Tag Archives: Golf Rules
How the Golf Rules Help, When Balls Collide!
By Richard Todd On the 18th green of the 72nd hole of the 2018 World Golf Championship-HSBC Champions in Shanghai last month, Xander Schauffele’s ball settled on the back edge of the green. Perilously close to a steep embankment that would have allowed the ball to run down into the water surrounding the green. Next […]
No Blood No Foul, Has the USGA Lost Touch?
By Ed Travis The R&A and the USGA, the co-arbiters of the Rules of Golf should be congratulated for their efforts to simplify the Rules of Golf in their most recent edition, which will take effect on January 1, 2019. However, these two organizations have missed the boat with the recent reinterpretation of Rule […]
Poor Playing Conditions & The Rules
By Richard Todd Heavy rains interrupted the third round of the BMW championship. Morning tee times were pushed back until afternoon, groups were reorganized into threesomes, and the preferred lies rule was put into place. This little used rule allows players to lift their golf ball, clean it, and place it near as possible to the original spot, outside of the […]
When the Rules Don’t Apply
By Richard Todd I was at my local club and noticed a sign on the counter, “Please excuse the state of our bunkers. We are currently reshaping and refilling these hazards for better future play. You may take free relief during this process.” Under normal playing conditions, there is no current rule […]
Be Quiet or Be Penalized
By Richard Todd My father loves to give advice during our rounds. He’s like a walking range finder, caddy, swing coach, mental health instructor, course architect, and yogi. But it really makes my son mad to hear the constant suggestions of swing improvement and information. Do you have a similar playing competitor? If so, […]
Rules Lessons From The Masters Tournament
When a stroke is not a stroke By: Richard Todd Did you see Phil Mickelson’s swing from the fairway on Saturday in the third round of the Masters at Augusta National, where he completely whiffed and missed the ball? Is that a stroke and does it count on his scorecard? The answer is Yes, […]
Relief on The Putting Green
By: Richard Todd There’s a course I play regularly that if you slice your tee shot it’s possible to end up on the putting green of a previously played hole. I’ve almost scored an ace that way multiple times. I’ve even played to the wrong green given an errant shot and being unfamiliar […]
Upcoming Rules Changes for Penalty Areas
By Richard Todd Do you want to sound super smart, like a Rules Official on the golf course? During your next round, simply use the phrase, “Penalty Area.” This is the new term used by the USGA that replaces and encompasses, water hazards and bunkers. So regardless, if it’s sand or water […]
World Golf Handicap System Unifies International Golf
Golfers around the World will calculate their handicaps on a more consistent basis beginning in 2020. The new handicap system comes after an extensive review of the current handicap methods administered by the six existing authorities: Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU), the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association […]
History and Rules of Dropping Golf Balls
By: Richard Todd The rule addressing putting a ball back into play has gone through several changes in the past two hundred years, and will go through more soon! Starting in 1908 the rule stated, a golfer would reintroduce a ball into play by dropping it over their shoulder. “The player shall […]