Which Rule would you like to see changed?

A bit of a different post this one, but I would be glad of your thoughts. There is expected to be a new edition of the rules for January 2023 - not a big rewrite like 2019, but there are likely to be some changes. What rules would you like to see changed and why? … Continue reading Which Rule would you like to see changed?

15th @Brokenhurst – on a Wrong Green

The 15th is another short par 4 - a slightly more open green for the elite golfers to have a go at from the tee, and a very annoying pine tree on the left for the mere mortals who seem to get behind it with monotonous regularity. A big green so you do need to … Continue reading 15th @Brokenhurst – on a Wrong Green

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)

4th Hole @Brokenhurst – Out of Bounds or Red Penalty Area?

The 4th is another tactical hole but perhaps its main feature is the green - hit it onto the left half with the hole on the right (or vice versa) and a 3 putt might be a good result. As driving distances have grown with modern technology you need to hit a fade or hug … Continue reading 4th Hole @Brokenhurst – Out of Bounds or Red Penalty Area?

Referee Challenge: Ball moved by insects

Another one without a video, but I'd be struggling to recreate this situation. Again a real happening, this time from the Wiltshire Ladies at North Wilts. The 11th hole at North Wilts plays downhill and there is a steep bank leading down at the back of the green. I was called down to the green … Continue reading Referee Challenge: Ball moved by insects

Referee Challenge: How long do you have to look for your clubs?

The Wiltshire refs will recognise this one as it happened at a Seniors Championship a couple of years ago - it should be in the "you couldn't make it up" category! The scenario is that having holed out the player turns round to find that their electric trolley is no longer at the edge of … Continue reading Referee Challenge: How long do you have to look for your clubs?

Stones and Rakes in Bunkers

Matt has been running a Rules Quiz for his club during the lock down and he tells me that 60% of respondents didn't know how to deal with stone in bunkers - possibly a hangover from the 2019 rewrite. https://videopress.com/v/Agh5V5ke?preloadContent=metadata How to deal with Loose Impediments in Bunkers Stones and other unattached natural objects are … Continue reading Stones and Rakes in Bunkers

Standing on or Close to the Line of Play Behind the Ball

While it has always been considered a breach of etiquette to stand on or close to the line of play (unless attending the flagstick) there is now a prohibition on caddies standing in this area after a player begins to take their stance. This also applies to Partners (and Partner’s caddies) in fourball, foursome, and … Continue reading Standing on or Close to the Line of Play Behind the Ball

Ask a Question

If you have a question about a Golf Rules issue which hasn't already been addressed, please ask it as a comment on this page. We will try to answer as best we can either in the comments here or via a specific blog post so please make sure you follow the site so you know … Continue reading Ask a Question