does ANYONE play STRICTEST rules?

[golfunit]

Always, that's the only way to play, unless it's just a foursome, and an opponent "gives" you a putt.

[Mithrandir]

Just found this thread and i thought i'd chime in.

The league i play in is a "friendly" league. That is, putts are routinely given, balls are fluffed, balls hit OB from the tee are dropped near where your ball went OB and you are hitting 3, etc.. So it's impossible to play "strictly" by the rules.

I agree that the rules are there to ensure proper play and proper scoring when that is necessary. Within a league where all the members "break" the same rules, who cares, it's for fun!!

[ilovesandwiches]

I just play for fun. Sometimes all my 4some plays by the rules sometimes just me. It doesn't matter to me.

[tjy355]

There is an old adage that I think describes the essence of golf:

"Play the course as you find it and the ball as it lies."

Even in casual rounds, I don't like to improve my lie and I try not to look for relief for every bad break that may be perceived as "unfair". I also like to putt out. I feel that getting used to playing this way as a matter of fact can be a mental advantage in a competition where you MUST play it as it lies and putt everything out. You are not concerned when you end up with a bare lie or in a divot and you become used to making those 2-3 foot putts that are often "gimmes."