How many of you actually have a rule book and know the rules of golf?

[TaylorMadeAP25]

Topic says it all, im in school and im in my advanced rules class and let me tell you, you can actually save strokes from your score if you know your rules. Im thinkn about posting a weekly situation in rules and seeing what everyone would do.

[grabthepin]

It's not all rosey. You also get to penalize yourself for situations most of the field would either have no idea about or overlook.

[InTheHole]

I've read mine. I find that I have to read it over and over to commit any of it to memory, though.

I find most of the rules to be at least loosley based on common sense but I think my problem is that most of them do not come into play in the average round of golf, so you forget about them.

It would be great if there was a rules class the average golfer could take. I've suggested it to a couple of teaching pros in my area, but they all say the same thing- not enough interest. They just incorporate the major rules into their regular teaching.

[dannybsj]

I count on guys like you to know the ones that aren't encountered much.

[tpariff]

I keep a current rules book in my bag at all times. I'd say my knowledge of the rules is 6-7 on a scale of 10. I know most of the basic rules (hazards, drops, etc) but on some of the more obscure ones I need to check the book or get help.

At some point I'm going to take a rules class with the Florida State Golf Association.

Kevin

[bigred90gt]

I dont carry a rule book, but I do have the USGA Rules of Golf app on my blackberry that I can use for reference.

[Sawgrass]

I'm interested in learning the answer to your question as to what percentage of golfers own a rule book, but I suspect that you won't get an adequate/projectable answer here on a rules forum.

I do know that everyone who is a member of the USGA has one, or at least was provided with one.

Regarding "knowing" the rules of golf, I submit that that's not a simple yes or no question. There is ample evidence that even PGA and European Tour pros don't comfortably know all the rules, and even that rules officials sometimes make mistakes. If your question is really who knows the rules reasonably well, I think even that's a pretty small percentage of all golfers, I'd guess less than 20%. But "reasonably well" is a very subjective term, so my 20% guess is pretty meaningless unless you happen to share my sensibilites.

[highergr0und]

I would like to know how I could save myself strokes..... I'd imagine it could only be in a situation where some sort of free drop is the reward

I own a rule book, but rarely need to pull it out. If you keep the ball in play, there's really no need for it.

[mkotthoff]

[quote name='highergr0und' date='25 May 2010 - 11:46 AM' timestamp='1274806009' post='2466302']<br />I would like to know how I could save myself strokes..... I'd imagine it could only be in a situation where some sort of free drop is the reward<br /><br />I own a rule book, but rarely need to pull it out. If you keep the ball in play, there's really no need for it.<br />[/quote]<br /><br /><br />

Certain drop options for hazards can give you a better angle, lie, etc. That is one of the few rules that actually save me strokes...usually they add them, lol.

[Asleep]

[quote name='TaylorMadeAP25' date='25 May 2010 - 12:45 AM' timestamp='1274766354' post='2465556']Im thinkn about posting a weekly situation in rules and seeing what everyone would do.[/quote]
That could be cool.

Weekly, "What's the Ruling" thread?

[bsb70x7]

For tournament players, having a rule book is nice, but knowing (working knowledge) the rule book is a must. Rules of Golf can aid you during a round in some big ways -- where to drop, when you get relief and where, saving you from being disqualified, winning holes in match play, etc. Don't need to know them book and verse, but need to know them to at least identify an issue. Easiest rule of them all, always play 2 balls when in doubt and seek clarification later.

[olkev]

About ten years ago I was an assistant pro. One of the "job requirements" was to have a copy of the rule book on me at all times; hip pocket. When I was first told this, I looked at the head pro in disbelief. He pulled his out of his hip pocket. So, I got some clear contact paper to cover the cover and started carrying it with me. I have the latest version in my bag now. If you are in the business it is a good idea to do so. I also got my own copy of [url="https://usgapubs.usga.org/store2/product.asp?catalog_name=pubstore&category_name=&product_id=PG3010"]"Decisions on the Rules of Golf"[/url]. That book helps clarify and make sense of many things in the basic rule book.

If you are in the business, I would encourage anyone to carry a copy of the book on them at all times. If you have a club member with a rules question, it is better to have the correct answer in your hip pocket than any answer off the top of your head.

Who knows, there might be money on how you answer the question . . . The last thing you want is to be a PROFESSIONAL and have a reputation of not knowing the rules and subsequently messing up a 4-some, match, or tournament . . . IMHGO

[FarFromScratch]

I don't have a book. Most of my rules knowledge comes from broadcasts or this site.

[bermuda]

I've carried a rulebook in my bag for 20+ years and don't know why anyone who's somewhat serious about golf or plays with other people wouldn't carry one. The Carolinas Golf Association hosts rules clinics for everyday golfers. Check with your state association to see if it hosts similar clinics.

As far as the rules saving shots in some situation, that's correct. Last year in a tournament I hooked a tee shot into the woods. Assuming it lost, I hit another tee shot and played that one. I then looked over at the woods where my first ball went and they were a red stake hazard. If only I had taken a little more time and thought about my options, I could've saved one or two strokes.

[shall]

The current rule book is always in my bag, and I know the majority of it (not the actual rule numbers, but their usage). I can usually find the obscure in the index...with some work. (who wrote this thing?)

[RedSide]

Yea, id say I know most of the rules out there. I have a book, but have never needed to use it... Theres some quirky ones out there for sure. If I was in a competition I would call the ones I know

[Radagast]

I have a rule book thats about 10+ years old with Tom Watson on the cover. Got if for a dollar at a used book store. I've only skimmed it.

The other day I had a second shot into a reachable par 5 and at address I had to put one foot on a flat sprinkler head. I thought to myself "Do I get a drop here? Nah, just play the ball as it lays." I then blew the shot. Still have no idea if I could have moved the ball or not; I really should read the rule book.

[KevCarter]

[quote name='Radagast' date='25 May 2010 - 07:53 PM' timestamp='1274835236' post='2467273']
I have a rule book thats about 10+ years old with Tom Watson on the cover. Got if for a dollar at a used book store. I've only skimmed it.

The other day I had a second shot into a reachable par 5 and at address I had to put one foot on a flat sprinkler head. I thought to myself "Do I get a drop here? Nah, just play the ball as it lays." I then blew the shot. Still have no idea if I could have moved the ball or not; I really should read the rule book.
[/quote]

Rule books still only cost $1.00. A lot has changed in 10 years...

[FarFromScratch]

The two issues that come up the most with our group are


1. When to drop/Where to drop/What's the penalty
2. When you can take relief (similar to the sprinkler issue above)

I play with the same two guys all the time, literally, and we all just picked up the game two years ago so we're still learning the game.

[TMfan54]

i have a rules book in my bag, but i honestly dont really every look at it. in tournaments there's usually a marshall walking with my group that tells what to do. non tournament rounds with my friends are just nassau games usually nothing comes up that we need the rule book for.

[Openwater22]

Have a rules book and the current decisions book. Do not carry in my bag. If in doubt, will play 2 and confirm the correct ruling after completion of play.

[secondary]

Played in a little tourney two weekends ago with two players better than me making up my threesome. They knew the rules. Never seen the course before. Out of bounds was different on every hole it seemed? I played military golf all day, and it became obvious to me, I don't know the rules nearly as well as I should or thought I did. App for phone sounds like a good first step. Good topic.

[bsb70x7]

[quote name='Radagast' date='25 May 2010 - 07:53 PM' timestamp='1274835236' post='2467273']
I have a rule book thats about 10+ years old with Tom Watson on the cover. Got if for a dollar at a used book store. I've only skimmed it.

The other day I had a second shot into a reachable par 5 and at address I had to put one foot on a flat sprinkler head. I thought to myself "Do I get a drop here? Nah, just play the ball as it lays." I then blew the shot. Still have no idea if I could have moved the ball or not; I really should read the rule book.
[/quote]


I have the same old rule book. The rule on the sprinkler head has not changed. You get a drop, one club length from nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole. As I said, some rules can really help you.

[youraway2]

[quote name='InTheHole' date='25 May 2010 - 08:47 AM' timestamp='1274795243' post='2465894']

It would be great if there was a rules class the average golfer could take. I've suggested it to a couple of teaching pros in my area, but they all say the same thing- not enough interest. They just incorporate the major rules into their regular teaching.
[/quote]

A good professional should teach one at least once a year, but we're lucky here in Florida. The FSGA conducts Rules Seminars throughout the year. Usually $45 and a great lunch to boot.

[InTheHole]

[quote name='youraway2' date='26 May 2010 - 02:29 PM' timestamp='1274898590' post='2468739']
[quote name='InTheHole' date='25 May 2010 - 08:47 AM' timestamp='1274795243' post='2465894']
It would be great if there was a rules class the average golfer could take. I've suggested it to a couple of teaching pros in my area, but they all say the same thing- not enough interest. They just incorporate the major rules into their regular teaching.
[/quote]

A good professional should teach one at least once a year, but we're lucky here in Florida. The FSGA conducts Rules Seminars throughout the year. Usually $45 and a great lunch to boot.
[/quote]


Since I wrote that, I did a little research and it turns out there are some seminars in my area. Some are sponsored by the USGA, and others by the state golf association. Finding documentation on them seems to be a challenge though (for the state stuff).

But I agree- every school and club should hold some seminars at least once per year.

[Blues Golfer]

I have read the rules off and on since I was a junior golfer. I have the current book on my nightstand, and browse it every few days.

I know the rules pretty well, and seldom run into questions I don't have a good feel for.