The Rules of Golf
Periodically I will discuss the rules of golf. There are many rules of golf and many more decisions made throughout the years based on situations that have happened. It is not necessary for someone to learn them all before playing the game, however one should tr over time to learn a few of them.
One thing that I hear sometimes is that the rules can be interpreted differently but this is not true. The rules of golf are very specific. They tell you what to do if this happens. You might have different options but no different meanings.
Some of the rules do not make sense but they are there none the less. I will just generally outline and simplify some of the rules and will continue to do so over the next little while.
Players may carry a maximum of 14 clubs. If your ball goes into water, there is a one stroke penalty if you decide or can not play it. You can always play it out of water at no penalty. If you decide to take the penalty, then there are specific spots where you must drop the ball.
If you lose your ball or if you hit your ball out of bounds, the penalty is stroke and distance, which means there is a one stroke penalty and you must go back to the place where you hit the last ball from.
I have just touch briefly on a few of the rules and I think players should learn the proper way to play this game over time. If you are not sure about the rules ask someone. This is a great game and the only game that I can think of that you call penalties on yourself. I am not saying that if you are just out for fun that you can’t bend the rules to speed up play or to give yourself a good lie as long as you are aware of what you are suppose to do.
