The 2010-2011 editions of “The Rules of Golf,” “Decisions on The Rules of Golf” and “Rules of Amateur Status” are now available for purchase for iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry and Android devices.

The Rules of Golf App is designed for golfers who want access to the official Rules and Decisions whenever and wherever they want. The only Rules App approved by the USGA, it makes every Rule, Definition and Decision available at the touch of a finger. It also provides:

* Simple and intuitive navigation
* A convenient word and phrase search function
* A jump dial for quick access to specific Rules
* The ability to e-mail Rules questions to USGA experts or Rules to friends

For more information on how to purchase, download and install the Rules of Golf App, visit the Mobile section of USGA.org.

Golf Fore the Good does not profit monetarily from the downloading of the application–but we do consider it a benefit that the app will improve the caliber of golfers through a better grasp of the Rules. We do urge caution in the use of your cell phone on the golf course and encourage you to adhere to any local rules with regard to cell phone use… and always, please remember to shut your ringer off!

One of the best gifts of the season came to me early on Christmas Eve morning. My Blackberry rang; I answered to a familiar voice calling “hey” from the other end. The chill melted from my heart like icicles falling off the roof line. “Hey!” I answered. My friend had moved away almost a year ago–a full season of golf had passed without his return, not even a guest appearance. He had played every day in his new locale; his handicap had fallen to an impressively small number. I was happy for him if not a little jealous. Even so, I could hear a wistfulness in his tone, missing the old gang, the pick-up mini-loops, the silly bets and the easy laughter of long summer afternoons. There is something about your first home course you never get over. I missed him, too. Next year, for certain, we’ll get together and play a round. Until then, it was great to hear his voice.

Mid-morning I received a second phone call. It was my very dear and elderly golf companion. She wanted to get together for lunch. How can I possibly take the time, I thought? I was so busy cooking, cleaning and preparing; there is never enough time for it all. And then I realized how true that thought was; there is never enough time. There is not enough time to spend with our friends, to play all the golf we want, to appreciate the simple things in life. Priorities, my friend, are of our own choosing. I could certainly carve out an hour for lunch. Whatever else did not get wrapped or baked, or bought or dusted, a bit of my time spent in the company of one of the kindest, most generous women and golfers I know was not to be missed. Our visit was brief. I quickly went on about my remaining chores but my step was lighter, my list seemed shorter.

Sometimes the best Christmas gifts are unexpected. There’s something about a no-brainer thirty footer; the sculled shot that ends up kicking distance to the hole; or an errant drive that looks bound for the woods but kicks back into the fairway. There’s nothing like a phone call from an old friend or a hour spent with a special mentor. These are all gifts; wonderfully forgiving and somewhat magical… just like Christmas.

Recently received from Michele Weeks of the American Lung Association:

Every year we sell Golf Privilege Memberships to benefit our organization. This year we have partnered with Golf Digest Tee Times to offer a new and improved golf program. The new Golf Privilege Membership is still the same great price of $39.95 (that’s $20 off the non-ALA price) but now includes over 3300 courses and an array of online specials! I know there are a lot of discount golf memberships out there but I think a lot of folks would be interested in our membership since it offers a way of giving back to a great organization. These also make terrific gifts for the upcoming holidays. You can purchase the Golf Privilege Membership by visiting www.alagolfmembership.org. We would greatly appreciate it if you could inform your readers of this awesome opportunity. If you have any questions you can call 804-267-1900.

Here is a little more info on the American Lung Association:

The American Lung Association of the Atlantic Coast is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. Our work takes place in the community where you live. We teach children and adults how to live with asthma, and we provide support for families whose members are living with lung disease. We fund research that will directly impact the care of people with lung disease. We fight for laws that make the air cleaner, and we help teens and adults to quit smoking. We are leading the fight for air – join us!

Thanks, Michele, for the info!

Happy golfing to anyone who still has decent weather to get out on a regular basis! As for me, a mild and partly sunny day in the 50s is good enough to tempt me out for a few holes… every golf day is a gift at this time of year in southern New England!

Here I am facing the fall member-guest in just a few days when it seems like the season has barely begun. This is an event I look forward to each year as I play with a very special friend and mentor. I hope to live up to her expectations!

My brother and nemesis on the golf course reports his handicap has crashed. I say he is playing way too much golf… and I need to work less and play more. He has lined his pockets with my money and I want it back!

My new pet peeve: members who bitch about course conditions, hole after hole. It is what it is. The greens have to be punched at some point. Get over it. They’ll come back better than ever.

I think I might be catching on to that “press” thing… and liking it… it sure has worked for me this year. How about that $20 putt on 18, guys?

Practice might not make perfect but it sure does help build confidence.

Just because you break 80 (or 90 or 100) a couple of times, it doesn’t mean you’ve really mastered the game. As my friend said the other day, this game has a way of jumping up and biting you in the behind at any given moment. Don’t I know it.

I found a couple great new playing partners this summer but sure did miss my old friend anyway. Jack, it’s just not the same without you! Miss you, toots!

Dearest brother: I am so looking forward to taking back all the money you stole from me last spring during Master’s week. At least this time I am not picking up my clubs stone cold after a four month winter layoff while you lolly-gagged about in the southern sunshine practicing your game. By the way, we’ll be playing my home course. Bring cash.

Dear sister: I hope you find some time to practice. Retirement is agreeing with my game and I’m playing to a single digit. But since you’ll insist on playing from those forward tees, let’s play even.

My dear brother: Even? Do you think I’m that stupid? Let’s discuss the official USGA handicap system (oh, I forgot, you don’t consider golf a real game). Let’s forget those five strokes you should give me. I have a wonderful idea instead. My friend the pro - oops, I mean my friend - has agreed to take you back to the gold tees at the Pines - it’s nice because that way you’ll get to see the whole course - since you’re my big, strong brother, this shouldn’t be a problem. It’s only 7000 yards and just wait until you see how pretty it looks from the back of those narrow shoots to the fairways… I’ll catch a glimpse of you now and then as you wander by my tees… or not, as you might be taking a short cut to another fairway.

Little sister: 7000 yards with you at those pink tees? 7000 yards is out of the question.

Bro: baaaaark, baaaaark, baaaaark.. that’s the sound of a chicken, if you can’t tell. So I guess we can discuss those strokes now?

Sis: How’s that 8th hole? If I remember correctly, you already get a stroke on that girly par 5 while I have to play it as a par 4 from 100 yards farther away. There’s one stroke you can kiss goodbye.

Hey, you: I didn’t design the golf course. And it’s only 60 yards shorter. Either the mosquitoes are huge after all that rain in June or I’m just hearing some other huge whining noise in my ear. Five strokes.

Brat: Well, I can see that my baby sister can still cry to get what she wants! How about this: 4 strokes, less one a side for home course advantage, leaving us at 1 a side. You’ll get two and you’ll like it (I’m way too easy).

My dear mathematically challenged brother: Middle children sure can tend to bully their younger siblings. You should really see someone about that. Must I remind you again about that USGA handicap formula? They pretty much have that supposed home course advantage thing figure out - not to mention that Dennis Pines is the toughest rated course for women in all of Massachusetts and possibly all of New England. Also, lets note I do not live a life of leisure like you – a retired southern sissy boy with silky soft hands. I still have my nose to the grindstone in the office, day after harrowing day… Do the math: I am due FIVE strokes. Suck it up and give me my strokes. Waaaaaah (crying and stomping of feet)!

You whiny baby: Checking your scores tells me you must have a remote office on the fairways. I, however, have to clean the litter box, scoop the pool, do Sudoku’s, keep up with the Red Sox, etc. You think all that is easy? OK, OK I’ll give you 4 strokes, you get the fifth one on that fake par 5.

My favorite brother: I’ll take it. Looking forward to seeing you. Bring your A game.