Rules

The R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland, in conjunction with the USGA, writes, interprets and maintains the Rules of Golf to guard the tradition and integrity of the game. The two organisations are joint authors and owners of The Rules of Golf and Decisions on the Rules of Golf.

Because golf is played over such a wide and irregular area, its rules need to cover every eventuality you could think of such as:

When is a ball out of bounds
How do I drop a ball
How many clubs can I carry

 - and some you couldn't. For example:

What happens if my ball hits a seagull?
What should I do if I break my driver in a fit of rage?
Can I take my shoes and socks off to play the ball in a stream?

There are three important principles to remember when playing golf:

Play the course as you find it.
Play the Ball as it lies.
And if you can't do either, do what's fair.......... To do what's fair you need a reasonable knowledge of the Rules!

Golf etiquette is an extremely important part of the game of golf. The etiquette golfers show to one another out on the course is one of the things that distinguishes golf from all other sports. But what is etiquette?

Etiquette has to do with manners. Whether you are talking about etiquette at the dinner table, in school, in your family or out at the movies with your friends, etiquette is important. It is through the courtesy we show to other people that we communicate our respect for them and that we show them how important we think they are.

Golf is a game that requires a lot of concentration. If you are trying to make a putt, or hit your tee shot into a narrow Fairway, it will be much more difficult if someone is laughing, rattling their clubs, or running around the tee or green.

The Golf Scene covers 130 different elements of Rules & Etiquette in the On The Course quiz section.

What are the 'Rules of Golf'?

What are Definitions?

What are 'Local Rules'?

What is 'Etiquette'?

All will be revealed here.......