Learning the Rules of Golf
One of the most common questions asked of the
Victorian Golf Association is how to learn more about the Rules of Golf.
Whilst there is no instant solution that can suddenly instil in any
golfer an excellent knowledge of the Rules, there are many practical
things that can be done which over time, will assist an individual in
developing a higher level of knowledge.
As in many areas of education, the onus is on the individual to
undertake their own research and study to broaden their knowledge of
golf rules. While participating in Association Accreditation courses is
an excellent starting point to learn more about the Rules, it is not
possible within the course’s duration to provide a complete
understanding. Indeed, regardless of the length of any rules program,
the individual must undertake their own private study to both initially
learn and then maintain a sound knowledge in this area.
Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to assist golfers
develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the Rules of Golf such
as:-
Rules Books
Decisions on the Rules of Golf
Golf Rules Illustrated
Golf Rules in Brief Pamphlet
The Rules of Golf with Tom Watson
Golf Rules DVD's
Rules Columns within major Golf Magazines (including
“Golf Victoria”)
Rules Posters
Victorian Golf Association Club and State Level
Accreditation Courses
Internet Sites
RULES OF GOLF BOOKS
The Rules of Golf booklet details all 34 Rules of Golf in full together
with 3 Appendices on issues such as local rules, competition conditions,
design of clubs and balls and the Rules of Amateur Status.
Rules Books are available free of charge at all golf clubs and from the
Victorian Golf Association. Every golfer, regardless of ability, should
carry a Rules Book in his/her golf bag.
While the Rules of Golf are written in a technical manner, they are
still very easy to read and comprehend. The Rules are by no means as
complicated as legal jargon and with a little patience and effort, your
knowledge can be increased by regular reading of the Rules Books. A
practical way of improving your knowledge may be to set a goal of
reading one Rule per week. Please see the section Using the Rules Book on this site for further
assistance.
DECISIONS ON THE RULES OF GOLF
The Decisions on the Rules of Golf Book contains over 1200 decisions by
the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the United States Golf
Association covering each Rule. This resource is an important reference
to major golf bodies, golf committees and individual golfers as it
answers numerous and often complicated rules scenarios.
GOLF RULES IN BRIEF CARD
This fold out card provides an abbreviated summary of some principal
Rules of Golf. While reference should always be made to the complete
Rules Book when doubtful situations occur, this summary provides an
excellent resource for both inexperienced and experienced golfers in
reinforcing the major rules of the game. Junior golfers, in particular,
who may not be inclined to read a full Rules Book, could be encouraged
to read this card to develop a basic knowledge of the Rules.
ILLUSTRATED GOLF RULES
This publication also outlines all 34 Rules in the same format as the
Rules Book but is further advantageous as it visually illustrates the
application of many of the Rules and common situations which arise on
the course in a simple manner.
GOLF RULES VIDEOS
There are an increasing number of videos available which usually
illustrate the Rules of Golf. Two excellent videos to obtain are firstly
the R&A authorised video titled “The Rules of Golf”. The
major Rules of Golf are illustrated in the video by the R&A Rules
Committee Chairman where viewers can benefit from seeing the correct
procedures undertaken in relation to various rules. The second video is
a USGA production also titled “The Rules of Golf”. Narrated
by well known US Professional and commentator, Johnny Miller, this video
comprehensively covers all 34 Rules and also features actual rules
situations which have occurred in tournament play.
RULES COLUMNS
Rules columns or articles can be found within most major golf magazines
including the Association’s Golf Victoria Magazine. The
purpose is to present the major rules in a simple way accompanied
by relevant decisions to assist golfers develop their knowledge and
interpretations, explain unusual and complicated rules decisions which
have arisen in the past.
RULES POSTERS
VGA has published rules posters in the Golf Victoria magazine with
additional copies forwarded to all Districts and clubs. Clubs have been
encouraged to position such posters in prominent locations within
clubhouses.
INTERNET SITES
Comprehensive Rules of Golf Sections can also be found on the following
Internet sites of national and international golf bodies:-
Golf
Australia
The United States Golf
Association
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St
Andrews
Through utilising the above resources, it is possible to both improve
your knowledge of the Rules of Golf whilst heightening your enjoyment of
the game of golf.
