Extra holes "sudden death" are considered to be an extension of the existing round, and not a new round. As such, you can't make any changes before starting the extra holes that you are not allowed to make during the round. The example in the video is correcting a handicap error that was made, but … Continue reading Matchplay – Extra Holes
Matchplay – declaring the wrong number of strokes taken
You have a duty to tell your opponent that you have incurred a penalty as soon as it is practical / possible to do so. If you are 50 yards apart you don't need to shout across the course, but you may be able to pass the message using actions, or let them know as … Continue reading Matchplay – declaring the wrong number of strokes taken
Matchplay – Declaring the Wrong Handicap
You should tell each other your handicap before you start play in a match, but you must declare a correct handicap. If it is incorrect, and your opponent plays a stroke (or takes similar action - e.g. conceding a stroke or hole) then you will have to suffer the consequence, as follows: too high a … Continue reading Matchplay – Declaring the Wrong Handicap
Matchplay – Why are some of the rules different to Strokeplay?
In matchplay you are tasked with protecting your own interests under the rules (Rule 3.2), this simply isn’t possible in strokeplay when it is the interests of “the field” as a whole which need to be protected - and the whole field can't play together in one group (which is a requirement in matchplay). As … Continue reading Matchplay – Why are some of the rules different to Strokeplay?
Local Rules
What are they and why are they necessary? Before you play a round on a new course it is important to be aware of the local rules that are in play on the day - and of course equally important to know and understand those on your home course. The Local Rules are often printed … Continue reading Local Rules
Causing the Ball to Move – AT&T at Pebble Beach
More tour happenings that we can learn from. Maverick McNeally was doing well and facing a delicate pitch out of the rough with his ball lying precariously on top of the long grass. While he initially put his club down well behind the ball, when he went to play the stroke the ball toppled off … Continue reading Causing the Ball to Move – AT&T at Pebble Beach
R&A Rules Week – (2nd to 5th Feb)
The R&A is staging a dedicated Rules Week across its digital platforms this week (2 – 5 February), designed to engage golfers and referees alike across a variety of themes. Whether you are an amateur golfer keen to learn more about the basics of the Rules of Golf, a junior golfer starting out in the sport … Continue reading R&A Rules Week – (2nd to 5th Feb)
Patrick Reed’s Embedded Ball
He has been involved in more than a few dubious actions regarding the rules and has now attracted a lot of negative attention on social media about his actions around his ball on the 10th hole of his 3rd round of the Farmers Insurance Open yesterday. The video here is the only one I could … Continue reading Patrick Reed’s Embedded Ball
Ball Embedded in the Face of a Bunker
NB THE 2023 RULES HAVE CHANGED THE OUTCOME FOR SCENARIO 2: THE VIDEO IS NOW INCORRECT ON THIS POINT. THE NEW PROCEDURE IS TO FIND THE NEAREST SPOT IN THE GENERAL AREA THAT IS NOT NEARER THE HOLE TO THE SPOT IMMEDIATELY BEHIND WHERE THE BALL EMBEDDED, AND THIS SPOT BECOMES THE REFERENCE POINT FOR … Continue reading Ball Embedded in the Face of a Bunker
10th @Brokenhurst – Ball Embedded in the face of a bunker
The 10th is a long par 3 - a wood or even a driver for many golfers to reach the raised green. Bunkers left and right trap many shots and even if you hit the green a two putt isn't straightforward if you are on the wrong tier. Most players are more than happy to … Continue reading 10th @Brokenhurst – Ball Embedded in the face of a bunker
Golf Rules Guru 