July Rules Tip of the Month
"How to Use the Rule Book" is the first content that appears in the The Rules of Golf. In it, the USGA offers some quick pointers to help golfers make better use of the hard-copy of the rulebook.)
Understand the Words
The Rules book is written in a very precise and deliberate fashion. You should be aware of and understand the following differences in word use: • may = optional • should = recommendation • must = instruction (and penalty if not carried out) • a ball = you may substitute another ball (e.g. Rules 26, 27 or 28) • the ball = you may not substitute another ball (e.g. Rules 24-2 or 25-1)
What is the Ruling? 1. The form of play (e.g. match play or stroke play, single, foursome or four-ball?). 2. Who is involved (e.g. the player, his partner or caddie, an outside agency?). 3. Where the incident occurred (e.g. on the teeing ground, in a bunker or water hazard, on the putting green or elsewhere on the course). In some cases it might also be necessary to establish: 4. The player's intentions (e.g. what was he doing and what does he want to do?). 5. Any subsequent events (e.g. the player has returned his score card or the competition has closed).