Know The Rules

If you choose to buy a golf rulebook, you may be shocked at the quantity and the technicality of some of them. There are rules for just about any circumstance you may encounter in a game of golf, and some that seem to cater for obscure and unheard-of situations too. In addition, each golf club will have a few rules of their own, and you will have to get to know those as well, especially if you intend playing there regularly. Out-of-bounds rules and dress codes may be specific to a course.

No matter the rule, you can find where the rule is based on fair lay. The idea is that no-one should have an unfair advantage over another player, or be able to take any advantage other than the one that they gain by playing well. As a beginner or amateur, you will not be expected to learn the entire rule book back to front, but you will need some basic idea before you start playing.

The first four rules that every golfer should know, no matter what level of play they are at are:

1. You finish the hole with the ball you began with.

2. Make sure that the ball that you are playing is in fact, your ball. Mark your ball with something unique.

3. Play the ball where it lies. (No kicking or bumping the ball.)

4. An unplayable ball will give you three options. These option are to either shot from the point you began at, drop a ball two club lengths from where the ball landed, or keeping the point where the ball is between you and the ball that you just landed. All three options will incur a one stroke penalty.

There are rules on how many you can have in your bag as well as on sharing clubs. Some golfers will approach rules differently. Some golfers are sticklers while some are very lax. It is best to check with more experienced golfers in your group before you try to bend a rule. It is never a good idea to cheat though – even the most lenient player will not take kindly to that.

You should also learn how to score. Not only will this help you understand the game better, it will be useful when you start entering competitions, as sometimes you will be responsible for recording your opponent’s score too. Competitions and tournaments can be based on different scoring systems, and you should read up on those to prepare yourself as well.

As with all sports, if you cheat and break the rules in order to turn in a better score, you are really only cheating yourself. Hiding a few strokes to turn in a better result may get you a better prize in the clubhouse that night, but it certainly won’t help you improve your game. Every golfer has good and bad days, but the way to increase the number of good days is definitely not by cheating.

Golf is a gentleman’s game, and should be played with manners, graciously and with good sportsmanship. The rules are created to help all players, no matter how experienced, to have the same opportunity to play well. You may get suspended from the club for cheating.

About the author: Michael Chatman is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to the online business opportunities and how can I make money online sites.

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