less $$ if you knew the rules better.

[Carlton]

BUT, if you have friends over from another country, according to DD, "It's your country so you can make your own rules..." LOL

One of the easy money maker mistakes is catching someone grounding their club in the hazzard/bunkers. BLING BLING! nice doing business with ya... :D

[slicendice]

[QUOTE=Carlton]Yep, you can get the R&A Rules of Golf PDF here:
http://www.randa.org/index.cfm?action=shop.productlist&deptid=2&free=1&cfid=1559279&cftoken=99264049


Not only can you get the rules in PDF, but they will ship you the actual rules book (small so that it fits in your bag pocket) for free! I just had three delivered to my office. nice light train reading before it get put in the bag for the winter.

sweet.

[noback]

[QUOTE=Carlton]Yep, you can get the R&A Rules of Golf PDF here:
http://www.randa.org/index.cfm?action=shop.productlist&deptid=2&free=1&cfid=1559279&cftoken=99264049


Not only can you get the rules in PDF, but they will ship you the actual rules book (small so that it fits in your bag pocket) for free! I just had three delivered to my office. nice light train reading before it get put in the bag for the winter.

sweet.Thanks for the link. A must get for all golfers.:cool:

[Just hit it]

Awesome topic, but golf like other sports has so many different levels. I've recently started(last 2yrs) playing by the strict rules of golf mister bond. It's one of the things about golf you can only enforce this on yourself.

I think 99% of golf rounds are 'casual' rounds, I couldn't imagine how many provisional ball would have to be played if on a weekend everyone played by the book:eek: .

Obviously, if you're going to take yourself to a "tournament" level player you better know the rules, all 34 of them(including all obscure ones Kendra Graham keeps bringing up :shade: she's the hottest chick in golf). Imagine playing hockey and not understanding the offside rule, makes for a long game...

[BadBadGolfer]

[QUOTE=Carlton]Yep, you can get the R&A Rules of Golf PDF here:
http://www.randa.org/index.cfm?action=shop.productlist&deptid=2&free=1&cfid=1559279&cftoken=99264049


Not only can you get the rules in PDF, but they will ship you the actual rules book (small so that it fits in your bag pocket) for free! I just had three delivered to my office. nice light train reading before it get put in the bag for the winter.

sweet.
wierd, i tried ordering a copy of the rules and they sent me an email saying that the RCGA is the governing body of golf in 'my' area, so they are not going to send me a copy of the rules. :dunno:

[aaagc]

The Rules of Golf are identical everywhere in the world, regardless of jurisdiction. Here is a quote from the R&A site:

As independent bodies The R&A and the United States Golf Association have worked closely together since 1952 to produce a uniform code of rules so that wherever the game is played the same laws apply.

Each organization has the Rules of Golf posted on their website. The USGA and the R&A also post the Decisions, in case you really want to go into great detail on some of the more obscure points in the rules.

I think providing the rulebook for free is a great idea. I'm not sure it would work as well in North America however, where most golfers are public-course players who do not belong to a dues-paying club. However, for those who are members of an RCGA/USGA golf club, why not add $5 to the membership fee and provide them with a free copy of the Rules of Golf?
The reason the R&A Rules Book is free is that it sponsored (the current version by Rolex, previously by an insurance company)

wierd, i tried ordering a copy of the rules and they sent me an email saying that the RCGA is the governing body of golf in 'my' area, so they are not going to send me a copy of the rules. :dunno:
The Rules are made and controlled by the R&A and USGA (the copyright lies with the R&A incidentally). The USGA is the governing body in the US and Mexico and the R&A for the rest of the world. However the RCGA has been allowed a special position of publishing the Rules in Canada. They are also the Canadian governing body and administer but do not write the Rules in Canada.

[slicendice]

wierd, i tried ordering a copy of the rules and they sent me an email saying that the RCGA is the governing body of golf in 'my' area, so they are not going to send me a copy of the rules. :dunno:
wow - my buddy just had the same problem. guess I got the last three!

you can get them from the RCGA website for 3.50 plus s&h, but free it aint.