Let me guess: no?
The beauty of the Rules of Golf is that the book is small and can easily fit into your golf bag. I know, the decisions book is a different story, but having the roles handy is a good start.
I keep the Rules in my bag because the last thing I want is to get out on the course and not know how to proceed and just have to wing it, only to find out that I have to tack a mountain of strokes to my score, or even worse, I’m disqualified.
It’s not a big deal if you’re just out playing for fun, but in a tournament situation, or when you’re competing seriously (i.e. for money and/or glory), you want to have the answers at arm’s reach.
Still not going to pack the Rules in your bag? OK, I get it. Fortunately, there’s one rule to remember in case of emergency that will help you out of a jam.
Rule 3-3, “Doubt as to Procedure” will help you, should you find yourself not sure how to proceed in a given situation during stroke play.
Here’s the highlight of the rule, as of this date:
In stroke play, if a competitor is doubtful of his rights or the correct procedure during the play of a hole, he may, without penalty, complete the hole with two balls.
After the doubtful situation has arisen and before taking further action, the competitor must announce to his marker or a fellow-competitor that he intends to play two balls and which ball he wishes to count if the Rules permit.
The competitor must report the facts of the situation to the Committee before returning his score card. If he fails to do so, he is disqualified.
You can read the entire rule here.
Basically, what the rule provides is the ability to work past a dispute if no official is available to make a ruling, without significantly delaying play. It’s much quicker to play a second ball and to figure it out later than it is to stand around debating the issue for five or ten minutes.
This isn’t the first time I posted about Rule 3-3, but that was a few years ago, and it’s a good one to know, so it’s not something I mind covering again. Incidentally, have a look at that old post if you want to read about one of the most famous and disputed uses of Rule 3-3, involving Arnold Palmer. It’s still controversial over 50 years later.
I suggest putting a copy of the Rules in your bag, but if you won’t, then at least remember Rule 3-3 because it will eventually come in handy.
Loading ...
My grandfather grumbled about the Arnie Palmer ruling until the day he died. The infamous 3-3 rule is to golf as the tuck rule is to football.
I gotta say I don’t ever play with a rule book, but I probably should. I know that I know pretty much all the rules, but I’m sure there is a few that would surprise me. I’m playing in a pretty serious “business/marketing” match play tourney in a couple weeks, so I should study up.