Do you have a copy of the Rules of Golf in your bag?

[Dub]

Just wondering how many of us have a copy in their bag.

I don't currently....but I need to for many reasons. The most pressing reason is my young son will ask an occasional question...and I'd like to make sure I'm giving him the proper answer.

[geezer]

I voted 'Yes'. Even though the book isn't actually in my bag at the minuite (Its on the table by my bedside!), but I do take it to the course with me most of the time.

[FortAsel]

Yep, but when we have a doubt we usually use the 3.3 rule (play 2 balls)

[Chief Broom]

Yup. 1993 USGA rules of golf. That's about when I quit playing...

[Fourputt]

Yes! In fact I have 2 copies of the 2008 Rules of Golf, one in my bag and one on the bookshelf above my PC, right next to the Decisions book. The USGA Rules website is also bookmarked on my PC. I play 95% of my golf either in tournaments or for handicap, so playing by the rules at all times isn't an option, it's just how I approach the game.

Rule 3-3 is fine, but overuse of it just slows the game down. That rule should only be used when you CAN'T make a ruling on the course, or if your 99.9% correct procedure is still disputed by a fellow competitor and you want to cover all of the bases. If you know the layout of the book and know how to find what you are looking for, it doesn't take that long to find the pertinent rule. I've only once had to invoke that rule because of the stubborn insistence of a fellow competitor, and the committee ultimately ruled in my favor. In 20+ years of playing with the book in my bag, I've only twice had to invoke Rule 3-3.

[bogeyme]

Shortly after I started golfing around 1996 the free lessons I took with the Parks and Rec Department they gave us a copy of the rules. That stayed in my bag for a couple years until I bought a new bag. I do need to get a new copy to keep in there. I'd like to find a "pocket sized" copy that won't take up a lot of room.

[mdouet]

I don't play tournament golf, so no.

[ChiChiIsMe]

Yes. 2007 version.

[beisenhauer]

I keep a copy of the rules in my bag, but I almost never refer to it on the course. In fact, I don't think I've ever referred to it on the course.

[Soup Fan]

There should be a "No, but I want to" option.

[Fourputt]

Shortly after I started golfing around 1996 the free lessons I took with the Parks and Rec Department they gave us a copy of the rules. That stayed in my bag for a couple years until I bought a new bag. I do need to get a new copy to keep in there. I'd like to find a "pocket sized" copy that won't take up a lot of room.

The regular rule book is just 4" by 6", and only about 1/4" thick. It fits easily in your bag... you won't even notice that it's there. The USGA and the R & A joint rules committees meet regularly to discuss issues, and updated rule books are published every 4 years. The latest is 2008, with several changes made. But that doesn't mean that the rules are static during those 4 years, especially the Decisions. New books come out each year and sometimes changes are incorporated in each publication. The Rules of Golf can be purchased from the USGA Website store (

www.usga.org ) for $1.

[mikelz]

I used to carry one but it doesn't contain the decisions on the rules.
I put it in there to resolve issues quickly.
Seems that it actually costs a lot of time.
A guy who thinks he deserves to place his ball on the other side of the hazard is not convinced by much of anything.

[bogeyme]

The regular rule book is just 4" by 6", and only about 1/4" thick. It fits easily in your bag... you won't even notice that it's there. The USGA and the R & A joint rules committees meet regularly to discuss issues, and updated rule books are published every 4 years. The latest is 2008, with several changes made. But that doesn't mean that the rules are static during those 4 years, especially the Decisions. New books come out each year and sometimes changes are incorporated in each publication. The Rules of Golf can be purchased from the USGA Website store (

Thanks for that info. Actually as soon as I posted my response I went and found the website and seen they were only $1. I'll have to get me a copy or two. One for the bag and one for the "throne".

Nice to know it's nice and small and easily carriable (if that's even a word).

[NM Golf]

I actually have a leather bound 2007 edition in my bag. Too nice to replace with a paperback 2008 edition.

[chingali]

I always have a couple of copies in my bag, one for me and one to give to anyone I play with who doesn't have one. We get them for free from our club so I always have half a dozen or so spare at home to replace the ones I hand out.

I've never played with anyone who doesn't want to play by the rules to the letter, however I often find I play with people who just don't have a solid grasp of the rules beyond the very very basics. Not once has anyone ever complained about being given a copy of the rules, in most instances they are most appreciative and simply didn't know that they were freely available.

[Mr Eagle]

Yep the R&A; 2008-2011.
Ive never had to refer to it on the course though but its handy to have it around if anyone wants clarification on a rule in the 19th

[Fourputt]

Yep the R&A; 2008-2011.

I have had to use the book on the course a few times in the past to prove to a fellow competitor that I knew what I was talking about when I suggested that he was making an error in procedure. I'm always amazed at some of the misconceptions that get passed on by word of mouth. Taking 30 seconds to show it to someone in black and white saves him from penalty strokes or worse, and it saves more time than having him play 2 balls under 3-3.

I've always been thanked by such players for taking the initiative and stopping them before they make a mistake. I'm now considered a "go to" guy in the Men's Club when anyone has a Rules question, and it's a role I enjoy.

[PEZGolf]

Just wondering how many of us have a copy in their bag.

I play in quite a few tournaments and many money matches. Therefore, I always have a rule book in my bag (and it is always this year's so that it is current). Rules disputes do not come up that often, but when they do, a lot is at stake. No one can know ALL the rules and ALL the situations they apply to. That is why the Tour players, both men and women, rely on the Rules Officials that are always present during their events. You and your son may encounter some situations that are very rare, but nonetheless, there is a rule that applies. I think that it is great that he is asking questions, and you are taking them seriously and researching to get the right answers.