How to Learn Rules of Golf

[mikeylikesgolf]

I have tried to learn the rules of golf from friends, the local pro and on the internet. I am at a loss when I read about it online. Terms and phrases are used that I don't know how to interpret. How is the best way to learn the rules of golf?

It seems like the USA legal system is easier to understand!!!

[Rulesman]

Have you got a copy of the little Rules of Golf book?

Start with understanding the Definitions

Or you can see them here

http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Definitions/

[mikeylikesgolf]

Great Link! Thanks

[FooFader]

The usga also have a rules of golf app for Android/iPhone that is really good too

[Royster1984]

I used this when I first started and I think this link is a good starting point for new people.

http://www.golfgrinder.com/rules/the-10-golden-rules-of-golf/

The 10 Golden Rules Of Golf

• Play the ball as it lies;
• Don’t move, bend, or break anything growing or fixed, except in fairly taking your stance or swing. Don’t press anything down;
• You may lift natural objects not fixed or growing, except in a water hazard or bunker. No penalty;
• Movable man-made objects may be moved. For immovable objects, you may take relief by dropping away from them within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole, except in a water hazard or if the object defines out of bounds. In a bunker, you must drop in the bunker. No penalty.
• You may take relief from casual water, ground under repair, burrowing animal holes or casts, anywhere except in a water hazard. On the putting green, place at the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole; otherwise drop within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole. In a bunker, you must drop in the bunker. No penalty.
• In a water hazard or bunker, don’t touch the water or ground with your hand or club before the stroke.
• If you hit your ball into a water hazard and cannot find or play it, either drop behind the point where the ball last crossed the hazard margin or at the place where you played the shot. On the tee, you may tee the ball. One penalty stroke. If you hit into a lateral hazard, you may also drop within two club-lengths of the point where the ball last crossed the hazard margin, or, within two club-lengths of an equivalent distant from the hole on the opposite margin. One penalty stroke.
• When you hit your ball out of bounds or can’t find it after five minutes of searching, add a penalty stroke, go back and drop a ball at the place where you played the shot. On the tee, you may tee the ball. If you think you have hit your ball out of bounds or lost it outside a water hazard, play a provisional ball before searching for the first one.
• When you have an unplayable lie, you may drop a ball at the place where you played the previous shot, adding a penalty stroke. On the tee, you may tee the ball. Alternatively, drop within two club lengths, no nearer the hole, or any distance behind the unplayable spot, keeping it between you and the hole. If the ball is in a bunker, you must drop in the bunker, under either of the alternative options. If you can’t play your ball from a water hazard, see Golden Rule No.7.
• You may repair ball marks and old hole plugs on the putting green that are on the line of your putt, but not spike marks.

[rogolf]

I have tried to learn the rules of golf from friends, the local pro and on the internet. I am at a loss when I read about it online. Terms and phrases are used that I don't know how to interpret. How is the best way to learn the rules of golf?

It seems like the USA legal system is easier to understand!!!

You might try this, although it may be restricted to Canadians..

http://rulesofgolf.golfcanada.ca/

[Rulesman]

Or try this

http://rulesacademy.randa.org/

[Finn725]

I have tried to learn the rules of golf from friends, the local pro and on the internet. I am at a loss when I read about it online. Terms and phrases are used that I don't know how to interpret. How is the best way to learn the rules of golf?

It seems like the USA legal system is easier to understand!!!

or you can play the rules game http://www.usga.org/rulesquiz/rules_quizzes.html