Golf Fore the Good

Maybe I’m crazy, but in the myriad of amateur sports associations across the country, don’t they play tennis matches, rec basketball games, softball leagues and more by the rules? So why is it that so many avid “core” golfers still have no clue about the rules of golf?

From the “foot wedge” in a friendly match to serious rules infractions in club championships, I am amazed how few players know, or want to know, the rules. Granted, as Michele Wie has said, they’re not very good reading. Mind bending, yes, but captivating they are not. One really does need to have superior reading comprehension skills to get through them and absorb much of any value. I am certainly not purporting to be an expert myself but at least I make the effort a few times of year to read up a bit. If a situation arises during our weekly matches my friends and I have taken to pulling out the rule book now and again “just in case” the same questionable circumstances arise in a tournament.

With the announcement of spring golf tournament schedules I always try to find at least a few hours to browse through the official Rules of Golf before the season starts, just to brush up. Competitive rounds are a lot less nerve wracking when you have a least a little knowledge of the rules under your belt. A few hours learning the basics may be painful, but less so than the penalty stokes your might suffer as an alternative.

If you are not already a member of the USGA or don’t get their emailed newsletters you might not have seen their USGA Golf Rules Quizzes. They are a good way to brush up on your rules knowledge and more fun than plowing through the book itself.

Even better, US courses and clubs might take a lesson from the R&A and their approach to promoting understanding of the Rules of Golf. The R&A has hosted a Golf Quiz since 1995 in which teams of golfers throughout Great Britain and Ireland compete for prizes. It is an innovative way to help players increase their knowledge of the rules not to mention keep in touch with the game and local competitors throughout the off season. Golf clubs in the States might do well to consider a similar format. On a lesser scale, local courses might consider incorporating some simple rules quizzes or contests into scheduled events. A hand out quiz could be returned later for a nominal prize from the pro shop. Before a shot gun start a brief demonstration of a particular situation could benefit many players.

I am not a rules guru by any means and don’t pretend to be one. I am, however, continually amazed at the rather blatant lack of both rules and etiquette of many avid players. One of the nicest things my ex-husband ever did for me was insist I properly learn a bit of both before I set foot on the course. This was back when metal spikes were still the norm. He was adamant that I even practice walking in my new golf shoes in order that I not create any spike marks on the greens (getting any idea what my married life was like?!) His methodology might have been a bit off, but in the long run he did me a favor. I’ve never felt out of place with a player of any caliber and can play anywhere with a reasonable amount of confidence.

This little etiquette quiz will seem almost irrelevant to many seasoned players but it’s quick, fun and especially good for a newer golfer. You’ll find this trivia quiz much more challenging. If the winter doldrums really have you missing the golf course try this Rules-Plus quiz. These games won’t win you a thing but may save you a few strokes later on. And they’ll help pass the time until spring.