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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]