A question for the rules experts

[bobmac]

Are there any rules currently on the books that you
a) Disagree with
b) think should be rephrased
c) think should be changed
d) think should removed
e) happy with them as they stand?

 

[Deleted member 35927]

None spring to mind, but then I'm not an expert.

 

[D-S]

Are there any rules currently on the books that you
a) Disagree with
b) think should be rephrased
c) think should be changed
d) think should removed
e) happy with them as they stand?

Not sure what e) is. Do you want me to quote every rule that I am happy with as it stands now?

 

[Swango1980]

e)

 

[bobmac]

Not sure what e) is. Do you want me to quote every rule that I am happy with as it stands now?

In general, are you happy with the rules as they stand?

 

[Backache]

I'm certainly no expert, for me you have to have rules because any sport requires them to work. Most rules are necessarily a bit arbitrary and there is not a 'right or wrong' about them but are there to ensure people are doing the same thing in the same situation so no one is disadvantaged.

Personally I'd reduce the number of clubs allowed so people have to play a greater variety of shots with each club.

 

[D-S]

In general, are you happy with the rules as they stand?

e)

 

[Backache]

On reflection the rule I'd like to see changed though I'm not sure the best method is Stroke and Distance for lost ball.
Gives you a choice of slowing the game down or abandoning your card.

 

[doublebogey7]

On reflection the rule I'd like to see changed though I'm not sure the best method is Stroke and Distance for lost ball.
Gives you a choice of slowing the game down or abandoning your card.

There is already a model local rule for that.

 

[doublebogey7]

The only rule I think I would change is to enable you to drop your ball within one club length either side when dropping back on line. I bet most players don't realise that have to drop on the line as all other drops have a relief area you may drop in.

 

[Deleted member 35927]

There is already a model local rule for that.

Yes , but I believe the powers that be state it can't be used in comps?

 

[Slab]

On reflection the rule I'd like to see changed though I'm not sure the best method is Stroke and Distance for lost ball.
Gives you a choice of slowing the game down or abandoning your card.

I think (maybe hope is a better word) that MLR E-5 will go into the rules 'proper' as an option for a lost ball / S&D scenario

 

[RichA]

Laws in real life and rules in most sports differentiate between actions that are taken with intent or recklessness and, to some degree, take account of the result of the action.
There are situations in golf where you might be penalised for something that you had no control over where an element of discretion might be welcome but, in a sport that is largely not independently refereed, I guess potential rule changes would be difficult to write without pages of legalese.

 

[Colin L]

I think (maybe hope is a better word) that MLR E-5 will go into the rules 'proper' as an option for a lost ball / S&D scenario

Futile hope, I'd suggest.

 

[Slab]

Futile hope, I'd suggest.

Obv not pro/elite but do you reckon not for club level either?

 

[Orikoru]

As a rule expert, I feel qualified to weigh in here.

The one rule I hate most of all, is that you can only wait 10 seconds for a ball hanging on the edge of the cup to drop in. I think it's ridiculous and completely against the spirit of the game. We have those comedy moments where the players sit and watch it fall in, then the light-hearted moment is shattered when they realise it took 12 seconds and it's "screw you, that's another shot". It's out of order and doesn't make any sense since you're not supposed to hit a moving ball anyway. The ball fell in under it's own steam, it should be counted no matter how long it takes. I'm sure there's never been a recorded case where it took longer than a minute to drop anyway, so if people are waiting all day then they're taking the mick, you just tell them to get on with it. It's a very stupid rule.

I also think amateur club golf should be pick and place all year round, and I will die on this hill. In situations like the heatwave we've just had, you often get even worse lies than you do in winter when the grass is a little fluffy. As amateurs we play for fun and should be rewarded with a decent lie if you hit a fairway in my view. And this would take care of the 'landing in a divot' problem nicely.

 

[Arthur Wedge]

As a rule expert, I feel qualified to weigh in here.

The one rule I hate most of all, is that you can only wait 10 seconds for a ball hanging on the edge of the cup to drop in. I think it's ridiculous and completely against the spirit of the game. We have those comedy moments where the players sit and watch it fall in, then the light-hearted moment is shattered when they realise it took 12 seconds and it's "screw you, that's another shot". It's out of order and doesn't make any sense since you're not supposed to hit a moving ball anyway. The ball fell in under it's own steam, it should be counted no matter how long it takes. I'm sure there's never been a recorded case where it took longer than a minute to drop anyway, so if people are waiting all day then they're taking the mick, you just tell them to get on with it. It's a very stupid rule.

I also think amateur club golf should be pick and place all year round, and I will die on this hill. In situations like the heatwave we've just had, you often get even worse lies than you do in winter when the grass is a little fluffy. As amateurs we play for fun and should be rewarded with a decent lie if you hit a fairway in my view. And this would take care of the 'landing in a divot' problem nicely.

1. How long do you want to wait before it could drop

2. Clubs have the ability to pick and place on whenever - we went back to preferred lies 3 weeks ago

 

[Orikoru]

1. How long do you want to wait before it could drop

2. Clubs have the ability to pick and place on whenever - we went back to preferred lies 3 weeks ago

1. I've already answered the question. You don't need to define it because it's very clear after not very long if the ball is still moving (and likely to drop) or if it's clearly never going to drop.
2. Sure, but most probably won't use it. Take it out of their hands and just have it all year round, there's no harm.

 

[Arthur Wedge]

1. I've already answered the question. You don't need to define it because it's very clear after not very long if the ball is still moving (and likely to drop) or if it's clearly never going to drop.
2. Sure, but most probably won't use it. Take it out of their hands and just have it all year round, there's no harm.

If you don’t define a time limit someone will be there for ages - it’s time limit , 10 seconds is a long time and if it’s not dropped by then just crack on


As for preferred lies all the time -there is always this belief that people think they “deserve” the best lie - you don’t , rub of the green , you get the lie that’s given to you , it’s very very rare that people land in a significant divot that ir affects the shot

 

[Deleted member 35927]

1. I've already answered the question. You don't need to define it because it's very clear after not very long if the ball is still moving (and likely to drop) or if it's clearly never going to drop.
2. Sure, but most probably won't use it. Take it out of their hands and just have it all year round, there's no harm.

TBF you do need a time limit , 10 seconds plus drama seems ok.
As for the fairway , I'd get on to your club and ask them to put in pick and place as needed. I see your point , but I think all year round would detract from the game.