rule book Archives • GolfStinks

The USGA Rule Book: Definitions

June 5, 2013 | By Greg D'Andrea | 2 Comments

Let me go out on a limb and state that most weekend golfers probably try to follow the USGA rules. Sure, we might not walk back to the tee to re-hit a ball that’s gone OB (or play a provisional). And we sometimes take mulligans and gimmies, but for the most part, we try to play the game right.

But do we really know the rules? I’m sure many of you have thumbed-through the USGA rule book, but have you read it cover to cover? Probably not. So in this continuing series, I’m going to write about stuff you find in the rule book – perhaps about things you’ve never even realized.

Today we’re highlighting Section 2: Definitions. Perhaps part of what makes understanding the USGA rule book so difficult is the terms used for things. Do we really know the difference between a “water hazard” and a “lateral water hazard”? To that end, the USGA Rules have an entire section devoted to the definition of golf terms.

There are literally dozens of rules defined in the rule book. Do you know what “Rub of the Green” means? That’s when a ball in motion accidentally is deflected or stopped by an “outside agency.” Of course, you then have to read the definition of “outside agency” – which is basically a person or thing other than the players themselves, their caddies and/or their equipment (with the exception of wind or water). So an outside agency, for example, might be a chipmunk that runs across the green and deflects your ball. Now then, what is the benefit of “Rub of the Green”? Well, you play the ball as it lies (after the chipmunk moves it) and don’t have to take a stroke. Gee, thanks.

What constitutes a “stroke” is also a good one to highlight. A “stroke” in golf is when a player has the intent of hitting the ball – even if said player misses the ball! However, a check swing (where the player is able to stop a swing before it reaches the ball) is NOT considered a stroke. By the way, if you are addressing (hello ball!) the ball on the tee and mistakenly tap the ball with your club causing it to fall, that is also NOT considered a stroke and you may re-tee without penalty.

Do you know what “through the green” means? That’s basically referring to the fairway of the hole being played (or the area between the tee and green). Though hazards (both water and sand) are not considered “through the green.”

“Abnormal Ground Conditions” is a rather abnormal one: It includes things like “casual water” and “ground under repair” (which, of course, have their own definitions). But it also includes holes made by burrowing animals. “Burrowing animal” is defined (yep, that’s defined too) as a “hole for habitation” for critters such as moles, gophers and salamanders. But the rule doesn’t apply to worms or insects. Which is a bit discriminatory if you ask me – after all, I’ve seen some pretty large burrowing wasps out on the course!

Finally, let’s circle back to the difference between a “water hazard” and a “lateral water hazard.” See below:

A “water hazard” is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature on the course.”

A “lateral water hazard” is a water hazard or that part of a water hazard so situated that it is not possible, or is deemed by the Committee to be impracticable, to drop a ball behind the water hazard in accordance with Rule 26-1b.

Get it now? LOL. Basically, there may be portions near a water hazard where you might actually find your ball but cannot play from (environmentally safe areas, etc.). So in these instances, you can play the ball up to two club lengths away from the lateral water hazard (and still lift and clean or substitute a ball).

So know your golf terminology! Though I’d rather familiarize myself with more non-traditional golf terms like THESE.

The USGA Rule Book: Etiquette

January 16, 2013 | By Greg D'Andrea | 1 Comment

For example, did you know there is a section in the rule book about etiquette? It’s purpose is to explain how the game “should” be played. In fact, there’s a subsection entitled “The Spirit of the Game” that explains since there are no umpires or referees, it’s up to individual players to take on the responsibility of playing the game correctly.

Under the etiquette section, there are subsections on safety; distractions; and how to act on the green. There is also a good amount of space devoted to keeping the course in good condition – including in the bunkers. I mention bunkers because I always assumed you had to use a rake. But according to the rule book, you just need to “smooth over all holes and footprints.” Only if a rake is “within reasonable proximity” should it be used. Granted, I’ll probably still always use a rake, but it’s interesting to know if you’re in a rush, you can technically smooth the sand out with your foot (and not feel guilty about it).

One common sore spot in golf is slow play. Players (especially weekend hacks like me) are always feeling pressure to keep up the pace – either from the group behind me or from the ranger. I’m constantly striving to catch that elusive 4-hour round. In fact, I’ve written about how a comfortable pace is probably more like 5 hours.

But golf courses tell you it should be 4 hours – why? They make it sound like that’s what it’s supposed to be. But the interesting thing is the rule book doesn’t put a time limit on it! In fact, no where in the rules of golf does it say a round has to take 4 hours (or anywhere close to 4 hours). It simply says, “it is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front.” Further, it defines not keeping up when the group ahead has one full hole between you. So if you’re putting-out on the 5th and the group in front is putting-out on the 6th, you’re still good!

But the rules do suggest some things I rarely employ. For example, how often do you allow the group behind you to play through? Do you do it if you’re looking for a lost ball? According to the rules, not only should you allow the group to play through, you should allow them to play through before you even begin your search! Yep, if you think you might use all of your allotted 5 minutes to search for a ball (and the group is on the tee behind you), you should allow them to play through immediately, not after you’ve been searching for a few minutes.

So while we tend to think of etiquette as the unspoken rules in golf, the USGA obviously has a lot to say about it. In fact, it’s the first section of their rule book! The definition of golf terms, which we’ll discuss in a separate post, is Section 2. Golf is a complicated game – but it’s still meant to be enjoyed. Know your etiquette!

Related Posts: The USGA Rule Book: Definitions

USGA Rules are more what you’d call "Guidelines"

December 5, 2012 | By Greg D'Andrea | Leave a Comment

Does it really matter what type of putter recreational golfers use? — Does it really matter what type of putter non-pro golfers use?

I was watching Pirates of the Caribbean – the part where they are talking about the “Pirate Code Book” and Barbossa says: “…the Code is more what you call guidelines than actual rules.” You know, this makes a lot of sense when you apply it to the rules of golf too.

Think about it – the vast majority of golf rounds played in the world bend the rules in some way, shape or form. Don’t believe me? Ever take a “gimmie” putt? How about a mulligan? Ever drop a ball in the fairway instead of going back to the tee to re-hit? In fact, the rule book is packed with crazy rules we probably don’t even know about!

Let me state this for the record: The USGA rules are only taken seriously when money is on the line (or during amateur competitive play). Most other times, the rules are treated more as guidelines – and these guidelines become more liberal the less serious the player or foursome is.

For example, some players accept mulligans, while others don’t. But a non-mulligan foursome may allow gimmie putts (within a certain distance of course). In other instances (especially on a muni course) it’s simply poor etiquette to go all the way back to the tee to re-hit – instead you just drop a ball and move on (completely illegal of course, but who really throws a fit over this if money isn’t on the line)?

So it’s with a chuckle in my belly (pardon the pun) that I approach the proposed 14-1b rule (the belly putter rule). I can’t believe golfers are so outspoken over this issue! Some people are outraged at the new rule, while others have already begun calling golfers still using the putter cheaters (we addressed that HERE).

Perhaps the most comical rant I read about this was from the inventor of the Polara golf ball (AKA the cheater’s ball), who actually issued a press release sharply criticizing the proposed rule!

So my question is this: Why are we, as recreational golfers, going through such lengths to complain about a rule we can just choose to ignore? Sure the tour players should have a say and, according to the proposed rule, they will. But as for the rest of us – who gives a crap?

Will the golfing gods swoop down and confiscate your clubs? Will they ban you from stepping foot on a tee box? This is completely absurd. You know what level of rule-bending you will tolerate and you’ve accepted playing the game that way – be it allowing gimmies or mulligans or even so far as using an illegal ball or putter. The choice (as non-tour members) has always been ours. We choose to accept the rule book as either scripture or mere guidelines.

Let the pro-tours and governing bodies sort this one out. Whatever their decision, I’ll consider the rules and decide for myself – after all, I golf for fun.

Book Review: Do I Get A Drop?

May 30, 2012 | By Greg D'Andrea | 2 Comments

When the guys from Golfstinks get together to play a round, we typically allow gimme putts; don’t care much if you take a Mulligan; and don’t mind if you drop a ball instead of walking back to re-tee.

I’d say we’re pretty normal golfers. Look, it’s not the Tour, we’re just out there to have fun. But I’d be lying if I said we just play however we want. The truth is we care about the rules of golf far more than we let on.

For example, no one in our foursome takes a Mulligan…ever. It’s not that we don’t allow them, it’s just that over the years, we simply stopped taking them. Gimme putts are rare too. And when we’re unsure of a ruling, I’ll typically pull out my phone, open up my USGA Rules app, and try to find out what to do.

I’d say most of the time, we just want to get it right (except for walking back to re-tee – that’s just not practical on most crowded public courses). But getting it right can be a challenge too. Have you ever flipped through the USGA rule book? Many times finding what you’re looking for is impractical in-and-of itself.

Enter the ingenious book by Doug Anderson: Do I Get A Drop? Mr. Anderson is an Australian accountant who decided the golf world needed a guide book for the rule book!

The book works by asking a simple question: Where is your ball? If it’s on the tee, turn to the “Tee” section. If it’s in a bunker, turn to the “Bunker” section. On the fairway or in the rough? Turn to the “Through the Green” section. There are also sections for the green, water hazards, OB and ground under repair too.

You literally just flip to the section that pertains to your situation and your answer will be found within seconds. This book will give you your ruling and get you on your way far quicker than the real rule book – and that’s good news both for you and the group behind you!

But “Do I Get A Drop?” is more than just a quick reference guide. If you read it from start to finish, it’s a quick and easy way to learn the rules. It’s packed with humorous cartoons that help explain different ruling situations – from grounding the club in a bunker to your options in casual water – it amuses as it teaches and as a result, you learn extremely quickly.

Plus, it helps you understand all those crazy rules too – for example, I never knew that you CAN’T ask your playing partner what club they used – a stupid rule, I know – but when money is on the line, it might come in handy!

“Do I Get A Drop?” is the perfect way to instantly find the ruling you need while on the course and a great way to learn the rules of golf while you’re in the living room. And as part of this post, Mr. Anderson has graciously provided us three copies to giveaway!

Just head on over to our Facebook page (“Like” us if you haven’t already) and Like the post on our wall entitled “Win a Free copy of the book Do I Get A Drop?” – that’s it! We’ll select three random people to get their very own copy of this useful book!

Good luck!

The USGA Rule Book: Definitions

The USGA Rule Book: Etiquette

USGA Rules are more what you’d call "Guidelines"

Book Review: Do I Get A Drop?

Questions / Advertise

Disclaimers

Privacy Policy