Barry Rhodes On The Rules Of Golf Interview – Episode #8
Posted on 16. Jun, 2009 by Andy Brown in Golf, St Andrews
In episode 8 Barry Rhodes author of 999 Questions On The Rules of Golf tells us how the Royal & Ancient in St. Andrews became responsible for administering the Rules of Golf.
He explains how in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries there were many different rules, as each Club developed had their own versions. This obviously led to difficulties and in 1897, by common agreement of the existing clubs, most of who were in Britain, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A) were asked to take control of the Rules. The first international set of Rules was then published in 1899.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) also adopted the R&A Rules and published them for American golfers in 1900. However the two golfing bodies then went their separate ways for the next 50 years.
As Barry states in the video, itt is important to stress that there aren’t two sets of Rules.
In 1952 the R&A and USGA agreed to co-operate to produce a unified set of Rules for worldwide use and this is the situation today. The two bodies meet regularly and agree on any changes to the Rules, which occur every four years, and any new or changed Decisions on the Rules, which are published every two years.
There’s just one difference between the two and to the majority of us it’s of little relevance. There is no limit to the value of prize that an amateur player may receive for a hole-in-one in the USA or Mexico, which are governed by the USGA, but for the rest of the world the R&A limits the value of prize that a player may receive for a hole-in-one to just £500.
Like many golfers I often ask myself why are there so many Rules and Decisions. On this occassion Barry reminded me that there are more than 60 million people playing golf, in almost every country in the world, in all sorts of climates and playing conditions. So the Rules have to cover everything that could possibly happen to the player and his ball on the course.
As we know it’s an impossible task for most players to learn all of the Rules. In fact Barry has spent more than ten years getting to grips with the Rules and Decisions on the Rules and still learning.
However, I’m sure that if you have watched or played any game regularly, such as soccer, pool, trivial pursuits or even poker, you’ll have witnessed arguments as to whether a particular play is valid, or not. Sooner or later players have to check, or establish, rules so that they can compete fairly against each other on a level playing field. There’s only one game of golf, with a universal set of Rules, and if that’s the game that you want to play then you have to respect and abide by all of them, so as to preserve the integrity of this wonderful game.
In conclusion I asked Barry how would recommend players get a better understanding of the Rules?
“Well, the easy answer to that question would be to recommend that every golfer should carry a book of Rules in their pocket, which they regularly take out, read and digest. But I know that’s not going to happen. Most players learn from the situations that they experience on the course. Every time something new crops up they discuss it afterwards in the bar, or the Pro Shop, until they are satisfied that they know the right answer. To assist golfers everywhere I’ve taken this to the next step and written a book containing 999 questions on the Rules of Golf with answers, references to the Rule, or Decision, number and explanations, where required. I’ve covered the myriad situations that can occur on the golf course and have included an index so that golfers can easily find the relevant Q&As for the situation that they are interested in.”
if you Google ‘999 Questions on the Rules of Golf’ you’ll find that most online booksellers will have it in stock.
You can buy from Amazon.co.uk and from Amazon.com.
Barry Rhodes
Author of “999 Questions On The Rules Of Golf”
Website: BarryRodes.com
Finally the Question of the Day:
What is your most confusing rule of golf? Please leave your answer in the comments section below and we will do our best to help explain. Thank you.
Roger Foo
16. Aug, 2010
What is the rule if a golfer picks up his ball and drops without informing anyone or indicating his intention either to his partner or fellow competitors if he takes a relief with or without penalty?
Sly
04. Aug, 2010
Barry, what is the ruling In this situation: In stroke play Player A chipped within gimme distance and was on approach to mark his ball when his fellow competitor B, who is to make a pitch 40 yards off the green requested A to let B hit first. Out of courtesy, A obliged and B hit his pitch shot which fall short of the hole. Later on it was learned that B’s request has something to do with the possibility that A’s ball may be used as a backstop.
Steve
06. Jul, 2010
When ball if OFF the green is the only options taking the flag out or leaving the flag in? My question is when OFF the green, can I have the flag tended by someone who makes the decision to leave the flag in or take it out based on the ball rolling fast, slow, etc. Can that person tend the flag, pull it or leave it in?
Eddie
08. Feb, 2010
Barry in a match play game one player plays a shot into the hole as the other player has played more shots he lifts his ball and concedes the hole the other player goes to the flag and finds his ball jammed against the flag but just lifts the ball out what is the rule?
imants
30. Jan, 2010
Many thanks for this informative page of rules.
Sue
29. Jan, 2010
Regarding GPS systems on golf buggies, many clubs are now allowing these in competitions but I cannot see where this has been sanctioned by the rules of golf. Can you advise, thanks
Barry’s Reply:
Sue,
The Note to Rule 14-3, Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment, states, “The Committee may make a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only.”
So, GPS devices may only be used in competition if there is a Local Rule permitting their use. It is important to check this before the competition starts as the penalty for a breach of Rule 14-3 is disqualification.
Regards,
Barry
Tom
18. Nov, 2009
Barry,
Another continuously, very windy day, very firm green at Royal Adelaide. The ball refuses to stop wobbling and threatens to move (as much as a ball can refuse or threaten!). Should one then (1) wait until the wind drops possibly invoking slow play, 2) press the ball into the green on replacement – causing a change to the playing surface – 2stroke penalty or 3) not ground the club before playing a shot and risk hitting a moving ball
Bill
16. Aug, 2009
Rules question. It is a very windy day, my ball is on the green, I put a marker down to mark the position of my ball but leave my ball on the green whilest someone else putts, the wind blows strongly and my ball rolls a couple of yards away from the hole. Is my ball deemed to have been marked and just replace it at the marker or have to play it as it lies.
Thanks
Bill
Barry’s Reply:
This is a question that even Tournament Pros get wrong most of the time. Decision 20-4/1; “Q. A player replaces his ball on the putting green but does not remove his ball-marker. Subsequently the wind moves his ball to a new position.
What is the ruling?
A. Under Rule 20-4, a ball is in play when it is replaced, whether or not the object used to mark its position has been removed.
Consequently the ball must be played from the new position ? see Decision 18-1/12.”
Najib
10. Aug, 2009
If a hit from the tee hits a golf bag that caddies are holding or resting at some distance, what is the penalty and on which player, the one who hits or the one whose bag it is! please advise.
Barry’s Reply:
Najib,
It depends whether it is stroke play or match play and whose bag the player hits. Here is a summary; 1. In stroke play player’s ball hits his own bag, one stroke penalty (Rule 19-2) and play the ball as it lies.
2. In stroke play player’s ball hits his fellow competitor’s bag, no penalty (Rule 19-4) and play the ball as it lies.
3. In match play player’s ball hits his own bag, one stroke penalty (Rule 19-2) and play the ball as it lies.
4. In match play player’s ball hits his opponent’s ball, no penalty but he may choose to cancel the stroke and play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (Rule 19-3), or play the ball as it lies.
Note that the penalty for 1. and 3. was two strokes until a change in the Rules at 1st January 2008.
Regards,
Barry Rhodes
Jim
23. Jun, 2009
When hitting the ball from off the putting surface a player has the option of asking a playing partner to leave their ball in position so as to act as a ‘backstop’.
Can the partner, in leaving their ball in position, mark the ball and thereby be able to replace their ball exactly should it be struck?
Jim,
Barry’s Reply:
Whilst you are correct in saying that the player has the option of asking a player partner to leave their ball in position so as to act as a ‘backstop’, the opponents also have the option of asking for the ball to be lifted, Decision 30-3f/11; “Q. A and B are playing C and D in a four-ball match. B’s ball is near the hole in a position to serve as a backstop for A’s ball. C requests B to lift his ball. B does not comply and A putts. What is the ruling?
A. B is disqualified for the hole for failing to comply with Rule 22-1. If A’s ball strikes B’s ball, A would also be disqualified from the hole since B’s infringement assisted A ? Rule 30-3f. If the balls do not collide, A is not penalized.”
Although it is not specifically covered in the Rules or Decisions, my opinion is therefore that the partner could legitimately leave his ball marker by his ball but that the opponents could ask for it to be lifted if they thought that it could assist the person making the stroke.
Regards,
Barry
Najib
22. Jun, 2009
Is it legal for Golf Clubs as members of National Golf Federation to amend R&A Rules and enforce some of their local rules! Pls advise!
Barry’s Reply:
Najib,
The answer to your question lies in Rule 33-8 Local Rules; “a. Policy The Committee may establish Local Rules for local abnormal conditions if they are consistent with the policy set forth in Appendix I.
b. Waiving or Modifying a Rule
A Rule of Golf must not be waived by a Local Rule. However, if a Committee considers that local abnormal conditions interfere with the proper playing of the game to the extent that it is necessary to make a Local Rule that modifies the Rules of Golf, the Local Rule must be authorized by the USGA.”
If you are worried about a particular Local Rule that your Committee has implemented I would be pleased to give you my opinion as to whether it is permitted by the Rules of Golf.
Regards,
Barry
Lorinda
21. Jun, 2009
Could you please advise on whether a golfer is allowed to use the back of his club face. For example a right handed golfer using the right side of hisputter to execute a left handed putt.
Thank you.
Regards
Lorinda
Barry’s Reply:
Lorinda,
Yes, Rule 14-1 states;
“The ball must be fairly struck at with the head of the club and must not be pushed, scraped or spooned,” so it does not matter which side of the club is used.
Interestingly, Appendix ll, 5, to the Rules states; “The clubhead must have only one striking face, except that a putter may have two such faces if their characteristics are the same, and they are opposite each other.”
Regards,
Barry Rhodes
Kelvin Meyler
20. Jun, 2009
What’s an hole in one, never had one of those.
Steve maybury
17. Jun, 2009
On our 18th hole there is a bridge over a creek. If your shot comes to rest behind the bridge within a few feet, there is no way to play a shot at the green. Do you get relief and if the ball is in the rough, where do you take relief?
Barry’s Reply:
Steve,
The bridge is an immovable obstruction. You only get relief from an immovable obstruction (a) if your ball is not within the margin of a water hazard, and b) the immovable obstruction (bridge) has not been declared as integral to the course in the Local Rules, and c) when the ball lies in or on the obstruction, or if the obstruction interferes with a player’s stance or the area of his intended swing. You do not get relief just because the bridge is on your line of play to the green. See Rule 24-2.
Regards,
Barry
Steve’s Reply:
Ok, so if the bridge interferes with my swing within the within the water hazard and it is on the bank I would get relief and drop it within the hazard. How far can I move it?
Barry’s Reply:
No! If your ball is within the margins of a water hazard you do not get any relief, see a) in my answer below. The relevant words in Rule 24-2 are in Note 1, which reads; “If a ball is in a water hazard (including a lateral water hazard), the player may not take relief from interference by an immovable obstruction. The player must play the ball as it lies or proceed under Rule 26-1.”
If your ball lies outside the margin of the water hazard, but an immovable obstruction located within the water hazard interferes with your stance or area of intended swing, then you find the NEAREST point of relief, not nearer the hole, that avoids the interference and drop the ball within one clublength of that point, not nearer the hole. In these circumstances you may not drop the ball in the hazard and you must re-drop the ball if it rolls and comes to rest in the hazard.
Regards,
Barry
Steve
17. Jun, 2009
I hit a ball into the trap and it landed on the Rake head. the rake was laying half into the bunker and the head of it is laying in the middle of a 3 foot straight drop in soft sand. My playing buddies told me I had to replace the ball in the same spot in the bunker. BUT, the only way I could do that, was to; IMBED the ball into the sand (otherwise it rolls to the bottom of the bunker.
My question is, of course, is that the rule? Do I have to IMBED the ball into the same place in the bunker?
Steve
Barry’s Reply:
Steve,
No, you are not permitted by the Rules to press the ball into the sand. Your question is dealt with in Decision 20-3d/2;
“Q. A ball came to rest against a movable obstruction, a rake, in a bunker. When the rake was moved the ball rolled nearer the hole.
According to Rule 24-1, the ball had to be replaced. Due to the slope and the fact that the sand was firm, the ball, when replaced, rolled closer to the hole.
Under Rule 20-3d, if a ball will not come to rest on the spot where it originally lay, it must be placed at the nearest spot not nearer the hole where it can be placed at rest. The spot where the ball originally lay was farther from the hole than any other part of the bunker. Thus, there was nowhere to place the ball at rest in the bunker that was not nearer the hole.
What is the proper procedure if:
1. The only way the ball would remain at rest at the spot where it lay would be to press it lightly into the sand?
2. The sand is so hard that it is impossible to replace the ball?
A. There is nothing in the Rules permitting a player to press his ball lightly into the sand or ground to make it remain at rest.
Accordingly, in either case, since the player could not place the ball in conformity with the Rules, he should proceed under the stroke-and-distance option of the unplayable ball Rule (Rule 28a) or, in equity (Rule 1-4), drop the ball, under penalty of one stroke, outside the bunker, keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped.
The same principle would apply if a player is proceeding under any Rule and the ball will not come to rest in the bunker at a spot not nearer to the hole than the appropriate reference point.”
Regards,
Barry
Clifton Barnhart
17. Jun, 2009
Is there a general understanding about whether it is appropriate for a player to remain silent as he watches his opponent set up to break a rule? It’s been my experience that the gentlemanly thing to do is to bring up the issue before a shot is executed when possible, giving time for discussion and modification before things are irreversible. Of course, doing this may lessen one’s chance of winning a match on a rule technicality. Most of us would prefer to win through superior play, not superior knowledge of a rule. What are your thoughts?
Barry’s Reply:
Clifton,
It is perfectly right and proper to stop someone breaching a Rule of Golf. Referees are encouraged to do so. The definition of Advice specifically points out; “Information on the Rules, distance or matters of public information, such as the position of hazards or the flagstick on the putting green, is not advice.”
However, in stroke play, you are not permitted to ignore a breach of the Rules by any competitor once it has happened. As soon as you observe a Rule being breached you have to bring it to the player’s, and their marker’s, attention, otherwise you may be deemed to have breached Rule 1-3 – Agreement to Waive Rules. It is different in match play where you may choose not to call a penalty on your opponent(s), as in this format of golf no-one other that the two sides of the match are affected.
Your final point could be the subject of a lengthy discussion. Should I suffer because I have a good knowledge of the Rules and may therefore call more penalties on myself than someone who does not? We are all obliged to know the Rules (Rule 6-1) and the way that most players learn them is when something happens on the course that affects them directly, so players can indirectly benefit when we call their penalties. If we choose to ignore breaches of Rules in match play then will we remember that we may not do so in stroke play, when we are obliged to protect the interests of every other competitor?
There are always two sides!
Regards,
Barry
Richard
17. Jun, 2009
Hi Andy i have question for you on the rules of golf . I was playing in a golf competition the player i was facing was using a standard putter .
When it came to make the putt his hands where right off the putter grip and about half way down the shaft is this legal .
I am lead to believe that this is illegal am I wright or am I wrong. And yes he did go on to win the competition gutted .
Barry’s Reply:
Dickie,
Yes, this is permitted. There is nothing in the Rules of Golf restricting how a player may hold his clubs when making a stroke.
Regards,
Barry
Larry Quah
17. Jun, 2009
Thanks for sharing again, Andy. Most useful and I agree that the best way to remember a rule is to have it happened to me. It’s etched in the mind forever. Interpreting rules often causes debate or argument because just as there are five different fingers on one hand, there can be many, many more differing interpretations by individuals to what is written in the rule book on any of the rules.
Najib
17. Jun, 2009
Barry/Andy:
Thnx for a gr8 video, deeply interesting. I knew the rules but unfortunately how little. Different countries different people but same enjoyable golf. I like to hypothesize that golf should govern inter-regional and inter-country conflicts. My son says that Pakistan and India should turn Kashmir into a battery of golf courses and settle their holes-in-ones and garrison bunker outs. The landscape is sheer beauty. I am writing from Pakistan where every rule is flouted with impunity and rewarded, hehe, but where golfers probably do wee bit better courtesy R&A/USGA.
Please give me a DVD option to download as I also like to pay by VISA or MC. Although I would love to get a signed copy for my library but my environmentalist disclaimer not to print and save paper becomes difficult to reconcile with! How about electronic signature?
Andy: “be nice to be nice”!
regards, najib
Thomas Wight
17. Jun, 2009
Is there is an official rule, or gentlemen’s understanding, when you have been given a putt, which is within 24 inches of the hole, but you go ahead and putt it and miss it?
Can you putt it for practice? Or if you go ahead and putt and miss it do you have to count it?
Also is there a difference in the ruling depending if it is medal or matchplay? I am plagued with the yips so bad that my fellow golfers can’t stand to see me miss so many little putts. I now use a belly putter, which helps somewhat.
Barry’s Reply:
Thomas,
The first and most important point is that putts may not be ‘given’ in any form of stroke play competition. Rule 3-2 states, “If a competitor fails to hole out at any hole and does not correct his mistake before he makes a stroke on the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before he leaves the putting green, he is disqualified.”
In match play, putts may be conceded and once the concession has been made it may not be withdrawn. So, if a putt is given and the player still tries to hole out and misses it does not matter as the concession stands. There is no ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ on the length of a putt that may be conceded in match play, it is solely up to each opponent. ‘Gimmees’ tend to get shorter the closer the match becomes!
Regards,
Barry
Martin
16. Jun, 2009
Preparing to play a pitch and run onto the 9th hole on the Old Course when I notice a few yards ahead of my ball is a dirty big divot mark with the sod lying close by. I pick up the sod and replace it and play my shot to within 2 feet from the hole, my opponent tells me I have improved my lie and that he wins the hole.
I’m shattered and horrified. Was he correct?
Thanks
Barry’s Reply:
Martin,
Yes, your opponent was correct. Rule 13-2 says, “A player must not improve or allow to be improved: …..his line of play or a reasonable extension of that line beyond the hole….. by any of the following actions: …..creating or eliminating irregularities of surface, removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, replaced divots or other cut turf placed in position…”.
Replacing a divot on your line of play prior to making your stroke would certainly incur the penalty of loss of hole in match play, or 2 strokes in stroke play.
Cheers
Barry
Dan Noonan
16. Jun, 2009
Hi Andy,
A quick rules question pertaining to the use of these new drivers with the interchangeable shafts, alternate weighting systems and even adjustable face angles. Is there a rules violation associated for changing any of these parameters during a round of golf? Thanks.
Dan
Barry’s Reply:
Dan,
Yes, Rule 4-2a states, “During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a club must not be purposely changed by adjustment or by any other means.”
Cheers
Barry
John Reeves
16. Jun, 2009
Hi Andy,
Enjoyed your video with Barry – also appreciate your
e-mails.
Many thanks for your support and love of golf and keeping me informed – A lot of your advice has kept me out of trouble recently, and I have now come down from 20.6 to 17 in my last 4 Medal games.
Regards JR
Mike
16. Jun, 2009
Barry, I recently purchased 99 Nuggets CD. very helpful.
I also appreciate the video clips on the rules. It would be great if you could produce a DVD of the rules on a golf course. I’m sure it would be a $$maker as well.
Mike
Matt Sturt
16. Jun, 2009
I’m glad Barry cleared up the Hole in One rule, I’ll try and remember it if it ever happens! Great show Andy.