THE RULES OF GOLF

The rules of golf are made up of three types.

• The "Rules of Golf" as set out by the official governing bodies of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the United States Golf association;

• The "Local Rules of the Course" set out by the committee of the course you are playing;

• The "Rules of Golfing Etiquette". Common sense rules when around people competing in a sport.

  All these rules need to be taken into account when playing your round of golf. Most are logical or designed to protect the surface that you are playing the game on. Obviously we all want to protect the putting surface. We need to protect the fairways as well, if we are going to have the best conditions to play, and enjoy our golf.

I will say, you need to know the playing rules, as you are able to use many of them to your own advantage. Where can I drop from this position ??? It can be used to your advantage, as long as you know the rules.

ETIQUETTE

The rules of etiquette come from the obvious need for safety and consideration of the players and people around you.

• Safety
• Silence
• Movement
• Order of Play
• Pace of Play
• Care for the Course

Safety - Prior to playing a stroke or making a practice swing, ensure no one is standing in a position where they might be hit by the club, the ball or any stone, pebble, twig or the like that might be moved by the swing. Do not take your shot until the group in front are safely clear ahead.

Silence - When a player is preparing and taking a shot, silence is paramount. Any noise can be distracting to a player who is concentrating on making a swing. This is as important in regard to players on adjacent holes, as to players in your own playing group.

Movement - Similar, any movement while a player is taking a shot is distracting. It is necessary to consider where you are standing in relationship to the line of sight of the player. It is considered preferable to stand away from the swing line, and behind the player, but not directly behind. This also gives you a better sight of the flight of the players ball should the player lose sight of it. It is considered appropriate that each player watch the flight and position of their partner's ball.

On the putting green, it is not always possible to stand behind the player. In this instance, stand away from the direct line of the putt past the hole or directly behind, and remain stationary. If you are required to hold the flag for the player, stand to one side, and avoid letting your shadow cover the line of the putt.

Pace of Play - Players should play without delay. When approaching a tee, determine the order of play to eliminate any delay once the fairway is clear to start. If it is your turn, take your shot before completing your scorecard from the previous hole. Determine and select your club prior to your time to play, be ready to play at all times. On completing a hole, leave the putting green immediately.

Keep pace with the group in front. Players searching for a ball should signal players behind them to pass as soon as it is established it may not be easy to find the ball. They should not search for more than five minutes before doing so. Once you have called players through, do not continue play until they are clear ahead.

Click Here for a sample 'Slow Play Code'

Care of the Course - Golf is one of the few sports where the player is part of the care of the playing surface. Players are expected to repair any damage they do to the fairways and greens.

Bunkers - Repair any damage and footprints made in the bunker. Do not walk up the face of steep bunkers. Enter and leave by the shallowest side, and carefully rake the surface as you do.

Through the green - (Other than on the putting surface) - Replace Divots; Repair Ball-Marks and Damage by Spikes. Ensure any turf damaged by your shot is replaced and repaired.

On the Putting Green - Repair any Pitch Marks and Spike Marks - When arriving at a green, or on completion of a hole, repair any damage made by the ball and by shoe spikes. Further, ensure there is no damage from bags or flagstick, or from standing too close to the hole or when removing your ball. Do not lean on your putter while waiting or removing the ball.

Do not drag your feet walking on the putting greens - Your shoe spikes can cause considerable damage to the green surface, that following players are not allowed to repair before they take make their putt. After you complete the hole, you are allowed, under the rules, to repair 'any' damage on the green.

Golf Carts - The rules of use of Golf Carts should be strictly adhered to. Do not drive carts on or close to greens or bunkers. It is very easy to damage the surface and the edge of bunkers. Many courses specify 3 to 5 metres or rope off the fairway so that you cannot drive any closer to the greens. Common sense says don't drive close to bunkers, as you may damage or collapse the edges.

Practice - Most clubs provide areas and greens for practice. Treat these as you would the playing areas, and repair any damage. Greens should not be used for chipping practice unless specified for that purpose.

Players should avoid taking divots with practice swings on the tees. Take you practice swing to the side of the the green. A divot will still not be appreciated by the greens staff, but, at least you have not damaged the playing surface

Other - Do not wear spikes into the clubhouse except in designated areas. Many clubs now have a Soft Spike rule. Abide by this.

Check the dress requirements for the particular club, and in courtesy to the club, abide by those rules.

Course Staff - All course staff have right of way. Usually they will signal their intention to you and let you complete your shot, but keep in mind they are doing a job, which you wish for them to finish before your next game . . . so they will not always be able to give you that time or courtesy.

Keep in mind, they are around the golf course and golf players much more than you. They know what is happenning around them. If they don't respond to you, it is probably because they are working on a task that requires their total attention. They will call you through when they are able.

REMEMBER to leave the course and equipment in the condition you would like to find it next time you play golf at that course.

One of the wonderful factors of the game of golf is that the player takes care of the playing surface

LOCAL RULES OF THE COURSE

Every course and driving range has its "Local Rules".

They are there for the protection of the course, and to assist you in your enjoyment of the game.

As a guest or member of a club or course, you have agreed to abide by them.

They are displayed on the 'Local Rules' board in a prominent place, usually close to the starter's position or the first tee, and / or printed on the score card. Temporary rules ARE considered part of these rules and should be read before every game.

Local Rules can cover areas of damage or work on the course, or unusual circumstances that have occurred that need to be considered. Changes in the designation of particular areas of the course could result in different rules applying that could be critical to the outcome of your game. Ground under repair (GUR) areas is the obvious, giving a FREE drop, but many other situations can be useful, like "Clean and Place' during wet weather.

Always check the local rules before you start your round of golf

RULES OF GOLF

The full "Rules of Golf" are available on the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the United States Golf association's Websites

Click Here to visit the Royal and Ancient Golf Club Website - See the Rules menu item

Click Here to visit the US Golf Association Website - Rules Section

Click Here to visit the Leith Society - A discussion group on golf rules

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