As a beginner golfer, it’s essential to understand the rules of the game. The problem is there are a lot of rules. Plus it feels as if they are always changing. Oh, and the world expects you to know every single one of them by heart. It's daunting.
That is why I am here to help! I believe that golf is supposed to be fun, and the rules are an element of the game that should be known by all. Now I am not saying you need to follow them as you are learning how to swing a club, but in order to grow in the game, it's an absolute must.
Where to find the rules?
You may be wondering where one finds these lofty rules of golf? Simply put, there's a rulebook.
Problem is rules change over time. Your book gets destroyed from playing in the rain. It takes time to thumb through all the pages.
But time has change.
When I first started to play golf, no phones were allowed in competition and everyone had to have a physical rulebook in their bag. Jump to 2023, you'll now see players with their phones out for GPS tracking, inputting tournament scores, and the same thing applies for the rules of golf. Although I may still have my original rulebook still in my bag.
If you haven't already created a folder for golf on your phone, go ahead and do so now. I can wait.
Finished? Now head to the app store and download the USGA Rules of Golf app. It should look like this.
Got it? Fabulous. Make sure you spend some time exploring all the features of the app. There are some terrific videos, articles, and quizzes to test your knowledge there.
But for the sake of our time together, let's go back to the rulebook and start at the beginning.
Rule 1.1: The Game of Golf
One of the essential rules in golf is Rule 1, as outlined by the United States Golf Association (USGA).
The first section of Rule 1 (also known as 1.1) simple tells us what golf is. According to USGA, "golf is played in a round or 18 (or fewer) holes on a course by striking a ball with a club." Now I have faith that you already knew that about golf. So go ahead and give yourself a clap on the back. You've earned it!
The rule does not stop there though. It continues to state:
Each hole begins from the teeing area (aka the tee box)
Each hole ends when the ball is holed on the putting green (aka get it in the hole)
Each stroke, or swing, is to be played as you find the ball (Basically you can't move the ball unless there's a rule that tells you that you can. We'll get into that later.)
For the most part, none of this is surprising. You know you have to swing a club to hit a golf ball hundreds of yards into a tiny little hole...and then do it 18 times.
Yet Rule 1 is the fundamental rule of golf, so it doesn't stop there.
Rule 1.2: Standards of Player Conduct
Historically, golf has been known as a gentleman's sport. I have no desire to go into the history, so I am going to leave it with saying, it's a sport that is supposed to be honorable, filled with integrity, and polite competition. Since today's post isn't about the ugliness of classism or sexism within the sport, but understanding the rules, I am going to force myself to stay on topic. (I promise, I'll try.)
1.2a: Conduct Expected of All Players
All players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by:
Acting with integrity – for example, by following the Rules, applying all penalties, and being honest in all aspects of play.
Showing consideration to others – for example, by playing at a prompt pace, looking out for the safety of others, and not distracting the play of another player. If a player plays a ball in a direction where there might be a danger of hitting someone, they should immediately shout a warning, such as the traditional warning of “fore”.
Taking good care of the course – for example, by replacing divots, smoothing bunkers, repairing ball-marks, and not causing unnecessary damage to the course.
1.2 b. Code of Conduct
The Committee may set its own standards of player conduct in a Code of Conduct adopted as a Local Rule. The Code may include penalties for breach of its standards, such as a one-stroke penalty or the general penalty. The Committee may also disqualify a player for serious misconduct in failing to meet the Code’s standards.
Technically, there is no penalty under the Rules for failing to act in this way, except that the Committee may disqualify a player for acting contrary to the spirit of the game if it finds that the player has committed serious misconduct. Who is the committee? It's the people running the tournament or the golf course management.
Now this rule doesn't really matter when playing with a group of friends. You already know how to behave around one another. However, it is important to note that if other groups see you acting in a manner that is deemed distasteful, most often than not, they are going to call the pro shop and complain. You may feel that this is unfair, but be respectful to all people on the course, as well as the course is part of the game.
You may be thinking, but I've seen this person on TikTok goofing around on the golf cart. Well, what you probably didn't see was the fall out. Now, having said this, do know that every course is slightly different.
Private golf courses are going to enforce player conduct a bit more than a public course. Within each of those categories, you'll have a variety of different reactions. But, if you want to be known as a good golfer, make sure you are acting in an honest and respectful manner no matter the type of course you are playing.
Because at the end of the day, the type of golf you are is what another player will remember the most. Not how many strokes you took on hole #15 or the shank tee-shot off of 3. So go out there and play your round knowing that you understand the game of golf, as defined by Rule 1, and that your character is shining bright!
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