Columnist: Golf Rules
Practice Facility Do’s & Don’ts
By Richard Todd, The Golf Rules Guy The golf season is beginning for those in the northern states, which means many golfers will spend time on ‘the range’, possibly even more than on an actual course. While most golfer’s etiquette on the links may be impeccable, that may not be true on the practice […]
New Rule! Stroke And Distance Option
Shortly after the new rules went into effect, I sent out my monthly golf newsletter. Immediately my dad called to ask for clarification on the new ‘stroke and distance’ option as the diagrams from the USGA weren’t clear to him. After 30 minutes of explaining, he had a better understanding, although he and his buddies […]
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 […]
New Golf Rules Seminars
With the new Rules of Golf going into effect January 1, 2019, you may want to brush up on these changes by attending one of the many Golf Rules Seminars being held around the state. Miami Valley Golf Association will be conducting four Rules Seminars: Saturday, Jan. 19th Dayton CC 10am – Noon Saturday, Mar. 9th NCR CC 10am […]
New Golf Rules for 2019
USGA’s new golf rules go into effect January 1. These changes were meant to help speed up the game and make it fair for every golfer. To assure you know the changes and understand how they may affect your game, visit the USGA website: http://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/rules-modernization/major-changes/major-changes.html Plus, the Northern Ohio Golf Association, Ohio Golf Association, Miami […]
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, […]