Columnist: Golf Rules
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, […]
Relief on The Putting Green
By: Richard Todd There’s a course I play regularly that if you slice your tee shot it’s possible to end up on the putting green of a previously played hole. I’ve almost scored an ace that way multiple times. I’ve even played to the wrong green given an errant shot and being unfamiliar […]
Upcoming Rules Changes for Penalty Areas
By Richard Todd Do you want to sound super smart, like a Rules Official on the golf course? During your next round, simply use the phrase, “Penalty Area.” This is the new term used by the USGA that replaces and encompasses, water hazards and bunkers. So regardless, if it’s sand or water […]
Support Your Local Golf Club
By: Richard Todd It’s unimaginable to think of playing golf in Ohio during the middle of January, when local courses are covered in a foot of snow and temperatures hover in the single digits, yet that’s what the course management is considering, and worrying, about! The warm, summer days with grass growing, […]
History and Rules of Dropping Golf Balls
By: Richard Todd The rule addressing putting a ball back into play has gone through several changes in the past two hundred years, and will go through more soon! Starting in 1908 the rule stated, a golfer would reintroduce a ball into play by dropping it over their shoulder. “The player shall […]
Technology & Golf Rules
By: Richard Todd After years of relying on my golfing companions to provide exact measurements to the green and hazards, using their GPS and laser range finders, I finally purchased my own technology. The quick reading of pin-point digital yardage speeds up my round, increases my confidence in club selection, and helps shots be […]
New Golf Rules and Their Impact
By: Richard Todd There are many rule changes by the USGA coming in 2019. One of my favorites is the ability to putt with the flagstick in cup, without penalty. Normally, striking the flagstick from on the green is a breach of USGA rules #17-3 and carries a two-stroke penalty, but this rule is to […]
Using The Rules of Golf To Your Advantage
By: Richard Todd PGA Tour players have been using the rules of golf more effectively for their benefit rather than simply to assess penalties. Equity and fairness in play is the reason the USGA and The R&A created the rules. At the 2017 Open Championship, Jordan Spieth’s ball landed on a hilly slope […]