Know The Rules: They Can Work In Your Favour

The rules of golf and their interpretation, is probably the single most contentious issue in golf.

During my 20 years of playing, working and being involved in the game, I have seen and heard a host of crackers from both amateurs and professionals alike.

It’s quite amazing how when the chips are down some people interpret the rules to some quite ridiculous degrees.

The inspiration behind my column this week comes from a situation I found myself in, during a round at my home club, Nad Al Sheba. It was the first hole of my round and I can confess to not warming up too well before I started – a cardinal sin for a professional!

After hitting my first shot (a lazy pull hook), my ball finished between a brick path (immovable obstruction) and the boundary fence next to the road. The boundary fence was in the way, which meant hitting the ball right-handed would be impossible.

I selected to play the shot left-handed which then meant my feet would be on the path. Because of this, I received a free drop from the path (no nearer the hole) and could drop the ball on the other side of the path, which was the only place I could receive ‘full’ relief. I ended up in the rough, but I was left with a straight forward pitching wedge shot, which I was able to play right-handed again.

The shot finished within four feet of the hole and I holed the putt for a birdie three. If I did not know the rules there would have been no chance of a birdie and at least a bogey five on my scorecard.

There are so many rules in golf that means it is essential you carry a rulebook for reference. If you are ever in doubt, always play two balls and then ask a PGA Golf Professional after your game.

PGA Golf Professionals have been trained to be rules experts. If you are ever in doubt don’t hesitate to ask a PGA Golf Professional.

JULES’ GEM - TIP OF THE WEEK

During my 10 years at Nad Al Sheba Golf Club, we have had many players disqualified who were leading a competition.

The most common way of being disqualified is to forget to put your handicap on the scorecard or to forget to sign the card on completion of your round.

Make sure when you finish your round you check the scorecard is fully completed before it is submitted.

Rulebooks are available free from all golf clubs in Dubai and the UGA head office, which is based at the Emirates Golf Club.