By Alan M. Waton, President, GOLF+ PCB
Recently, at the golf shop, we had a visit from the Fire Marshall. The last time we saw a Fire Marshall was five years ago, right before we opened. At that time, no issues were found. This time was another story. Apparently, the outgoing Marshall five years ago wasn’t too worried about certain issues, and we were allowed to open unaware of some of our violations. Fast forward to a few days ago, and there is a new sheriff in town. We now have two weeks to fix several issues. No problem. I like following rules. We just have to fix a few things, which we have already done, and we are back in the world of lawful compliance.
In golf, there are a lot of rules. Probably too many if we are being honest. Regardless, some rules may seem more relevant to professionals versus amateurs. I’ve always been of the mindset that if a group of golfers agree to a rule, then it’s a rule for them at that time and maybe never again: winter rules, tournament rules, variations based on time and handicap, and so on. As long as everyone is aware and everyone is in agreement, then it’s fine with me.
Are you a rule follower on the golf course? Do you really even know the important rules? Do you know what different colored stakes mean? Do you carry more than 14 clubs in your bag? Do you concede putts? I could go on and on.
I’m not trying to make anyone feel bad. Seriously. I think rules like anchoring or not anchoring your putter are kind of silly for the recreational golfer. I do like to putt out, though. I just feel that it is more in the spirit of the game. Out of bounds….well. We won’t go there!
So what am I getting at? Well, for one thing, I really do believe we need slightly different rules for professionals and regular Joes playing the game. You wanna use a laser rangefinder, a GPS watch, a handheld device and a rooster feather to test wind? Fine with me. However, when we get to the green…let’s go! No reading putts from four different angles. I realize that‘s not actually in the rule book, but it sure does make the game take forever.
You want advice from your playing partner about what club he/she used? Great. No problem here. I bet some folks didn’t even know that was in the rule book.
You want to play from two sets of tee boxes during the round, depending on yardages – go for it! What do I care?
Change balls while you’re at it, mid hole. Brand, model, number, change it all. Let’s go!
I don’t get to play much golf with so much to do at the shop, so when I get the chance, it’s all about fun and relaxation. So one or two little rules here or there aren’t enough to impede my fun.
Rules matter. Sure they do. But in golf, they really only matter if someone is cheating or if you are a professional. Recreational golfers should agree to what works for their group and then go have fun!
I have played a scant ten rounds this year, so whether you play a little like me or a lot like many others, I hope you have fun and don’t take the game too seriously. After all, it is just that…a game! Fairways and Greens, ya’ll!
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