About playing golf

RULES & DECISIONS

The rules of golf are a standard set of regulations and procedures by which the sport of golf should be played. They are jointly written and administered by the R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) the governing body of golf worldwide except in theUnited StatesandMexico, which are the responsibility of the (USGA). The rule book, entitled "Rules of Golf", is published on a regular basis and also includes rules governing amateur status.

A central principle, although not one of the numbered rules, is found in the R&A rule book's inside front cover:

Play the ball as it lies, play the course as you find it, and if you cannot do either, do what is fair. But to do what is fair, you need to know the Rules of Golf.

In addition to the rules golf adheres to a code of conduct, known as etiquette, which generally means playing the game with due respect for the golf course and other players. Etiquette is often seen as being as important to the sport as the rules themselves.

The term "Rules" can be said to include the following:

• Decisions on the Rules of Golf, a book published every two years by the USGA and R&A to clarify questions raised by the Rules.
• Local rules set by the Committee of a golf club.
• Rules of golf etiquette define the proper behaviour of those playing the game.
• Rules governing the size, shape and performance of golf equipment.

Why is it important to learn the Rules of Golf?

It is estimated that there are more than 60 million people around the world who play golf more than once a year. It is likely that only a very small percentage of these have a good knowledge of the Rules and probably only a handful that have a detailed understanding of all 34 Rules, 126 sub-sections and over 1200 Decisions made by golf's governing bodies, the R&A and USGA. But why is it important to learn the Rules? There are at least five good reasons why players should continually strive to improve their knowledge of the Rules of this great game;

• First, Rule 6-1 specifies that, "the player and his caddie are responsible for knowing the Rules".

• Second, a good working knowledge of the Rules can often be to your advantage, saving you strokes by avoiding unnecessary penalties. For example, knowing when relief without penalty is available and how to take it.

• Third, when playing in stroke play competitions you have a responsibility to every other entrant to ensure that anyone that you are playing with fully complies with all the Rules. Players aren't permitted to disregard any breach of the Rules by a fellow competitor, or they are disqualified.

• Fourth, in match play you don't want your opponent(s) to take an advantage because they know, or they think they know, the Rules better than you.

• And fifth, Rule 1-3 specifies that, "players shall not agree to exclude the operation of any Rule, or to waive any penalty incurred." The penalty for doing so in both match play and stroke play is disqualification.Of course, there are many golfers that find the Rules an irritation and claim that they are a deterrent to being able to enjoy a social game with their friends. What difference does it make if someone places their ball when they should be dropping it, or rolls their ball to the side when it comes to rest in a divot? If players want to play the game that way, who is to stop them?

The answer is that no-one will stop them, they are free to play however they choose, but it is not golf they are playing. If you have watched or played any game regularly, such as soccer, pool, trivial pursuits or poker, you will have been party to arguments as to whether a particular play is valid, or not. Sooner or later players will have to check, or establish, rules so that they can compete fairly against each other on a level playing field.

There is only one game of golf, with one universal set of Rules, and if that is the game that you want to play then you have to abide by all of them.

SOME IMPORTANT RULES

Here are some examples of common errors golfers new to the game may make or not understand. It is also common for golfers to expect that caddies will give correct advice about the Rules – not so!

• If your ball is lost or out of bounds your next stroke must be played from where the stroke was played not from where it is lost or where it left the course. One stroke penalty!
• Relief (without penalty) is not available if your ball is unplayable or there is interference from trees or other naturally occurring parts of the course.

This is a summary of some common situations when a player may or must take relief with or without penalty.

A ball in these conditions may be played without relief or penalty unless it is Lost, Out of Bounds or on a Wrong Putting Green. Before making a stroke from a Hazard (including a bunker) the ground and loose impediments cannot be touched with a club or hand (Rule 13.4). To drop a ball the player must stand erect, hold the ball at shoulder height and arm's length then drop. A ball incorrectly dropped must be lifted and dropped correctly (no penalty).

Breaches of these Rules incur a 2 stroke penalty or in Match Play loss of Hole!

CONDITIONDEFINITIONWHERE TO TAKE RELIEFPenaltyRuleBallLost1.Not found within 5 minutes.2.If a stroke is played at a substituted ball.As near as possible to the spot where the ball was last played. 1 stroke27.1BallOut of BoundsPosts (pine, metal and white painted), not mesh fencing define the boundaries of the Course. A ball is out of bounds when no part of the ball can be seen on a line between the inside of these posts.1 stroke27.1Ball inLateral Water HazardThe margins are the nearest outside points of red stakes or lines at ground level. A ball is in a Hazard when it lies in or any part of it touches the Hazard.1.As near as possible to the spot from where the ball was last played.2.Behind where the ball crossed the Margin of the Hazard or if Unplayable where the ball lay, in a line back from the pin. There is no limit as to how far back it can be dropped.3.Within two club lengths and not nearer the hole from where the ball last crossed the Hazard margin or if unplayable where it lay.1 stroke26.1 Ball Unplayable Except when the ball is in a Water Hazard, the player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.1 stroke28 Interference from Immovable ObstructionAnything on the Course artificial, including the artificial surfaces and sides of roads/paths, distance posts and cement covers. Boundary posts are not on the Course and therefore not obstructions. Interference occurs when a ball lies in or on the obstruction, or when the obstruction interferes with the player's stance or the area of his intended swing. Relief may be taken from a sprinkler head which is within two club lengths of the putting green and within two club lengths of the ball which interferes with the line.Within one club length and not nearer the hole than thenearest point of relief. The nearest point of relief is a point on the Course nearest to the ball not nearer to the hole where there is no interference from the condition. A player must not play a dropped ball if either the stance or ball remains in the condition.If after dropping a ball there is interference from a different area of Abnormal Ground or Obstruction the ball is in play. The ball may then be played or relief is again available. (Decision 20-2c/7)None24.2plusLocal RuleInterference from Abnormal Ground ConditionsAbnormal Ground Conditions include Casual Water which is a temporary accumulation of water on the Coursethat is visible before or after the player takes his stance. Ground Under Repair as marked on the Course or unmarked materials piled for removal. Relief is available when a ball or the player's stance is in or touches the condition. On the putting green, interference also occurs if the condition intervenes with the line of the putt.None25.1 Ball on Wrong Putting GreenWhen a ball comes to rest on a putting green of a hole not being played.None25.3 Ball EmbeddedA ball embedded in its own pitch mark in any closely mown area. "Closely mown area" means any area of the Course,including paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less.As near as possible to where the ball was embedded but not nearer the hole.None25.2

LOCAL RULES

Local Rules are intended to address local conditions though they cannot override the Rules of Golf. All players should check the score card at each golf course before commencing play. Additionally the Club has its own Local Rules which may be different and override Local Rules on the card. The Club Captain may make additional Local Rules on the day to manage particular circumstances. An example may be relief from aeration holes if there has been recent ground maintenance.

The following Local Rules apply to all Club events:

1. Preferred lies without penalty (including from divot holes) are not available.
2. Relief without penalty from trees is not available unless the tree is less than two metres in height and has a supporting stake.
3. If a ball is in, or deemed to be in a Water Hazard , the player may:

(i) Proceed under Rule 26 (water hazards rule; the ball must be dropped from the point of entry to the hazard); or

(ii) As an additional option, drop a ball, under penalty of one stroke, in a Drop Zone.

4. In the absence of Course markings (stakes or painted lines), if a ball is in a place which is deemed to be a water hazard by the group a judgement must be made about where the boundary of the hazard should be. The ball is then dropped in accordance with Rule 26 (water hazards rule).

5. During stroke events a maximum of five strokes over par may be made on any hole. If a player makes that many strokes the ball should be picked up and that score declared. This means that the maximum score on par 3, par 4 and par 5 hole is 8, 9 and 10Informally five over par is known as a "monkey"!

ABOUT CADDIES

Golf Courses around Cha Am provide each golfer with a caddie. The caddie will be wearing a uniform and be a local Thai person. An additional cost to you will be a tip for the caddie (200 – 300 Baht) The amount is up to you and paid in cash to the caddie at the conclusion of the Round – don't expect change from the caddie!

When you arrive at the Golf Course a Course Controller and caddies meet your vehicle. A caddie is then assigned and takes control of your bag and clubs.

Caddie duties include driving the buggy, marking and cleaning the golf ball, handing you the required club, taking care of the flag stick, raking the bunker and giving you advice.

This advice may include the best line for the shot, distances, how to avoid trouble, club selection and most importantly reading the putt. The slope of the green is often hard to gauge without Course experience!

Caddies are typically experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. Although their advice is usually very good it is only an opinion - the decision is yours!

The caddie's knowledge of the Rules of Golf may be limited (perhaps because they learn from golfers!). Together with your marker, you decide where to drop the ball and when to apply penalty strokes.

The caddie is likely to want to mark your card (up to your group!). However if you are in competition mode the score recorded and signed for is your responsibility!

Always treat your caddie with respect and good humour!

Each caddie's knowledge of English varies. Please don't get upset about any misunderstandings, suspect advice or if you are just having a bad day! If your caddie becomes quiet and withdrawn you may need to 'lighten up'!

Find out your caddie's name and introduce yourself before the start of play. Consider buying your caddie a drink when you call into a refreshment station. Getting on well with your caddie may improve your play and will make the Round even more enjoyable!

ETIQUETTE

Etiquette on the Course is an important part of being a good Club Member or at any time you are playing golf. Please check out the Club Policy and Procedures page for tips on how you can be a better Member!

The Spirit of the Game

Unlike many sports, golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.

Safety

Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing. Players should not play until the players in front are out of range. Players should always alert staff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them. If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, he should immediately shout a warning. The traditional word of warning in such a situation is "fore."
Consideration for Other PlayersNo Disturbance or DistractionPlayers should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise. Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players. On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play. Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.On the Putting GreenOn the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt. Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

Scoring

In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player concerned and record it.
Pace of PlayPlay at Good Pace and Keep UpPlayers should play at a good pace. The Committee may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow. It is a group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group.

Be Ready to Play

Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.

Lost Ball
If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a provisional ball.
Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found.
They should not search for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.
Priority on the CourseUnless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on the course is determined by a group's pace of play. Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round. Care of the CourseBunkers
Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.

Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by ShoesPlayers should carefully repair any divot holes made by them and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether or not made by the player himself). On completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.
Preventing Unnecessary DamagePlayers should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason. Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting green when putting down bags or the flagstick. In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole. Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole. The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before players leave the putting green.

GAME VARIATIONS

There are an infinite number of variations in the game of golf. There are also a number of different names used for each variation. All players should be made aware of the scoring requirements before play commences. These are some of the common ways that you can play golf!

Single Stroke

Single Stroke or Medal play is the simplest of all variations. The game usually requires all strokes to be counted and players are unable to pick up the ball without penalty. The score for the 18 holes is tallied and the handicap is deducted from that total. The lowest score wins, both for gross and nett. The Club has a Local Rule which stipulates a maximum score on each hole of five over par (a Monkey!). This is intended to speed up play and avoid a situation were a player just can't clear that hazard!

Single Stableford

Each player scores stableford points on a hole based on their handicap and the stroke index for the hole. During the round, each player and marker has to calculate the points allocated to each score on a hole based on the stroke index. A player on a handicap of 12 receives a shot on the 12 hardest holes, while a player on a 27 handicap receives 2 shots on 9 holes and 1 shot on 9 holes, based on the course index.

SCOREPointswith noshotsPointswith oneshotPointswith twoshotsPointswith threeshots3 under par56782 under par45671 under par3457PAR23451 over par12342 over par-1233 over par--124 over par---1> 4 over par----

You mark both the stroke score and stableford points on the card, and the highest point score wins. Only the stableford points are tallied.

Four-Ball Best-Ball Stableford

The team version of a single stableford. The scoring is the same as the single event but only one player can score for each team on a hole. The score is the best result in the team. When the two partners score the same result then the score is marked for the player who holes out first. If a player cannot beat the partner's score the ball is picked up to speed up play.

The stableford points only are tallied and the highest score wins. Only one player and one marker from each team need sign the card.

Four-Ball Aggregate Stableford

A team version of single stableford where all scores count on every hole. Each player must record a score on each hole and the scores of both players are added together for the total points each hole. The result for the round is then calculated and recording by adding the total point scores for each hole. The points scoring system is the same for a single stableford.

The highest point score wins the competition.

Par

Scores are recorded only as plus (+), Minus (-) or halved (0). The easiest way to understand it is to compare it with stableford scoring.

STABLEFORD POINTSVERSUS PAR RESULT3 points or greaterPlus (+)2 points0Less than 2 pointsMinus(-)

The scores are recorded by marking down the player's stroke score with the appropriate symbol (+/ -/ 0). If a player is unable to score a Plus (+) or Half (0) then the player should pick up and mark the hole as Minus (-). The final score is calculated by comparing the pluses and minuses as they negate each other. Thus a player with 6 pluses and 3 minuses would score 3 for the round.

The highest score wins the competition.

Ambrose

This format is played in teams of two, three or four. The team selects a captain on the tee (usually the lowest marker) and they decide on the order of play. Every subsequent shot must be played in the same order. The players then play a shot from the tee and proceed to their ball. The captain then decides on the best positioned ball and the other players retrieve their balls.

The player whose ball was chosen has the first shot and then each remaining player drops their ball within one club length of the spot, but no nearer the hole, and plays their next shot in the order originally decided by the captain. This procedure continues irrespective of whether the ball is on the fairway, in the rough or in a hazard, until the play reaches the green.

On the green, the best position is again decided upon and marked. Each player the places their ball within a card length of this spot and has one putt in turn. They must not putt out, but each ball position must again be marked and the procedure repeated until a ball is holed, or a score cannot be bettered.

The card is marked as for a single stroke round and the lowest score wins the competition. It is important to note that every player must have their handicap marked on the card. Only one score is kept for the entire team, regardless of the number of members. Handicaps are calculated by adding those of all players and dividing the total by: 4 in a two-ball event, 6 in a three-ball event and 8 in a four-ball event. The nett score is calculated by subtracting the exact resulting handicap so all those fractions count.

Foursomes

This a team game played in pairs with only one ball in play. Players alternate between shots after teeing off. The tee shots are also taken alternately so that one player tees off on all the even numbered holes and the other player tees off on all the odd numbered holes.

In mixed competitions ladies tee off from their own tees. It is played and recorded as if a single stroke event. The handicaps of both players are added and half the total is the team handicap for the day. The order of play is not changed if a player incurs a penalty.

Canadian Foursomes

Played on half combined handicaps. The players both tee off every hole and then select the best positioned ball to play alternately from there. Rules are the same as for foursomes.

American Foursomes

Similar to the Canadian foursomes on half combined handicap. after the tee shot, players play their partner's ball, then select one ball to play alternately until holed.

Chapman Foursomes

Similar to American Foursomes but the second shots on each hole are played with their own ball and then the selection made. Again, half combined handicaps are used.

Matchplay

Holes are either won, halved or lost, based on the nett score of each hole. The handicap is applied using the matchplay index on the scorecard. The two competitor's handicaps are compared and the difference e.g. 14 - 6 = 8, is the number of strokes given away. The number of holes where one stroke is allocated is then decided, according to the match index.

When a player is ahead on wins more than there are holes left to play, that player is declared the winner. It's important to remember in matchplay that the player furthermost from the hole always plays first. This is especially true on the putting green. You must not putt out if your opponent's ball is still "live" and furthest away from the cup.

You may pick your ball up if your opponent is heard to "give you the putt". The scorecard is generally not used.

COUNTBACKS

In accordance with a joint recommendation of the R & A and the USPGA; if players have an equal score the following countback system will be applied.

Firstly – the player with the best score for holes 10 to 18.

Secondly (if equal) – the player with the best score for holes 12 – 18.

Thirdly (if equal – the player with the best score for holes 16 – 18.

Then – hole by hole back to the last hole.