Let’s talk rules of golf…
Rules are generally put in place to create order and a fair, level field in life. That’s no different in golf. Rule can be used to penalize someone or the same rule can be used to benefit you in other situations. It’s only when you’re familiar with the rules that you’ll know how to use them to your benefit. In life and in golf…
It is, therefore, important to read and understand the rules. Don’t depend on the interpretation of your playing partners or opponents. They might not always have your best interest at heart or worse, they might not know the rules of golf.
Here are 4 ways to familiarize yourself with rules.
1. Download the Official Rules of Golf app on your phone from PlayStore (android) or App Store (iPhone). This app is very good and intuitive, you can take your time and read thru the rules at your pace. I recommend you refer to the definition section often. I also recommend you pay extra attention to where the words like “may, “shall, “must” are used.
2. Take the online level one rules certification. The online training will walk you thru the rules in a simple and basic manner. At the end of the training there’s a level one certification for rules it golf. Click this link for the training.
3. Take the in-person level one rules training offered by your national golf governing body. In Kenya the KGU offers this training at different clubs periodically. The biggest difference between this training and the online one is that you get to see the rules demonstrated which makes it easier to understand. You also get the chance to interact and ask the trainers questions during the training. At the end you do a test similar to the online one to get your level one certification.
4. Dial and expert. In Kenya, the KGU, has done a great job of offering level two rules training. They even brought level three training in Kenya for the first time a few years ago. So there are many experts on the rules. Some competitions have a referee you can call to help with the rules. If you’re not playing in such a competition, find and expert that you can dial on demand when you find yourself in a situation that you need a ruling.
So there you go! You have no excuse for not knowing the rules even at the basic level. Even if you knew the rules years back, make it a point to relearn them because the rules are modified every four years. What might have been relevant 5 years ago might not be applicable anymore.
