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 USGolfer.net Golf Tip for February, 2002.
Learning the rules of golf make the game fair for everyone and may save you strokes.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrew (R&A) are the two governing bodies that write, review, change, and enforce the rules of golf. As stated early in the rulebook, the USGA and the R & A believe that respect for the adherance to the rules enhances the enjoyment of the game for golfers of all levels. Nevertheless, many players learn and continue to play golf without ever learning even the most basic rules of the game.
There are 34 rules listed in the USGA Rules of Golf and I believe that by knowing these rules you will enjoy the game more. Like any rulebook, the USGA's can be a little confusing and a bit boring for someone unfamiliar with it. Therefore, I have taken the most commonly used rules and summarized them for you. Starting next month I will explain and summarize a different rule so that eventually you will understand them all and will feel confident enough to play by them.
This month I will cover Rule #1. This rule is often overlooked and is rarely used although it is the essence of what the game is all about. Golf is a game of honor and integrity and rule #1 states very concisely. There are several parts to rule #1 with the first being that golf consists of playing a ball from teeing ground (tee box) in to the hole by a stroke or successive strokes with a golf club. This part most people understand and obey. It's the reminder of the rule that most people have trouble with.
The second part states that the player shall not move the position of the ball unless specified in the rules. In other words, play the ball as it lies unless the rules allow you to move it. In most cases, you must add a penalty stroke if you touch of more the ball. However, you may move a ball with no penalty with if it lies in casual water (temporary accumulation of water usually from hard rains of irrigation leaks), ground under repair (areas of the course under repair or constructions, or on or near an immovable obstruction (such as a sprinkler head, yardage post or building). Moving the ball with in the rules will be covered later in a article.
Part Three simply states that players shall never agree to waive the rules. In other works, you shall always follow the rules including the second part of rule #1. If you are not following the rules, you aren't really playing golf. Since so many people today don't know the rules, they aren't truly playing the game of golf.
Lastly, the game shall always be fair. If there is ever a dispute between player that is not covered by the rules, the decision shall be made in accordance with equity.
Since its inception, golf has been a game played amongst friends in a challenge to decide who could hit a call from one spot to another in the fewest shots. All things being equal, may the best man or woman win. Playing by the rules makes all things equal and preserves the integrity and honor of this great game.
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If you would like instruction from Bill Mory, you can learn more about him and his course by visiting meridiansun.usgolfer.net |
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