Rules and Rants

Become a golf rules expert

Golf Canada/Bernard Brault

Last week the USGA and R&A announced the new changes to the 2014-2015 Decisions on the Rules of Golf book.  In total, 87 changes were implemented into the new Decisions book, set to release on January 1st, 2014.  To read more about the notable changes, please read last week’s article here on what was updated.

The 2014-2015 Decisions on the Rules of Golf book is now available for pre-order on Golf Canada’s e-store.  The book will be shipped in January 2014, in time to brush up on your rules knowledge for the golf season.

Along with the Decisions on the Rules of Golf book, our e-store offers many different publications to learn more about the game of golf.

The 2012-2015 Rules of Golf book outlines the 34 rules to adhere to while golfing.  The Definitions sections give clarity to the terms which form the foundation around the Rules of golf.  The Appendix sections at the end of the Rules Book further explain anything from Local Rules to the specifications of the clubs and the ball.

Local Rules can vary based on the golf course and only be implemented at certain times, but all must abide by the Rules of Golf.  A common local rule that may be in effect golf courses that haven’t been hit by snow yet this year, is “Preferred Lies” and “Winter Rules”.  Not to be confused with Rule 25 (Abnormal Conditions, Embedded Ball, and Wrong Putting Green), adverse conditions are consistent around the course and temporary in nature.  To promote fair play and protect the course, the Local Rule is recommended: “A ball lying on a closely-mown area through the green may be lifted, without penalty, and cleaned.  Before lifting the ball, the player must mark its position.  Having lifted the ball, he must place it on a spot within of and not nearer the hole than where it originally lay, that is not a hazard and not on a putting green.”

The Rules of Golf book is an important tool to keep in your golf bag.  In addition to the Decisions and Rules book, golf is a game of integrity and to display respect for your fellow competitors.  The Easy Guide to the Etiquette and Rules of Golf is perfect for someone new to the game or those who are experienced and may want a quick reference on how to proceed on some of the more common rules of the game.

The Golf Canada Handicap Manual is the comprehensive guide to the rules and regulations of the handicap system. The book is essential for every club handicap committee.

Golf Canada’s e-store provides many books to become an expert in the Rules of the game.  If these books intrigue you to learn more about the game, begin your online Rules Education here.

As always, our ‘Ask an Expert’ tool can be utilized and accessed via our website, where we would be happy to answer your Rules-related inquiries.

For more information, please consult our Rules of Golf publications – for purchase in Golf Canada’s eStore, or at your local book retailer.