Rules again

[bobmac]

Every now and then, questions on the rules are asked and although it's everyone's responsibility to try and learn as many as they can, the forum is a good place to ask.
I hear stories all the time of newbies being told a ruling in no uncertain terms only to discover they were wrong all along.
It's difficult to argue with someone when your not sure about a specific ruling, so here's the answer.

You carry a rule book in your golf bag.
You dont need to learn every word.
When someone tells you a ruling and you're not sure if they are right or not, take out the book, hand it to them and ask them to show you the ruling.
A bit sneaky but it saves alot of argueing and time wasting on the course

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have always carried a copy of the frebie version in my bag. It stays in a sandwich bag to keep it dry and is there in case there is any contention in a competition. I'm no rules guru but at least it gives my group a chance to make a sane decision based on what the rules say and at the very least try and do what is fair to the rest of the field. Its common sense really. It takes up no room at all in any bag and should save a lot of unpleasantness as described elsewhere. It would also stop newbies to golf being mis-informed by know it alls or should that be know it nots

 

[backwoodsman]

Sorry guys, but a copy of the rules ain't enough!

I always carry a Rules Official and a copy of the "Decisions" in my bag. Just to make sure...

 

[USER1999]

I like to delay the whole course while I wait for John Paramour to arrive. It normally only takes a couple of weeks, so no need to let people through in the mean time.

 

[bernix]

i assume you dont carry your bag, do you

 

[viscount17]

Rule book a la Homer in a plastic bag on the trolley bag but it's remembering to transfer it to the carry bag.

Neither bag is big enough for the Decisions!


adopting the basic rule of play it as it lies gets you out of most problems. just wish the pros would!

 

[Fyldewhite]

One of the most important rules to know in stroke play is the procedure for playing two balls and seeking a decision from the committee before handing in your card. It means you can carry on sure in the knowledge that you have done the right thing and not having that nagging doubt about if you dropped in the right place or if it was a penalty etc.