using the rules of golf book

Question/Suggestion Question/Suggestion Rules Change Process: USGA Royal & Ancient Question/Suggestion Question/Suggestion USGA Rules of Golf R & A Rules of Golf Committee Committee Joint Rules Committee Quadrennial Rules Conference Changes in the Rules of Golf occur only every fourth year (leap year, presidential election year). USGA Rules of Golf Committee meets 3-4 times a year Voting Members: 5 USGA Executive Committee members Consulting Members: 2 - USGA Staff members and representatives from 1 – PGA of America 1 - State & Regional Golf Associations 1 - PGA Tour 1 - LPGA Tour 1 - Senior PGA Tour 1 – NCAA (coach) Past XC presidents who chaired the ROG Committee Joint Rules Committee meets 2-3 times a year Quadrennial Rules Conference (every national association in the world represented) One conference, held April or May of year prior to Rules Change USGA XC and R&A Rules Limited – sign off on final changes USGA Executive R & A Rules Committee Limited

Question/Suggestion Question/Suggestion Rules Change Process: USGA Royal & Ancient Question/Suggestion Question/Suggestion USGA Rules of Golf R & A Rules of Golf Committee Committee Joint Rules Committee Quadrennial Rules Conference Changes in the Rules of Golf occur only every fourth year (leap year, presidential election year). USGA Rules of Golf Committee meets 3-4 times a year Voting Members: 5 USGA Executive Committee members Consulting Members: 2 - USGA Staff members and representatives from 1 – PGA of America 1 - State & Regional Golf Associations 1 - PGA Tour 1 - LPGA Tour 1 - Senior PGA Tour 1 – NCAA (coach) Past XC presidents who chaired the ROG Committee Joint Rules Committee meets 2-3 times a year Quadrennial Rules Conference (every national association in the world represented) One conference, held April or May of year prior to Rules Change USGA XC and R&A Rules Limited – sign off on final changes USGA Executive R & A Rules Committee Limited Changes Effective January 1, 2016

Inside the Rule Book Table of Contents Forward Principal Changes How to Use the Rule Book Quick Guide Etiquette Definitions The Rules of Play Appendices Rules of Amateur Status Index These sections are ordered/prioritized by “importance.”

Forward Changes in the text of the Rules occur only every four years. Note that the changes that were listed in the 2002-2003 book were changes in the Appendices, not Rules changes.

Principal Changes Changes in the text of the Rules occur only every four years. Note that the changes that were listed in the 2002-2003 book were changes in the Appendices, not Rules changes.

How to Use the Rule Book Have the group go through the book, step-by-step. Ask everyone to get out their Rules and follow-along. Items listed inside the cover provide an outline for this segment and will be covered in more detail than what is provided on the inside of cover. Highlight the 5 items mentioned inside the cover as a systematic strategy to find answers to Rules incidents: 1. Identify form of play. 2. Who is involved? 3. Where did the incident occur? 4. Pay attention to the Definitions. 5. Carry a Rules book in your golf bag and use it . . .

How to Use the Rule Book Refer to the Book As stated above, reference to the Rule book Index and the relevant Rule should provide the answer to the majority of questions that can arise on the course. If in doubt, play the course as you find it and play the ball as it lies. On returning to the Clubhouse, refer the matter to the Committee and it may be that reference to the “Decisions on the Rules of Golf” will assist in resolving any queries that are not entirely clear from the Rule book itself. Have the group go through the book, step-by-step. Ask everyone to get out their Rules and follow-along. Items listed inside the cover provide an outline for this segment and will be covered in more detail than what is provided on the inside of cover. Highlight the 5 items mentioned inside the cover as a systematic strategy to find answers to Rules incidents: 1. Identify form of play. 2. Who is involved? 3. Where did the incident occur? 4. Pay attention to the Definitions. 5. Carry a Rules book in your golf bag and use it . . .

A Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf Have the group go through the book, step-by-step. Ask everyone to get out their Rules and follow-along. Items listed inside the cover provide an outline for this segment and will be covered in more detail than what is provided on the inside of cover. Highlight the 5 items mentioned inside the cover as a systematic strategy to find answers to Rules incidents: 1. Identify form of play. 2. Who is involved? 3. Where did the incident occur? 4. Pay attention to the Definitions. 5. Carry a Rules book in your golf bag and use it . . .

Etiquette First appeared in Rules of Golf book, 1888 Moved to the front of book in 1946 Significantly expanded in 2004 - The Spirit of the Game - Safety - Consideration for Other Players - Pace of Play - Priority on the Course - Care of the Course: Conclusion; Penalties for Breach: (See Decision 33-7/8) Pace of Play language -- Revised in 2000 --A new second paragraph has been added to emphasize the importance of playing a provisional ball if the original ball may be lost or out of bounds in order to save time. Repair Divots, Ball marks and Damage by Spikes -- Revised 2000 --Amended to refer to the repair of divots because replacing divots is not always the best method of repair in many areas of the world.

Definitions Section II – Follows Etiquette Section Defined terms are loaded with meaning Essential to understanding the Rules Many Rules of Golf questions can be answered by the Definitions.

Correct & Misused Terms Correct Term/Phrase Incorrect Usage/Jargon Flagstick Pin Bunker Sand Trap Bad Luck Rub of the Green Teeing Ground Tee Box Hole Location Pin Placement Hole Cup Group of 4 players Foursome Stroke Play Medal Play Fellow-Competitor Playing Partner Four-Ball Better Ball of Partners The terms: pin, trap, tee box, cannot be found in the Rules of Golf book. In order to find such things in the Rules of Golf book, one must know and use the proper terminology.

Rules of Play 34 Rules Organized by Groups Organized in Sequence Rule descriptors (title) describe subjects covered Find the applicable Rule by searching Rule descriptors Rules of Golf sequence: Description of game and two primary formats, match play always comes first, traditional form of play. Before we play, need to know about the equipment we use. What are the player’s responsibilities? Prior to starting, order of play must be determined. Game is started at the teeing ground. We play the ball to the putting green. The putting green has some unique features. Rules 18-28 deals with things that might go wrong, how does the player proceed? Other forms of play. Golf event administration

Rules Organization The Game Clubs and the Ball Player’s Responsibilities Order of Play Teeing Ground Playing the Ball The Putting Green Ball Moved, Deflected or Stopped Relief Situations and Procedure Other Forms of Play Administration Rules of Golf sequence: Description of game and two primary formats, match play always comes first, traditional form of play. Before we play, need to know about the equipment we use. What are the player’s responsibilities? Prior to starting, order of play must be determined. Game is started at the teeing ground. We play the ball to the putting green. The putting green has some unique features. Rules 18-28 deals with things that might go wrong, how does the player proceed? Other forms of play. Golf event administration

Rules Organization The Game Rules 1, 2 & 3 Clubs and the Ball Rules 4 & 5 Player’s Responsibilities Rules 6, 7, 8 & 9 Order of Play Rule 10 Teeing Ground Rule 11 Playing the Ball Rules 12, 13, 14 & 15 The Putting Green Rules 16 & 17 Ball Moved, Deflected or Stopped Rules 18 & 19 Relief Situations and Procedure Rules 20 through 28 Other Forms of Play Rules 29, 30, 31 & 32 Administration Rules 33 & 34 Rules of Golf sequence: Description of game and two primary formats, match play always comes first, traditional form of play. Before we play, need to know about the equipment we use. What are the player’s responsibilities? Prior to starting, order of play must be determined. Game is started at the teeing ground. We play the ball to the putting green. The putting green has some unique features. Rules 18-28 deals with things that might go wrong, how does the player proceed? Other forms of play. Golf event administration

Index Back of book – Pages 205 to 231 Topics arranged alphabetically Reference to Rule number Reference to page number Several references may lead to the same source The Index has much more detail than the Contents. There may be more than one key word which will lead the reader to the appropriate Rule.

PRACTICE – Index A player’s ball is in an obstruction and isn’t found. Key terms? Index page? Rule & Page? Step through question #1 with the class – identify possible key terms, then find terms in the index, etc. Answer: #1 Key terms: Lost Ball; Obstruction Index Pages: 168 & 170 Rule: 24-3 Page: 73

PRACTICE – Index A player’s ball is in an obstruction and isn’t found. Key terms? Obstruction: ball not found Lost Ball: obstruction Index page? 221 218 Rule & Page? Rule 24-3 page 108 Step through question #1 with the class – identify possible key terms, then find terms in the index, etc. Answer: #1 Key terms: Lost Ball; Obstruction Index Pages: 168 & 170 Rule: 24-3 Page: 73

PRACTICE – Index A player would like to borrow his partner’s putter on the 10th hole. Key terms? Index page? Rule & Page? Step through question #2 with the class – identify possible key terms, then find terms in the index, etc. Answer: #2 Key terms: Clubs; borrowing or sharing Index page: III Rule 4-4b Page 19

PRACTICE – Index A player would like to borrow his partner’s putter on the 10th hole. Key terms? Clubs: borrowing Clubs: shared by partners Partner: sharing clubs Index page? 209 209 222 Rule & Page? Rule 4-4a page 55 Rule 4-4b page 55-56 Step through question #2 with the class – identify possible key terms, then find terms in the index, etc. Answer: #2 Key terms: Clubs; borrowing or sharing Index page: III Rule 4-4b Page 19

Summary Approximately 27,000 words Includes – (Etiquette, Rules, Appendices, Rules of Amateur Status) Verbally efficient Grammatically correct

Strategies for Understanding Page numbers at top – white Rule numbers at top – blue Understand key words (may, must, etc) Defined terms are in italics Match play is first, then stroke play Penalty statements are in red Know the FOUR parts of the course Unpack the compound sentences Identify the general principle & keep it first in your mind Page numbers black. Rule numbers blue. Each italicized word can be found in the Definitions section of the Rules of Golf booklet.

Understand Key Words & Terms may optional (ex: Rule 21) These words are listed inside the front cover of the ROG booklet (except “deemed”). Have class go to each Rule listed and read the Rule to emphasize the specific use of this language.

Understand Key Words & Terms may optional (ex: Rule 21) should recommendation, not required (ex: Rule 12-2) These words are listed inside the front cover of the ROG booklet (except “deemed”). Have class go to each Rule listed and read the Rule to emphasize the specific use of this language.

Understand Key Words & Terms may optional (ex: Rule 21) should recommendation, not required (ex: Rule 12-2) must instruction, penalty if not carried out (ex: Rule 15-1) a ball you may substitute another ball (e.g., Rules 26, 27, 28) the ball you may not substitute another ball (e.g., Rules 24-2 or 25-1) deemed judged to be (treated as) (ex: Rule 18-2b) These words are listed inside the front cover of the ROG booklet (except “deemed”). Have class go to each Rule listed and read the Rule to emphasize the specific use of this language.

Understand Key Words & Terms Match Play only Opponent Threesome Dormie Three-Ball Concession Best-Ball Half or Halved Stroke Play only Competitor Fellow-Competitor Marker Score Card These words are listed inside the front cover of the ROG booklet (except “deemed”). Have class go to each Rule listed and read the Rule to emphasize the specific use of this language.

Defined Terms in Italics 25-1. Abnormal Ground Conditions a. Interference Interference by an abnormal ground condition occurs when a ball lies in or touches the condition or when the condition interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing. If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if an abnormal ground condition on the putting green intervenes on his line of putt.... These words are listed inside the front cover of the ROG booklet (except “deemed”). Have class go to each Rule listed and read the Rule to emphasize the specific use of this language.

Defined Terms in Italics 25-1. Abnormal Ground Conditions a. Interference Interference by an abnormal ground condition occurs when a ball lies in or touches the condition or when the condition interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing. If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if an abnormal ground condition on the putting green intervenes on his line of putt.... These words are listed inside the front cover of the ROG booklet (except “deemed”). Have class go to each Rule listed and read the Rule to emphasize the specific use of this language.

Match Play, then Stroke Play Rule 6-2. Handicap a. Match Play Before starting a match in a handicap competition, the players should determine from one another their respective handicaps. If a player begins a match having declared a handicap higher than that to which he is entitled and this affects the number of strokes given or received, he is disqualified; otherwise, the player must play off the declared handicap.   b. Stroke Play In any round of a handicap competition, the competitor must ensure that his handicap is recorded on his score card before it is returned to the Committee. If no handicap is recorded on his score card before it is returned (Rule 6-6b), or if the recorded handicap is higher than that to which he is entitled and this affects the number of strokes received, he is disqualified from the handicap competition; otherwise, the score stands. Note: It is the player’s responsibility to know the holes at which handicap strokes are to be given or received. These words are listed inside the front cover of the ROG booklet (except “deemed”). Have class go to each Rule listed and read the Rule to emphasize the specific use of this language.

Match Play, then Stroke Play Rule 19-5a. Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped a. At Rest If a player’s ball in motion after a stroke is deflected or stopped by a ball in play and at rest, the player must play his ball as it lies. In match play, there is no penalty. In stroke play, there is no penalty unless both balls lay on the putting green prior to the stroke, in which case the player incurs a penalty of two strokes. - Look for Match Play and Stroke Play being treated differently - If it doesn’t say Match & Stroke Play are treated differently, they aren’t. These words are listed inside the front cover of the ROG booklet (except “deemed”). Have class go to each Rule listed and read the Rule to emphasize the specific use of this language.

Penalty Statements in RED Rule 20-5. Making Next Stroke From Where Previous Stroke Made When a player elects or is required to make his next stroke from where a previous stroke was made, he must proceed as follows: (a) On the Teeing Ground: The ball to be played must be played from within the teeing ground. It may be played from anywhere within the teeing ground and it may be teed. (b) Through the Green: The ball to be played must be dropped and when dropped must first strike a part of the course through the green. (c) In a Hazard: The ball to be played must be dropped and when dropped must first strike a part of the course in the hazard. (c) On the Putting Green: The ball to be played must be placed on the putting green. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 20-5: Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes. Match play is always listed first in the Rules of Golf. Match play is the traditional form of play. Stroke play is a recent phenomenon brought about primarily by television.

Penalty Statements in RED Rule 18-2. Ball At Rest Moved by Player, Partner, Caddie . . . When a player’s ball is in play, if: (i) the player, his partner or either of their caddies lifts or moves it, touches it purposely (except with a club in the act of addressing it) or causes it to move except as permitted by a Rule, or (ii) equipment of the player or his partner causes the ball to move,  the player incurs a penalty of one stroke. If the ball is moved, it must be replaced unless the movement of the ball occurs after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of the club for the stroke and the stroke is made. Match play is always listed first in the Rules of Golf. Match play is the traditional form of play. Stroke play is a recent phenomenon brought about primarily by television.

Know the 4 Parts of the Course The TEEING GROUND THROUGH THE GREEN HAZARDS The PUTTING GREEN Match play is always listed first in the Rules of Golf. Match play is the traditional form of play. Stroke play is a recent phenomenon brought about primarily by television.

Know the 4 Parts of the Course Know the different ways the FOUR parts of the course are referred to in the Rules Through the Green In a Hazard Except in a Hazard = The Teeing Ground Through the Green Hazards The Putting Green Match play is always listed first in the Rules of Golf. Match play is the traditional form of play. Stroke play is a recent phenomenon brought about primarily by television.

Know the 4 Parts of the Course Know the different ways the FOUR parts of the course are referred to in the Rules Through the Green In a Hazard Except in a Hazard Not on the Putting Green = The Teeing Ground Through the Green Hazards The Putting Green Match play is always listed first in the Rules of Golf. Match play is the traditional form of play. Stroke play is a recent phenomenon brought about primarily by television.

Know the 4 Parts of the Course Know the different ways the FOUR parts of the course are referred to in the Rules Through the Green In a Hazard Except in a Hazard Not on the Putting Green Not on the Putting Green or in a Hazard = The Teeing Ground Through the Green Hazards The Putting Green Match play is always listed first in the Rules of Golf. Match play is the traditional form of play. Stroke play is a recent phenomenon brought about primarily by television.

Know the 4 Parts of the Course Know the different ways the FOUR parts of the course are referred to in the Rules Through the Green In a Hazard Except in a Hazard = Not on the Putting Green Not on the Putting Green or in a Hazard Elsewhere (Rule 21) Match play is always listed first in the Rules of Golf. Match play is the traditional form of play. Stroke play is a recent phenomenon brought about primarily by television. “A ball on the putting green may be cleaned when lifted under Rule 16-1b. Elsewhere, a ball may be cleaned...”

Unpack the Compound Sentences DEFINITION: Advice “Advice” is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke. One sentence 27 words Six unique meanings

Unpack the Compound Sentences DEFINITION: Advice “Advice” is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke. 1. “Advice” is any counsel that could influence a player in determining his play.

Unpack the Compound Sentences DEFINITION: Advice “Advice” is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke. 1. “Advice” is any counsel that could influence a player in determining his play. 2. "Advice" is any counsel that could influence a player in determining the choice of a club

Unpack the Compound Sentences DEFINITION: Advice “Advice” is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke. 1. “Advice” is any counsel that could influence a player in determining his play. 2. "Advice" is any counsel that could influence a player in determining the choice of a club 3. "Advice" is any counsel that could influence a player in determining the method of making a stroke.

Unpack the Compound Sentences DEFINITION: Advice “Advice” is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke. 1. “Advice” is any counsel that could influence a player in determining his play. 2. "Advice" is any counsel that could influence a player in determining the choice of a club 3. "Advice" is any counsel that could influence a player in determining the method of making a stroke. 4. "Advice" is any suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play 5. "Advice" is any suggestion that could influence a player in determining the choice of a club. 6. "Advice" is any suggestion that could influence a player in determining the method of making a stroke.

Identify the General Principle Rule 23-1. Loose Impediments, Relief Except when both the loose impediment and the ball lie in or touch the same hazard, any loose impediment may be removed without penalty.

The general is true MOST of the time Identify the General Principle Rule 23-1. Loose Impediments, Relief Except when both the loose impediment and the ball lie in or touch the same hazard, any loose impediment may be removed without penalty. The general is true MOST of the time Often >99% of the time

Identify the Form of Play Single Match Play Individual Stroke Play Other Forms of Play (Rules 29 - 32) Rule 29. Threesomes and Foursomes Rule 30. Three-Ball, Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play Rule 31. Four-Ball Stroke Play Rule 32. Bogey, Par and Stableford Competitions Match play is always listed first in the Rules of Golf. Match play is the traditional form of play. Stroke play is a recent phenomenon brought about primarily by television.

Strategies for Understanding Rules assume honesty Rules assume knowledge Some Rules require an announcement R. 27-2 Provisional Ball R. 5-3 Ball Unfit for Play R. 12-2 Identifying Ball Assume honesty -- Rules cannot prevent “cheating.” Players are responsible for application of the Rules. Assume knowledge--players are not excused from penalty simply because they do not know the Rule. Intent – provide an example such as the definition of a stroke. Highlight the situations listed that require/suggest announcement.

The Story of the Leaf - Part 1 Teeing Ground Prior to the first stroke from the teeing ground the player’s ball is accidentally knocked off the tee in the process of removing a leaf. No penalty Rule 18-2a (ball is not yet “in play”) Possibly use students in the example of playing through the situations outlined in the Fable.

The Story of the Leaf - Part 2 Through The Green The player moves a leaf near his ball in the rough and the removal causes the ball to move. 1 stroke penalty, replace the ball Rule 18-2a Similar to the event that occurred on the teeing ground -- no penalty, however through the green -- one penalty stroke and ball is replaced.

The Story of the Leaf - Part 3 Bunker (or Water Hazard) The player’s ball is in a bunker when he removes a leaf that is in the same bunker. Loss of hole (match play) 2 strokes (stroke play) Rule 13-4c, 23-1 If the ball moves when the loose impediment is moved see Decision 1-4/15 – 2 penalty strokes in total if the ball is replaced, 4 penalty strokes if the ball is not replaced.

The Story of the Leaf - Part 4 Putting Green The player, in the process of removing a leaf on a putting green, accidentally moves the ball. No penalty, replace Rule 23-1 Very different outcome than when ball was through the green or in a hazard.

The Rules of Golf Booklet Small on purpose Carry it in your golf bag It will fit in your pocket Rules knowledge can save you strokes and help you avoid penalties Majority of the time, when two players of equal ability compete, one player knows the Rules the other doesn’t; the player who knows the Rules will win.