The Rules of Golf Explained: A blog about golf and the rules.
If you are new to this blog, then welcome. I started it a little over a year ago in response to the changes to the Rules made by the USGA and the R&A.
I will be writing from time to time about those changes and other matters involving the Rules. So far, my posts have been mostly about changes for 2019, but I am also writing about other issues that come up in some of the discussions on Twitter or when I am involved with a real life golf rules question. In general, it is what interests me as an armchair rules official (and golfer).
The topics that most interest me are those involving how the Rules should be interpreted or applied, rather than which Rule applies or what Rule language means. For example, see my recent post on whether a ball should be declared lost if it landed in the water hazard without being seen (no) or whether it is OK to use distance-measuring devices in match play (yes).
You can find all of my posts under one of these categories: 2019 Changes, Match Play, Stroke Play or Uncategorized. You can also search for key words by using the search box at the top
The Rules of Golf Explained contains a wealth of information concerning the Rules of Golf. On this blog we will publish articles and discuss issues relating to golf and the rules.
The Rules of Golf Explained is written by Barry Rhodes, a keen golfer who has been an R&A Regional Rules Official since 2007. Barry has also been an England Golf Rules official since 2008 and is currently the Chairman of the England Golf Regional Rules Committee. He has contributed to the England Golf Annual Rules Meeting, has presented at a number of golf clubs and County Unions around the country on various aspects of golfing rules and issues, and has also run training sessions for other volunteers on the role and duties of a Regional Rules Official.
I started this blog because I was having trouble finding a good explanation of the Rules of Golf. I wanted to know more about the history and philosophy of the rules, not just what they say. The Rules of Golf are made and enforced by the USGA and the R&A.
I am not affiliated with either organization, but I have taken their classes on how to become a Rules Official. This blog represents my own interpretation of the Rules. Some of it comes from things I’ve read; some from things I’ve been told; some from my own thinking about it. But most importantly, this is not official golf rules advice! If you have a question about a specific situation that affects your score or your rights or duties in a tournament, ask an official, don’t just trust what you read on my blog.
“I am a golf player, not a rules official or expert. The views and opinions expressed are entirely my own. If you want to know the Rules of Golf, I suggest you read the Rule Book yourself. What you will find here is a series of explanations and interpretations of Rules that were subject to discussion on the golf course.”
One of the things I’ve learned over the last few years as a rules official is that some people think the Rules of Golf were written to make their life miserable. Others think they are written to “keep them from having any fun” on the golf course.
I’m sorry to tell you this, but neither one is true. The R&A and USGA didn’t get together and decide one day to make everyone miserable or ruin everyone’s fun. Not that it would ever be possible for those two organizations to agree on anything.
The Rules of Golf were written for one purpose: to govern the play of golf. Nothing more, nothing less.
The following rule is in place for all courses at the moment, but it is not yet clear whether officials will be able to enforce it.
Q: Can I go golfing?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I touch my club after hitting the ball?
A: No. You are only allowed to touch your club with one hand while it is in your bag or on the ground. If you touch your club with both hands at any time you will incur a two-stroke penalty. This includes removing a club from your bag, hitting a shot and then replacing the club in your bag before anyone has had time to say “fore”.
Q: What if I need to adjust my grip?
A: Then you must do it with one hand. And don’t give me any of this “I only have one hand” nonsense. You can grasp the shaft near the grip, lift the club and rotate your wrist until you have a comfortable hold on it again. (If you are left-handed you may rotate your wrist clockwise.)
If you haven’t played golf before, now is the time to start.
It’s a great game, challenging, fun and very rewarding once you get the hang of it.
The problem is that many golfers don’t know how to play golf, or even the rules of golf.
So what can you do?
Well, first of all, I’m going to show you some tips and tricks that will help you learn how to play golf.
I’ll also show you some basic rules of golf that can help you play better, as well as some advanced techniques that will help you become a better golfer.
Once you’ve read this post, I want to hear from you!
What tips and tricks have worked for you in learning how to play golf?