Columnist: Golf Rules
World Handicap System Changes
Provided by Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) In 2020 the World Handicap System (WHS) will be launched to serve golfers worldwide. The USGA, along with the six other handicap governing organizations around the globe, have collaborated to make golf an equitable game for golfers everywhere of all skill levels. This revamped World Handicap System aims […]
Easy to Watch Videos for 2019 Rules Changes
The new changes to the Rules of Golf take effect on January 1, 2019. Here are a few of the more common rules changes you may encounter.
Poor Playing Conditions & The Rules
By Richard Todd Heavy rains interrupted the third round of the BMW championship – not uncommon for national and local tournaments. Morning tee times were pushed back until afternoon, groups were reorganized into threesomes, and the preferred lies rule was put into place. This little used rule allows players to lift their golf ball, clean it, and place it near as possible to […]
Rules Vary from Stroke Play to Match Play
Provided by Rules Official Terry Kildea Golf will undergo significant rule changes in January of 2019, but even with those new rules it’s important to note that many rules vary between stroke play and match play competition. Four such scenarios are outlined below: It’s discovered on the putting green of the 7th hole that one of the players has […]
Upcoming Rules Changes for Penalty Areas
By Richard Todd Do you want to sound super smart, like a Rules Official on the golf course? During your next round, simply use the phrase, “Penalty Area.” This is the new term used by the USGA that replaces and encompasses, water hazards and bunkers. So regardless, if it’s sand or water it’s now a ‘penalty area’ in the new rules. Regardless […]
Fuzzy Thinking, Let’s Look at the Facts
By: ED TRAVIS “Fuzzy thinking, even by well-known and respected GOLF people is still fuzzy thinking.” When the topic of, “How FAR a Golf Ball Flies,” comes up in locker rooms and 19th hole discussions. “Fuzzy Thinking” quickly results in a call to, “We must do something before the game is RUINED!” Respected icons of […]
Rules, Rules, Rules
The Rules of Golf have dominated the news lately. Stories abound with professional tour events turned upside down as leaders were assessed penalties days later, as well as, the impending overhaul of many rules. What do professional golfers think and how do golf rules impact you? Golf Channel Amateur Tour (www.GCAMtour.com) player Matt Blum provided some […]
Rules Changes Help Your Game
The Unites States Golf Association (USGA) and Royal & Ancient (R&A) are currently making changes to the rules of golf to make the game more equitable, uniform, and hopefully more enjoyable. Some changes have already been implemented. Just ask Jon Rahm, a professional golfer from Spain. At the 2017 Irish Open he did not properly […]
How to Combat Slow Play
Golfers HATE waiting to play, due to the group in front of them playing slowly. Fights have been known to break out on the course, as patience is tested and nerves become frayed. During one round this summer I waited for two to three minutes on every tee box. While each of these delays isn’t horrendous by […]