{"id":2326,"date":"2013-06-05T07:55:13","date_gmt":"2013-06-05T11:55:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/golfstinks.com\/blog\/?p=2326"},"modified":"2015-08-21T12:51:38","modified_gmt":"2015-08-21T16:51:38","slug":"the-usga-rule-book-definitions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/golfstinks.com\/blog\/2013\/06\/the-usga-rule-book-definitions.html","title":{"rendered":"The USGA Rule Book: Definitions"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Do you know golf law?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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. <\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.”<\/p>\n

“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<\/a> out on the course!<\/p>\n

Finally, let’s circle back to the difference between a “water hazard” and a “lateral water hazard.” See below:<\/p>\n

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