Do you carry the Rules of Golf with you when you play?

[pumaAttack]

Or consider for a moment that we have actually spent time understanding the principles of golf, read the rules, and came to the conclusion that the rules are supported by the principles. It seems maybe you a the poster below are discounting the rules because fear your scores will go up. 

The honor of the game comes from playing by the rules as written. You are cheating yourself and anyone who plays you for money or trophies if you do not.  If you want to discuss these other things, @iacas pointed you to existing thread for those topics.

This thread is about carry a rulebook.

So you are saying the rules are perfect as is and need no changing. And somehow you view yourself as being progressive on this issue.  Yikes.

I do not care if my scores go up.  Where have I ever stated that?  I have no illusions of shooting below par and think the rules are holding me back... I play for fun and never in tournaments or money matches.  Score is not relevant for me at all. I understand money is the only factor for so many of you to enforce the rules, maybe its time to rethink why you play.

[boogielicious]

 

So you are saying the rules are perfect as is and need no changing. And somehow you view yourself as being progressive on this issue.  Yikes.

I do not care if my scores go up.  Where have I ever stated that?  I have no illusions of shooting below par and think the rules are holding me back... I play for fun and never in tournaments or money matches.  Score is not relevant for me at all. I understand money is the only factor for so many of you to enforce the rules, maybe its time to rethink why you play.

Then why are you griping about the rules? You don't play by them. Yet you belittle the posters who play by them stating we are closed minded because we accept having to play the ball as it lies and the course as we find it. That is a ridiculous presumption. Your definition of "progressive" is not in the dictionary. 

[pumaAttack]

Then why are you griping about the rules? You don't play by them. Yet you belittle the posters who play by them stating we are closed minded because we accept having to play the ball as it lies and the course as we find it. That is a ridiculous presumption. Your definition of "progressive" is not in the dictionary. 

I am not griping about any rules.  Reading comprehension is key...

I actually do play by them, even without money or trophies on the line!  GASP!!  Morality over money.  Shocking I know.

I was merely defending the other posters right to play "golf" with the rules he sees fit.  Yet everybody here gets all upset and worries he is ruining their precious rules of golf.   

I ask, how many posters here are on the USGA or R&A Rules Committees?  I'll wait for your answer.   From the sound of it, most of you are.   Since you get to decide how the game is played by everyone.

 

Maybe you are the one who needs to read the definition of progressive:

Happening or developing gradually or in stages; proceeding step by step.

[rogolf]

 

I am not griping about any rules.  Reading comprehension is key...

I actually do play by them, even without money or trophies on the line!  GASP!!  Morality over money.  Shocking I know.

I was merely defending the other posters right to play "golf" with the rules he sees fit.  Yet everybody here gets all upset and worries he is ruining their precious rules of golf.   

I ask, how many posters here are on the USGA or R&A Rules Committees?  I'll wait for your answer.   From the sound of it, most of you are.   Since you get to decide how the game is played by everyone.

 

Maybe you are the one who needs to read the definition of progressive:

Happening or developing gradually or in stages; proceeding step by step.

And that is exactly how the Rules of golf are evolving - gradually, in stages and step by step.  There is a revision to the Rules every four years; next one is due January 1, 2016.

And I do sit on the national Rules Committee.

[saevel25]

 

I was merely defending the other posters right to play "golf" with the rules he sees fit.  Yet everybody here gets all upset and worries he is ruining their precious rules of golf.   

No one ever said he couldn't play golf any way he wants. He's just not playing golf as it is intended to be played, which is OK. He's not playing golf under the rules of golf, which is OK. He can't post that round for handicap purposes, which is OK. He can't claim to be playing the same golf I do, which is OK. It doesn't bother me. Just don't lie about it by saying you play golf by the rules of golf. Don't lie about it by stating a handicap that isn't true. Besides that, whack that golf ball around and enjoy the game any way you want. 

[mvmac]

Ok let's get this thread back on topic.

Here's a refresher for what the topic is. I do the same thing as @DaveP043, I have a book in my bag. I rarely use it but I like knowing it's there just in case.

Its a simple question.  A great deal of what I know about the rules has been learned by looking up the answers when the question arises.  I've been a USGA member for 20 years or more, and when the fine people there send me a new rule book every spring, it goes directly in my bag.  If you're more electronics-friendly than I am, I know you can get the rules and decisions on an app for your phone.  So do you have the Rules with you when you play?  Do you look up rulings when a question comes up?

[phillyk]

I carry the updated versions of the rules, but I also carry a summary of rules regarding hazards as they are the most common ones to know.  I'm pretty good about knowing most of the rules, but sometimes I play with people who'd rather see it for themselves.  Thus why I carry it with me.  

[DaveP043]

Thanks to everyone who posted here, either to respond to my original questions (thanks to @mvmac for trying to steer it back that way) or to the wider topic of what level of conformance to the rules constitutes "golf."  I'm happy to see that a majority of the folks carry some version of the rules, and that most of those who choose not to do that because they're really not concerned with knowing, learning, or playing by the rules.  For those who think the rules are "stupid" and should be changed, I'd suggest you should learn the rules as they are, and as they've evolved over the centuries.  I've found that simple complaints don't get very far in changing any system.  Its the complaints that come from someone who has made it a point to learn the system, and can knowledgeably argue the virtues of making a specific change, that actually have influence.  

I'd also suggest that golf, and the rules that govern  it, isn't intended to be fair.  Bad bounces, bad luck, or even good bounces and good luck, aren't "fair", but they're definitely part of the game.  

Edited October 9, 2015 by DaveP043

[Fourputt]

 

I like your way of thinking!  Too many people here are just blindly following rules for no reason.  Then as soon as you question them they get all annoyed and angry.  Its pretty funny.

It means not having a backbone as you are not thinking for yourself and just following what somebody else told you is right.  

Not very progressive.

 

Trust me, we have a reason for following the rules and for keeping them at hand when we play.   We desire to play the game properly, and to encourage (not force) others to do so too.  There is nothing progressive about inventing your own rules.  Nothing prevents it, but then it isn't the same game.  Here's an idea - while you're inventing rules, why not invent a name for it as well so new players aren't confused about what game they are playing.

 

 

I understand progressiveness is a hard concept....

 

Its easier to just follow the rules that somebody else made for you.

 

The rules you are describing (hands in soccer) are changing the fundamentals of the game.  Big difference.

Improving your lie and not taking OB do not change the fundamentals of golf.  They remain the same.  

Following the rules that "someone else" wrote is what is done in every other sport or game.  There are lots of modified versions of most games - some authorized and some just silly fantasy - but the sort of "progressiveness" you espouse is not officially recognized in any game.  It's more like what we did as kids, taking the money from the game of Life and using in Monopoly it to create a sort of "Super Monopoly".  Our version was not recognized, or even known, outside of our group of friends.  We had a blast playing it, but we didn't petition Parker Brothers to endorse our modification.  We knew enough to know that what we enjoyed was really pretty silly, and not something that everyone would like.  We still knew and played by the correct rules too.  

Edited October 10, 2015 by Fourputt

[Shindig]

Following the rules that "someone else" wrote is what is done in every other sport or game.  There are lots of modified versions of most games - some authorized and some just silly fantasy - but the sort of "progressiveness" you espouse is not officially recognized in any game.  It's more like what we did as kids, taking the money from the game of Life and using in Monopoly it to create a sort of "Super Monopoly".  Our version was not recognized, or even known, outside of our group of friends.  We had a blast playing it, but we didn't petition Parker Brothers to endorse our modification.  We knew enough to know that what we enjoyed was really pretty silly, and not something that everyone would like.  We still knew and played by the correct rules too.  

Funny you should mention that -- a very large number of people don't play Monopoly by the rules either, but the game's at least as fun (and rarely takes much over an hour) when played by the given rules.  

[boogielicious]

Thanks to everyone who posted here, either to respond to my original questions (thanks to @mvmac for trying to steer it back that way) or to the wider topic of what level of conformance to the rules constitutes "golf."  I'm happy to see that a majority of the folks carry some version of the rules, and that most of those who choose not to do that because they're really not concerned with knowing, learning, or playing by the rules.  For those who think the rules are "stupid" and should be changed, I'd suggest you should learn the rules as they are, and as they've evolved over the centuries.  I've found that simple complaints don't get very far in changing any system.  Its the complaints that come from someone who has made it a point to learn the system, and can knowledgeably argue the virtues of making a specific change, that actually have influence.  

I'd also suggest that golf, and the rules that govern  it, isn't intended to be fair.  Bad bounces, bad luck, or even good bounces and good luck, aren't "fair", but they're definitely part of the game.  

I will say that I need a new copy. We got poured on three weeks ago and everything in my bag got wet including the RoG book. It still hasn't dried out yet and I have it sitting in the back of the Jeep! I'm thinking for the next copy, I'll keep it in a little ziplock bag. 

[RussUK]

I have this debate with friends who play golf and opinion is always divided. Some going as far as saying if you dont play by the rules you shouldnt be playing. Choking on your drink and laughing at them isnt the best response!

Rules have a time and place and there is no right or wrong anwer. If you play comps or handicap rounds then the rules are a must. If you play for recreation then they are not as important, they can be agreed between the players.

The way i think of it is like this. When we were young im sure many of us spent many a happy hour playing football (proper football when the ball is propelled by the feet ) down the local park. We didnt have a ref as the game was self officiated. I dont remeber once a FIFA riules official turning up and saying "im sorry boys but you have to stop. You dont have the FIFA stipulated 4 official or regualtion goalposts. In fact there seems to be 15 on each team and the goals consist of 3 jumpers and a BMX bike!"

I suppose what i getting at is your club medal round is like a sunday league match, played by the rules, and the recreation al golf round is the kickabout in the park with jumpers gor goalpost (but without the need to avoid the dog poo!)

[Fourputt]

I have this debate with friends who play golf and opinion is always divided. Some going as far as saying if you dont play by the rules you shouldnt be playing. Choking on your drink and laughing at them isnt the best response!

Rules have a time and place and there is no right or wrong anwer. If you play comps or handicap rounds then the rules are a must. If you play for recreation then they are not as important, they can be agreed between the players.

The way i think of it is like this. When we were young im sure many of us spent many a happy hour playing football (proper football when the ball is propelled by the feet ) down the local park. We didnt have a ref as the game was self officiated. I dont remeber once a FIFA riules official turning up and saying "im sorry boys but you have to stop. You dont have the FIFA stipulated 4 official or regualtion goalposts. In fact there seems to be 15 on each team and the goals consist of 3 jumpers and a BMX bike!"

I suppose what i getting at is your club medal round is like a sunday league match, played by the rules, and the recreation al golf round is the kickabout in the park with jumpers gor goalpost (but without the need to avoid the dog poo!)

The obvious difference  being that one doesn't need referees to play golf by the rules, even when the guys you are playing with choose not to.  It doesn't require agreement within the group.  It is a personal decision, yet many who choose the easy route look at those of us who prefer to play by the rules as though we are weird or stuck in a rut.  That isn't the case.  Playing by the rules is no less fun for those of us who like to play that way than not playing by the rules is for those who go that route.  

 

In fact, for me, playing in any other way than by the rules is more a case of "Why bother?"  My score will not mean anything.  I've just spent 4 hours chasing a ball round a golf course, and I have nothing useful to show for it.  That is all the reason I need to know and play by the rules.  It's why I first started carrying the book with me 28 years ago, and it's why I still do.

[GungaGalunga]

I voted no.  That said, I do have these tags on my bag that I got for a member review a few years ago.  They only cover the basics, but they have been referenced a few times during play. :)

I also do not, but as @Golfingdad mentioned, I may also pick up some of these for my bag.

[gregsandiego]

I'd consider it but don't now carry any rule book. I'm curious if it would cause delay of game? What is an example of something you'd look up and could you find the answer quickly?

[Fourputt]

I'd consider it but don't now carry any rule book. I'm curious if it would cause delay of game? What is an example of something you'd look up and could you find the answer quickly?

There's no reason for it to cause any delay.  The first thing you should do when you get a rule book is read the very front section that explains how to use it properly.  Next read  the Definitions.  They will actually answer many questions without any need to read further.  You can familiarize yourself with the organization of the book while sitting at home, just scanning it during commercials while watching Sunday football or similar.  Once you are familiar with the layout, you still don't need to check it immediately when a question arises.  Continue play, noting the question, then look it up when time allows.  It the game is important because of a wager or the like, then learn Rule 3-3, finishing the hole with 2 balls under that procedure and then when you finish you can check the rules and determine the proper ruling.

My best advice when you do get a rule book is to study up on Rules 20-28.  If you know those rules, you can usually get by.  They are the rules that cover the most common situation on the course.  Those rules will give you a good foundation for starting to learn to play by the book.  That isn't the end of your education but it will get you headed in the right direction.

If you take time during delays in play, or after the round, to look up the answers to any questions that might come up, it won't take long before you are very comfortable with the book and with playing by the rules.  Most of us "by the rules players" started in much the same fashion.  I didn't suddenly wake up one day and decide to play perfectly by the rules, but when I first joined the USGA Associates program in 1987, they sent out a rule book.  By the time I joined the Men's Club at my local course in 1989, I was comfortable with most of the playing rules.  Over that 2 year span, I took the time to just read through the book a couple of times, I looked up any questions that came up during my casual rounds, and in that way I learned most of what I needed to know when on the course.

If you really get serious about it, then you can decide if you want to delve into the Decisions.  I actually found the Decisions more entertaining to just read than the Rules were, because the Decisions read as a question and answer session pertaining to real on course situations.

Edited October 13, 2015 by iacas
removed extra returns

[isukgolf]

 

 

In fact, for me, playing in any other way than by the rules is more a case of "Why bother?"  My score will not mean anything.  I've just spent 4 hours chasing a ball round a golf course, and I have nothing useful to show for it.  That is all the reason I need to know and play by the rules.  It's why I first started carrying the book with me 28 years ago, and it's why I still do.

The above finally resonates with me ... I can appreciate your view.  While it is opposite of my view, I get it ...

For me and my usual cast of characters, the score is just a by product of enjoying the day, and our company.  We rarely discuss the end score, but congratulate each other on good shots, and rib the hell out of each other on the bad.

Its a good opportunity to catch up with friends on what is happening in their lives.  Since we are getting older, we discuss aches and pains etc ... its a day filled with good fellowship while chasing a ball around the course. 

As result we do not need to research every rule when something is in question.  In fact, to be honest, the banter on who is right until we get to the 19th hole and look it up, can be entertaining within its self. 

Not sure why it took so long for me to get it ... but its clearer now.  Again, I total respect what brings you joy in the game, and I love a "game" that can provide joy in different ways/goals.

Edited October 12, 2015 by isukgolf

[Golfingdad]

I've just spent 4 hours chasing a ball round a golf course, and I have nothing useful to show for it.

I get the sentiment, but aren't you being just a tad hyberbolic here?

"So, how'd it go out there today?"

"Shot 82."

"Nice, sounds like you must have hit some decent shots?"

"82."

"OK, any birdies, any blow up holes?"

"82."

"Did you make any putts of consequence, or flub any chips, or anything worth remembering?"

"Eighty-two!  Nothing else matters - stop asking dumb questions!!!"