By Craig Oliver
Understanding “the why” often helps one grasp a concept or, in this case, helps understand the Rules of Golf. Over 60 years ago, former United States Golf Association President Richard S. Tufts wrote, “The Principles Behind the Rules of Golf.”
This publication provides key insights into the intent and purpose of the Rules of Golf. There are five key themes pervasive in the book. If you grasp these concepts, the Rules of Golf should make more sense.
- Golf is Intended to be a Test
Golf would cease to be compelling if it were easy. The allure of this game is developing one’s physical ability to strike a golf ball while managing the omnipresent mental gymnastics. Each golf course is designed to be an 18-piece puzzle, confronting the player with the task of deciphering, and conquering it. Each course is unique and in a constant state of change as Mother Nature can transform the dynamics of a course in minutes. These human and environmental moving parts are the challenge of golf.
- Play the Course as You Find It
Mr. Tufts’ first of two Great Principles of Golf. Players must accept the conditions they encounter – good or bad – and not conveniently alter them to suit their needs. The game is about overcoming obstacles and learning to execute the correct stroke given the circumstances despite the lie of the ball.
- Put a Ball In Play, Play Only Your Ball and Do Not Touch It Until You Lift It From the Hole
Mr. Tuft’s second Great Principle of Golf. The game is about playing your ball with a series of strokes from the tee to the hole. The rules acknowledge there are situations and “puzzle pieces” that will cause the inability to continue play the original ball, such as losing the ball; the rules help us continue play with a different ball – for a cost.
- A Challenge of Golf Versus Something Unfair
A variety of course features such as trees, bushes, bodies of water and yes – divots in the fairway – are part of the challenge or golf. However, there are other circumstances on a course considered abnormal and deemed unfair as such interference should not be part of the game. The rules understand this difference between a challenge and something unfair and allow for relief when warranted.
- Respect and Integrity
All the above is irrelevant if a player does not practice respect, honesty and integrity. The rules require respect for the game, other players and the course.
Golf, nor its Rules, are supposed to be easy. However, accepting these five core tenets as valid should enable you to at least understand why the Rules may sometimes be your friend or equally unforgiving.
