Polite reminder about some of the Rules of Golf
Reminder
Golf is essentially a very simple game. Hit a ball with a stick and try to get it in a hole.
But, as we all know, a lot can happen between the first stroke and picking it out of the cup. That is why we need rules – lots of them!
But sadly, many golfers either forget the rules, or have never bothered to learn them in the first place. So here is a very polite reminder about some rules which seem to be broken more than others.
• Match Play
Match Play and Stroke play should not ideally be played at the same times, as some of the rules are different. Permission should be granted from the Handicap Committee to do so, and when combining the two formats, the committee should ensure that the players understand and apply the rules of stroke play throughout the competition. This includes no concessions being allowed and no option to recall a stroke if played out of turn.
• Gimmes
In Stroke Play Competitions and when submitting General Play scorecards, the ball must be holed out, ‘Gimmes’ must not be given.
• Ball out of bounds
If the ball goes OOB you must play another ball under penalty of one stroke i.e. the player must return to where they last played and take a stroke and distance penalty. This involves adding one stroke to their score and playing from the previous spot. You are not allowed to have a drop where the ball crossed the OOB line.
• Out of bounds
The white posts cannot be moved to allow a close ball to be played.
• General Play Cards
These must be registered before play commences, ideally by MyEG app, and verified by your playing partner, and returned that day.
• Lost Ball
You are only allowed three (yes three) minutes to search for your lost ball i.e. from the time you start looking.
• Ball in the rough
If you’re in the bushes or trees, you can’t intentionally break, move or bend any growing or natural objects to give yourself a clearer swing at the ball.
So, you can’t aggressively back yourself into a tree to make a stance, snapping branches as you clear yourself a spot that wasn’t previously there.
But, as we all know, a lot can happen between the first stroke and picking it out of the cup. That is why we need rules – lots of them!
But sadly, many golfers either forget the rules, or have never bothered to learn them in the first place. So here is a very polite reminder about some rules which seem to be broken more than others.
• Match Play
Match Play and Stroke play should not ideally be played at the same times, as some of the rules are different. Permission should be granted from the Handicap Committee to do so, and when combining the two formats, the committee should ensure that the players understand and apply the rules of stroke play throughout the competition. This includes no concessions being allowed and no option to recall a stroke if played out of turn.
• Gimmes
In Stroke Play Competitions and when submitting General Play scorecards, the ball must be holed out, ‘Gimmes’ must not be given.
• Ball out of bounds
If the ball goes OOB you must play another ball under penalty of one stroke i.e. the player must return to where they last played and take a stroke and distance penalty. This involves adding one stroke to their score and playing from the previous spot. You are not allowed to have a drop where the ball crossed the OOB line.
• Out of bounds
The white posts cannot be moved to allow a close ball to be played.
• General Play Cards
These must be registered before play commences, ideally by MyEG app, and verified by your playing partner, and returned that day.
• Lost Ball
You are only allowed three (yes three) minutes to search for your lost ball i.e. from the time you start looking.
• Ball in the rough
If you’re in the bushes or trees, you can’t intentionally break, move or bend any growing or natural objects to give yourself a clearer swing at the ball.
So, you can’t aggressively back yourself into a tree to make a stance, snapping branches as you clear yourself a spot that wasn’t previously there.