Columnist: Richard Todd
Competition and Golfing Groups
By Richard Todd, The Golf Rules Guy Last year 62% of golfers played in some type of competitive round, according to the National Golf Foundation (NGF). That’s not to say they were playing for million-dollar purses, or in front of crowded grandstands, but it does mean they were competing against other golfers in adherence to […]
Caddie Assistance Rules Are in the News
By Richard Todd With the new USGA Golf Rules that went into effect January 1, 2019 and the recent rulings about professional caddies standing behind their player, Ohio Golf Journal’s Golf Rules expert, Richard Todd explains the new rule. A caddie has great knowledge of the course and can help your round be […]
Off-Season Golf Tips
By Richard Todd The snow is flying, the water hazards are a solid block of ice, and the greens are white. There is very little golfing that’s happening, unless you enjoy wiping ice from your clubs after a wedge shot and greens playing to a stimp of 30. So, what’s a golfer to […]
How the Golf Rules Help, When Balls Collide!
By Richard Todd On the 18th green of the 72nd hole of the 2018 World Golf Championship-HSBC Champions in Shanghai last month, Xander Schauffele’s ball settled on the back edge of the green. Perilously close to a steep embankment that would have allowed the ball to run down into the water surrounding the green. Next […]
Poor Playing Conditions & The Rules
By Richard Todd Heavy rains interrupted the third round of the BMW championship. Morning tee times were pushed back until afternoon, groups were reorganized into threesomes, and the preferred lies rule was put into place. This little used rule allows players to lift their golf ball, clean it, and place it near as possible to the original spot, outside of the […]
Golf Cart Etiquette Tips
By Richard Todd Many golfers choose to ride in a cart, rather than walk. If this is your preference, then enjoy the drive, but take precautions for care and compliance, as golf carts can negatively impact the conditions of the course. To decrease damage, follow these suggestions. Some areas of the course are […]
Care for the Course
By Richard Todd For golfers, there’s nothing more reverent and appreciated than a well-manicured golf course. Yet when the grounds are in disrepair tempers flare and disappointment grows. One thing to remember is that areas of play aren’t usually damaged by the wind, rain, or animals but rather by us, the golfers. So, […]
When the Rules Don’t Apply
By Richard Todd I was at my local club and noticed a sign on the counter, “Please excuse the state of our bunkers. We are currently reshaping and refilling these hazards for better future play. You may take free relief during this process.” Under normal playing conditions, there is no current rule […]
Be Quiet or Be Penalized
By Richard Todd My father loves to give advice during our rounds. He’s like a walking range finder, caddy, swing coach, mental health instructor, course architect, and yogi. But it really makes my son mad to hear the constant suggestions of swing improvement and information. Do you have a similar playing competitor? If so, […]
Rules Lessons From The Masters Tournament
When a stroke is not a stroke By: Richard Todd Did you see Phil Mickelson’s swing from the fairway on Saturday in the third round of the Masters at Augusta National, where he completely whiffed and missed the ball? Is that a stroke and does it count on his scorecard? The answer is Yes, […]