A Rules Book for Your Golf Bag
An Indispensable Tool for Every Golfer and Every Round of Golf
Jul 31, 2007
Golf Rules' Quick Reference Stroke Play Guide, by Yves Ton-That (Artigo Publishing International, 2004). (US $8.95, CA $12.95, £6.99 UK)
Every golfer, during nearly every round, wishes he or she had a copy of the rules. When the ball comes to rest directly on the out-of-bounds line, a golfer needs a ruling. When a golf club becomes damaged during play, golfers need a ruling. When a ball goes into a water hazard, a golfer needs to know her options. Without knowing the rules, precious strokes can be lost. Golf Rules Quick Reference, a tiny, 36-page booklet is the answer to most common problems that occur during a round of golf.
The booklet is organized into nine separate sections: Introduction and Dropping; On the Tee; Thru the Green; In the Bunker; In a Water Hazard; Out of Bounds and Provisional Ball; On the Green; Ball Moved or Deflected; and Lightning. The booklet's back cover is even a super-quick reference to proper procedures when various obstructions and conditions are encountered.
Each section contains simplified versions of specific rules from the Rules of Golf, published yearly by the United States Golf Association and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, along with the corresponding rule and penalty (if any) to be assessed. For example, in the section entitled "On the Tee," the booklet states: "Late arrival (R6-3). If a player arrives after his tee-off time he is usually disqualified."
Not all rules are explained so concisely, the "Late arrival" example simply lent itself to brevity. It demonstrates the simple, but clear format used by the author. The "R6-3" refers to the rule from which the explanation is paraphrased.
Everything from how to properly drop a ball, to when placing a ball is allowed, to the penalties for giving and accepting advice from other players, to what happens when a ball is accidentally knocked off a tee is explained in this booklet.
Although it was first published in 2004, the newest version of the booklet includes rules through 2007. It can be found at any book outlet, but the website Golf Rules Made Easy offers it free when Golf Rules and Etiquette Crystal Clear (160pp., $18.95US), also by Yves Ton-That, is purchased.
The booklet claims it will take five strokes off your next round. The exact number of strokes will vary from round to round, but golf rules can be used to the advantage of the golfer and they will save strokes, every time. Golf Rules Quick Reference is the easiest way to lower your score through the rules. It's one of the few "must haves."
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