Golf Rules
The Rules of Golf can Save Your Score
One of the most interesting things about golf rules is that you are the one who often calls the infraction and administers the consequences on yourself. Unlike any other sport, even if the infraction is unseen, you are responsible for calling the penalty and informing your playing companions of what you did.
Used properly, the rules of golf can help you become a better golfer.
One of the most obvious rules that can actually improve your game is the rule that says “play the ball as it lies.” In other words, don’t nudge the ball around to give you a more favorable lie or get you an easier shot.
So how can following that particular rule actually improve your golf?
A Rule to Improve Shotmaking
Let’s take one of the most frustrating of examples of how playing the ball as it lies, even if the “I have no luck” syndrome seems to be always applied to you.
After hitting a nice drive right in the center of the fairway, you see that your ball is nestled part way down into an old, unfixed divot some other golfer left behind.
You have three main choices.
- Moan, whine and get angry at the bad break fate has dealt you
- Openly or secretly use your club and flick the ball into a better lie
- Suck it up, choose the proper club, plan the smart shot… and be glad you have the internal fortitude to play the shot, take the results and get on with the rest of the game.
You get it, don’t you? By choosing to follow the rule and not move the ball (unless it’s under one of the several options where it would be allowed) you have an opportunity to increase your concentration, skill level and internal integrity.
Perhaps most importantly, you will finish that shot knowing you didn’t compromise the game or your own internal courage, but walked away from the situation totally clear in conscience and confidence. Even if the shot turns out poorly hit, you know in your head and heart that you did the right thing… and that is always right!
Cheaters You Will See
Not everyone will have the integrity you illustrate. You’ve seen them, haven’t you?
The ball in the rough, nestled down so deep you can’t even see it from where you stand in the fairway. You turn away for a moment, and when you turn back, there it sits, totally visible and resting on top of the clump of grass it was buried beneath only thirty seconds ago. To top matters off, the offending golfer then hits a great shot onto the green, where, if they had they played it honestly, reaching the fairway would have been a great shot!
As this site develops we will be addressing many of the major rules of golf. Not only will we explain how and when they should be applied, but will illustrate how knowing the right way to follow the rule can actually help you save strokes on your score.
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