The Rules

[The SG]

I had no idea when I took up this sport what a minefield this would be. I got penalised on Saturday for knocking a leaf off a tree with a practise swing.

Be keen hear other people's experiences of the rules and learning the hard way

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I played in a comp and whilst waiting for my turn, I was in a bunker, I lent on my club. "Excuse me that is a penalty" stated one of my group. "Really?". I didn't know. I felt very foolish.

Frankly whoever called that penalty on you is a very sad person. I know the rules police will hammer me for that but some of the rules of golf are pathetic. Yeah, yeah, bring it on.

 

[Beezerk]

I had no idea when I took up this sport what a minefield this would be. I got penalised on Saturday for knocking a leaf off a tree with a practise swing.

Be keen hear other people's experiences of the rules and learning the hard way

Am I right in thinking knocking a leaf from a tree isn't necessarily a penalty?

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Am I right in thinking knocking a leaf from a tree isn't necessarily a penalty?

You are, it is only a penalty if you improve the path of your swing.

 

[patricks148]

one thing to remember also there are as many mythical rules as real ones, always best to carry the rule book and ask to be shown the rule in question.

 

[Beezerk]

You are, it is only a penalty if you improve the path of your swing.

Thought so, reading the rules section here does have its benefits then.

 

[Berger]

Am I right in thinking knocking a leaf from a tree isn't necessarily a penalty?

I think its classed as improving your lie / swingpath. I had someone call the same rule on me when I was starting out.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I think its classed as improving your lie / swingpath. I had someone call the same rule on me when I was starting out.

But knocking a leaf off during a practice swing doesn't necessarily improve your swing path.

 

[williamalex1]

If you search old threads there is a couple of threads about knocking a leaf of during practice swing.

 

[Region3]

I think its classed as improving your lie / swingpath. I had someone call the same rule on me when I was starting out.

It can be classed as improving your area of intended swing, but if you knock one tiny leaf off from a branch with hundreds on, it's not really improved anything.

You have to ask yourself "am I better off now?". If the answer is no, then usually no penalty.

 

[Berger]

But knocking a leaf off during a practice swing doesn't necessarily improve your swing path.

I suppose it depends how close your practice swing path is to your actual swing path.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I suppose it depends how close your practice swing path is to your actual swing path.

And weather a single leaf actually improves anything

 

[Berger]

And weather a single leaf actually improves anything

Well to be fair, in my case, there were quite a few leaves moved.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

It also depends on how big a jobsworth the person is who called the penalty.

 

[garyinderry]

You are supposed to call yourself if you think you have broken the rules.

The leaves thing is a tricky one il admit. When does the odd leaf falling down turn into improving your lie?

 

[duncan mackie]

You are supposed to call yourself if you think you have broken the rules.

The leaves thing is a tricky one il admit. When does the odd leaf falling down turn into improving your lie?

When it would make a difference to your shot if it was still there!

Ultimately the decision as to that would be made by the committee when it was referred to them, or on course official if empowered.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

Whilst playing in autumnal conditions, Imurg pharted and a leaf fell down

didnt call him on it

 

[ruff-driver]

Whilst playing in autumnal conditions, Imurg pharted and a leaf fell down

didnt call him on it

Butterfly effect phil http://www.express.co.uk/news/scien...killing-40-million-with-tsunamis-THIS-WEEKEND

 

[guest100718]

The problem isnt the rules, its the people who call you out on rules that dont exist.

Next time you hit a chip stone dead, hold the flag in one hand the putter in the other and tap your ball then see what happens

 

[The SG]

unfortunately I tend to to just default to the more experienced players...its time I strapped on a pair of knackers and fought back...if a bunker is over 6 feet high you can just throw it out right?