From Julie Riley
Handicap and Rules Chairperson
As the golf season is in full swing, let’s remember some key points about the rules of golf and fair play within our organization.
As always, you must post your scores on the day of play and for the correct tees. Please check before you hit send. It happens more than you know.
The handicap system is the only measurement we have to make sure that players are fairly weighed/matched in competition. So, it goes without saying that correctly posting your score is part of the agreement we make when we join a club or organization. Throughout the year, it protects the field. It protects the field when we do weekly payouts as well as when we are playing in our Majors or Team Events.
I have included some simple rules that everyone should know. Please review them and if you have questions, first seek out the Rules of Golf (an App you can add to your phone) or Google the rules for a basic understanding. I am happy to discuss any rules clarification with you, as would other former H&R chairs or even the Pros. Don’t be shy. We can use all our resources to help us understand the rules of golf, or simply put, the rules of fair play.
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Play your ball as it lies
1. Always play your ball as it lies, wherever it comes to rest (unless the Local Rules/Tournament Rules state otherwise).
If your ball comes to rest and is then moved by natural forces like wind or water, the player normally must play it from its new spot. If a ball at rest is lifted or moved by anyone or any outside influence before the stroke is made, the ball must be replaced on its original spot
Playing 2 Balls When Unsure
A player who is uncertain about the right procedure while playing a hole may complete the hole with two balls without penalty.
- Announce your intention to do so to your playing group BEFORE making a stroke
- Tell your group which ball you believe should count and note that on the score card
- Let the Pro/Tournament committee know that you played 2 balls even if you make the same score with both balls. The ball you identify as the one you think should count because you believe that is what the rule allows, will be used for your score. Even if you make a higher score with it.
Mark Your Ball - Avoid playing a wrong ball by uniquely marking your ball. In match play, it is loss of hole and in stroke play it is a two-stroke penalty. Announce what ball you are playing to your playing group at the first tee.
Clubs In your Bag - You are allowed 14 clubs in your bag during a competitive round. You can have less, but if you have more than 14, you will get a penalty stroke for every hole you play.
Here is a link with 15 Rules every golfer know.
https://www.usga.org/content/dam/usga/pdf/2019/rules/RulesPoster.pdf