| Did you know there are over five hundred pages in | | | | remove the flagstick from the hole and replace it |
| the official USGA rule book. Well instead of reading all | | | | when all players have finished the hole. You can pick |
| five hundred pages, allow me to give you an | | | | up and clean your ball on the green, provided you |
| overview. | | | | replace it exactly where it was. |
| Remember, the rules may not always be fair, but like | | | | NOT JUST THE RULES OF GOLF, BUT.... |
| your parents' rules — they're rigid. To keep the | | | | Use common sense - The idea here is just common |
| integrity of the game, rules must be adhered to. | | | | sense courtesies. When it comes to attire, make it |
| First, let me explain a little history. In 1744, the | | | | appropriate. Regarding noises, don't make loud noises. |
| Company of Gentlemen Golfers was established in | | | | How about the trash on the course? Well, if you |
| Edinburgh and then codified the first rules of play | | | | don't like your car filled with trash, then don't toss |
| which have been evolving ever since. | | | | cans or bottles on the course. Oh, talking on your cell |
| GOLF RULES | | | | phone is kind of rude also. Just remember common |
| Tee Time - Remember to tee off either between or | | | | sense courtesies are all about "doing onto others as |
| behind (up to two club-lengths) the tee-markers. | | | | you would have them do unto you". |
| Don't tee off in front of them. | | | | Arrive on Time - Most courses are pretty busy so |
| Playing The Ball - Play the ball where it lies and don't | | | | arrive on time. |
| try to make the course any better by moving, | | | | Let Others Play Through - If you can't get through a |
| adjusting, fixing or bending and of the natural scenery | | | | hole or a shot in a reasonable amount of time, let |
| (except when taking your stance or making your | | | | those behind you play through. |
| swing). | | | | Toss A Coin - Who plays first is usually decided by a |
| Ball Lost or Out of Bounds - If you lose your ball and | | | | coin toss, but you can be creative. Spin the beer |
| can't find it after five minutes, you have to play | | | | bottle works for some. |
| another ball from the spot where the last shot was | | | | Stand Clear - Don't get in the way of someone's |
| played and you lose one stroke. | | | | shot. This is not only courteous but in the best |
| Ball Interference - If you deflect or stop your ball in | | | | interest of your safety. A one-pound clubhead |
| motion you've cost yourself two strokes. Accidents | | | | moving at 100 miles per hour can easily turn your |
| will happen, but you still pay the price. If a ball struck | | | | head into mush. |
| by you is interfered with by someone else, play it as | | | | Replace Divots (also known as chunks of turf and |
| it lies. If your ball is struck by another ball, there's not | | | | earth scooped up during a swing) - This would include |
| much you can do about that. | | | | raking the sand trap after you're done making your |
| Ball At Rest Moved - If you move your ball after it's | | | | bunker shot. |
| come to rest, you've cost yourself a stroke. | | | | Do Not Launch a Club - Don't fling your club fifty |
| Obstructions - If they are in your way, It's allowable | | | | yards when you miss that two foot putt. It may hit |
| to move obstructions such as rakes, trash, leaves, | | | | Johnny Cochran or someone else and you might find |
| etc. If an immovable obstruction, such as a water | | | | yourself in court. |
| fountain, interferes with your stance or swing, you're | | | | Even though some can get pretty uptight on the |
| allowed to drop the ball within one club-length of the | | | | course, having a great time out there should also be |
| nearest clear point that's not nearer the hole. | | | | included when it comes to the rules of golf. After all, |
| On The Green - After getting your ball on the green, | | | | it's just a game. |