Back-on-the-Line Change for 2023

There has been a slight change to the back-on-the-line procedure from 1st January 2023 and it is probably more in line with what golfers actually did, rather than what they were meant to do, following the 2019 rule changes. This procedure for getting a ball in play is relevant for a few situations: Penalty Area … Continue reading Back-on-the-Line Change for 2023

Speeding Up Play

Are you normally "behind the group in front" or "in front of the group behind"? I have been around golf courses since I was born - my first home as a baby was in the clubhouse of the course where my Dad was the Golf Pro & Head Greenkeeper and my Mum was the Steward. … Continue reading Speeding Up Play

Searching for 2 Balls in the Same Place

Everyone knows that you now have 3 minutes to search for your ball, and if it isn't found within that time it is "lost". Bit what happens if you are looking for 2 balls (perhaps the original and a provisional or for two different players) in the same area? Surely you have 3 minutes to … Continue reading Searching for 2 Balls in the Same Place

Cam Smith – Penalty Area Relief

An illustration of how simple things can go wrong - also perhaps why Tour Players will call a referee for situations where you might expect them to know the rules. The language used in the video is a little "loose" when referring to "complete relief" (which he doesn't need to take), but it does teach … Continue reading Cam Smith – Penalty Area Relief

“Declaring a Ball Lost”

A fairly common phrase heard on the course after a poor shot "I'll declare that ball lost". The problem is that this has no meaning within the rules - under Rule 18.2a the only time a ball is lost is when it is "not found in three minutes after the player or his or her caddie begins … Continue reading “Declaring a Ball Lost”

Caring for the Course

A slightly different post this one, although a topic important enough to be included as Rule 1.2, just behind the fundamental principles of Golf (which are stated as Rule 1.1 if you are interested) We love playing on courses that are in good condition, but we don't always remember the role that we have in … Continue reading Caring for the Course

Bridges & Penalty Areas

Artificial objects on the course which cannot be moved without unreasonable effort (such as bridges, roads, and buildings) are "Immovable Obstructions" (a type of "Abnormal Course Condition") unless they have been defined under the local rules as "integral parts of the course". You may take relief under Rule 16 from these Immovable Obstructions if they … Continue reading Bridges & Penalty Areas

Touching the Sand in a Bunker

At a recent men's elite competition I was amazed to come across a golfer who routinely grounded his club behind the ball and then swept the sand away on his backswing. While the 2019 rule did make a few changes about is allowable in a bunker this didn't change. Rule 12 is all about bunkers. … Continue reading Touching the Sand in a Bunker

Relief from a Path Parallel to Direction of Play

A quick revisit on request to a topic covered a while ago. This is really a reminder that there is just one NEAREST Point of Complete Relief. The rules do not allow you to choose the nicest point of complete relief! https://youtu.be/iiu9rRLiYlQ Recommendation is to always determine your nearest point of complete relief before you … Continue reading Relief from a Path Parallel to Direction of Play

DO NOT TOUCH YOUR BALL (without marking its position first)!

A rule I see broken with astonishing regularity. Keep your eyes open and I'm sure you'll find someone does it during your next friendly fourball. Rule of Thumb (but not a rule of golf): MARK YOUR BALL FIRST if you ever need to touch or lift it. And please remember that if you do need … Continue reading DO NOT TOUCH YOUR BALL (without marking its position first)!