Tag Archives: Golf Rules
Competition and Golfing Groups
By Richard Todd, The Golf Rules Guy Last year 62% of golfers played in some type of competitive round, according to the National Golf Foundation (NGF). That’s not to say they were playing for million-dollar purses, or in front of crowded grandstands, but it does mean they were competing against other golfers in adherence to […]
Caddie Assistance Rules Are in the News
By Richard Todd With the new USGA Golf Rules that went into effect January 1, 2019 and the recent rulings about professional caddies standing behind their player, Ohio Golf Journal’s Golf Rules expert, Richard Todd explains the new rule. A caddie has great knowledge of the course and can help your round be […]
New Golf Rules Seminars
With the new Rules of Golf going into effect January 1, 2019, you may want to brush up on these changes by attending one of the many Golf Rules Seminars being held around the state. Miami Valley Golf Association will be conducting four Rules Seminars: Saturday, Jan. 19th Dayton CC 10am – Noon Saturday, Mar. 9th NCR CC 10am […]
New Golf Rules for 2019
USGA’s new golf rules go into effect January 1. These changes were meant to help speed up the game and make it fair for every golfer. To assure you know the changes and understand how they may affect your game, visit the USGA website: http://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/rules-modernization/major-changes/major-changes.html Plus, the Northern Ohio Golf Association, Ohio Golf Association, Miami […]
How the Golf Rules Help, When Balls Collide!
By Richard Todd On the 18th green of the 72nd hole of the 2018 World Golf Championship-HSBC Champions in Shanghai last month, Xander Schauffele’s ball settled on the back edge of the green. Perilously close to a steep embankment that would have allowed the ball to run down into the water surrounding the green. Next […]
No Blood No Foul, Has the USGA Lost Touch?
By Ed Travis The R&A and the USGA, the co-arbiters of the Rules of Golf should be congratulated for their efforts to simplify the Rules of Golf in their most recent edition, which will take effect on January 1, 2019. However, these two organizations have missed the boat with the recent reinterpretation of Rule […]
Poor Playing Conditions & The Rules
By Richard Todd Heavy rains interrupted the third round of the BMW championship. Morning tee times were pushed back until afternoon, groups were reorganized into threesomes, and the preferred lies rule was put into place. This little used rule allows players to lift their golf ball, clean it, and place it near as possible to the original spot, outside of the […]
When the Rules Don’t Apply
By Richard Todd I was at my local club and noticed a sign on the counter, “Please excuse the state of our bunkers. We are currently reshaping and refilling these hazards for better future play. You may take free relief during this process.” Under normal playing conditions, there is no current rule […]
Be Quiet or Be Penalized
By Richard Todd My father loves to give advice during our rounds. He’s like a walking range finder, caddy, swing coach, mental health instructor, course architect, and yogi. But it really makes my son mad to hear the constant suggestions of swing improvement and information. Do you have a similar playing competitor? If so, […]
Rules Lessons From The Masters Tournament
When a stroke is not a stroke By: Richard Todd Did you see Phil Mickelson’s swing from the fairway on Saturday in the third round of the Masters at Augusta National, where he completely whiffed and missed the ball? Is that a stroke and does it count on his scorecard? The answer is Yes, […]