Wait, Golf Has Rules?
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010This is a guest post written by Shane Bacon.
If you can look past Tiger Woods and all that has happened with him this year, 2010 might be remembered for two things; multiple 59s, and multiple rules violations.
From the famous “bunker that isn’t a bunker” fiasco at the PGA Championship to the recent disqualification at the Canadian Women’s Open by two players for playing the wrong ball and not saying anything about it, it seems that the rules of golf have continued to be stretched thin, but for the first time, the players are the ones that are getting patted on the back when something happens.
You see, as a junior golfer you are told to carry a few things in your bag; balls, tees, a glove and the Rules of Golf. They are essential, because a lot of the times out on a golf course, you don’t have someone around with a radio and a degree in the USGA to tell you what is right and wrong.
So, the question is this; are players lazier these days with the rules, or are some intentionally pushing the limits of the rules because they know they can?
I think most of the infractions we’ve encountered in 2010 have been simple mistakes. From the early months of the groove limitations to the latest missed snooze button by Jim Furyk, you can classify all of these as human err, and nothing more.
But, grounding your club in a bunker? That’s stuff we have been preached not to do for centuries. Playing the wrong ball and deciding not to speak up about it? That’s flat out cheating.
There's an app for that.
Yes, at times ignorance can be bliss, but on the golf course, ignorance is means for disqualification. It’s time we stop being so clueless. Maybe some reading material might solve that.
Shane Bacon
Shane Bacon is the owner, writer and editor of the popular golf blog Dogs That Chase Cars.
He is also the lead writer at Yahoo! Golf, the most trafficked golf site on the Internet.
Shane is a former competitive golfer who still carries a single digit handicap. He enjoys bow ties and sarcasm.
Related Category: Bacon & Fried Eggs, College golf, Golf, Junior Golf
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