I used to carry a copy of the compact book of Golf Rules in my bag when playing competitively! And I applied the common-sense 'rule' (if uncertain, play the ball as it lies) if in any doubt! Now it's only casual rounds with mates, but we apply a similar approach! The suggestion of a Rules event - or at least having access to them to check - is not as daft as you seem to think! Try reading one or two on the train to work!
I 'carry' the R&A rules app on my phone, but it hardly ever gets used. If everyone in the group is in agreement that's usually good enough - whenever I say this there is much huffing and puffing about it on here, but that's just how it is as far as I'm concerned. That's how most people do it. Like you, if there's not an agreement or we're not sure I'll likely just not take a ruling and hit it as it lies. Similarly for things like, if I'm not sure it's one or two lengths I'll just do one so you can't be wrong.
It doesn't cost me anything, I'm always happy to bow to someone who knows more than me. As I said earlier I pretty much always run it by the group before I administer a ruling anyway. Even if it's just so they're aware of what I'm doing.I agree with you. Of course, most rounds not much happens rules wise and there’s never a problem. In casual knocks with mates, it’s all quite relaxed. That’s how it should be in my view.
Then you get drawn in a comp with someone who is “a bit of a Rulie“ and something does happen and it costs you a shot and/or a bit of an awkward conversation
It might sound a bit sad, but I would recommend doing the on line “Level 1“ rules thingie on the R&A Site. No pre reading required, all Multiple Choice, all on line, you can click through it in about 5 or 10 minutes. It’s not “hard core Rules Nerd porn” at all, it is quite “average golfer friendly.” When I did it I found it quite reassuring that I was mostly pretty good.
You may find it the person who thinks they know more than you that causes the issue. If you have a good sound knowledge of the basics, and have the app and know where to look (which it sounds like you do) it can save you shots when they are trying to state that an rule has been breached or you can't get a free drop, when in fact you canIt doesn't cost me anything, I'm always happy to bow to someone who knows more than me. As I said earlier I pretty much always run it by the group before I administer a ruling anyway. Even if it's just so they're aware of what I'm doing.
You got the link? I'll ace that, I promise you.
If I really thought they were talking crap I'd look it up and contradict them, but it usually doesn't happen. Usually an agreement will be reached pretty quick. As IanM said above - the more complicated situations just so rarely ever come up.
Something artificial in pathways is automatically covered in the Rules as relief available, but a Committee can declare anything they want as relief available. For example, some courses declare all bare dirt pathways/roads to get free relief and these would not get relief unless so declared.
It doesn't cost me anything, I'm always happy to bow to someone who knows more than me. As I said earlier I pretty much always run it by the group before I administer a ruling anyway. Even if it's just so they're aware of what I'm doing.
You got the link? I'll ace that, I promise you.
I have passed the exam!
The quizzes at #49 give the explanations you crave.
…as I encountered in a match a few weeks ago when my very experienced opponent pulled me up for not marking my ball position when taking preferred lies relief on the fairway. He was adamant and very clear and confident in his assertion that he could have claimed the hole if he had wanted to - and that if we had been playing a medal he would not have been able to do so and I would have been subject to general penalty.
Rule 14.1 says the ball must be marked. Was there a local rule in place to override it?
Have you read the last sentence of Rule 14.1a?
Yes but the first sentence says the opposite?
Indeed…
Indeed, even when your ball lies out of boundsI'm glad you used that word and not me, because I'd get slated for it. The basics is exactly what the majority of golfers know, and it's generally enough to get by and enjoy the game.For me it's pretty simple, if I'm in any doubt then I'll just play it as it lies.
It gave me a certificate! I'm just off now to get it laminated.
