Rules of golf: Golfing etiquette: Rules of golf publications:

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1 The Rules Junior & Etiquette Organiser 85 4 Introduction The rules of golf and golfing etiquette are the cornerstone of the game and it is important to uphold these traditions, whilst at the same time ensuring that juniors are not overwhelmed by the information. It can be very intimidating for juniors playing their first round of golf and they will not initially know how to act on a golf course. It is important for juniors to understand the rules and etiquette of the game and this reflects well on the golf club itself, the junior section and the juniors own personal development. Does the golf course have a dress code? How quickly should I play? Should I repair pitch marks? Do I have to wear golf shoes? What do the rules of golf mean? What is out of bounds? The above are all common questions asked by juniors and new players alike. Regular fun and interactive rules and etiquette sessions should be provided by the golf club for juniors, making it easier for them to learn and understand the do s and don ts. The golf club should remember that those involved in the running of a junior section are the first point of contact for juniors, especially new members so it is essential to make them feel at ease.

2 Rules & Etiquette 86 Rules & Etiquette 87 Rules of golf: As independent bodies the Royal & Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have worked closely together since 1952 to produce a uniform code of rules to ensure that wherever the game is played the same laws apply. Every four years the two governing bodies agree any necessary amendments or clarifications and the main thrust of their work is in reviewing, revising and clarifying the rules so that they can be more easily understood and applied. Because of the complex nature of the game, one small change in the rules is rather like altering the shape of one piece of a jigsaw puzzle, affecting all the pieces around it. Proposed changes are discussed in detail with golf authorities in all parts of the world and when the R&A and USGA make their final decisions there has to be complete agreement on both sides. The abiding principle is always "are they for the good of the game?" More often than not the junior members of the golf club may have additional rules to follow, including dress code and playing restrictions. It is paramount that juniors are made aware of these rules and this can be achieved via a welcome evening or the rules being posted on the junior notice board and being made available within the club junior handbook, newsletter or website. The EGU and ELGA believe that all juniors should be taught the rules of golf at an early stage of their development and a copy of the rules should be carried in their golf bag. The golf club is sent a number of copies of the rules of golf and more copies can be ordered from the R&A. Rules of golf publications: R&A Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status R&A Golf Rules in Brief R&A A Modification of the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities R&A Decisions on the Rules of Golf There are also CD audio and video versions of the Rules of Golf. The R&A holds general rules schools which have more open entry requirements and delegates are given the opportunity to sit the R&A's Rules of Golf examination. The R&A Great Britain & Ireland Rules of Golf quiz has been running since 1995 with key objectives: to increase knowledge and awareness of the rules of golf. This popular quiz is open to all clubs in Great Britain & Ireland. The Grand Final is held in the clubhouse of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and fantastic prizes can be won including tickets to the Open Championship. Golfing etiquette: The rules of golfing etiquette are in place for many important reasons - many relate to the safety of golfers and to the pace of play (which helps keep the game enjoyable) and others relate to maintaining the quality of the golf course. Golf etiquette is a set of rules, both written and unwritten, that governs behaviour on the golf course. In simple terms, golf etiquette means good manners. Many juniors simply won t be aware that such etiquette exists within golf and it is wrong for golf clubs to assume that new members will understand what golfing etiquette means. Therefore golf clubs should educate juniors on the do s and don ts on and off the course, and it is of equal importance to communicate this in a positive and interactive way. The booklet entitled Golf Etiquette A Guide to Golfing Behaviour provides advice for day-to-day golfing, a copy of which can be obtained from the EGU.

3 Rules & Etiquette 88 Rules & Etiquette 89 The EGU and ELGA believe that all juniors should be given a copy of an etiquette booklet as part of their induction and junior organisers should also give the juniors a quick verbal test to see if they have read and understood the contents. It is essential that all juniors are made aware of the importance of etiquette at an early stage of their golf development as this will help to uphold the traditions associated with the game and help them develop as individuals. How to make rules and etiquette fun for juniors: Some ideas for interactive rules and etiquette sessions with the junior section: There are two main areas covered within the booklet: Courtesy on the course Safety. Consideration for other players. Pace of play (undue delay and lost ball). Priority on the course. Dress (on and off the course). Care of the course Bunkers. Replacing divots and pitch marks. Damage to greens and flagsticks (general green care). Golf carts. General behaviour, including slow play. Other golfing etiquette publications include: R&A Don t be a Golf Menace A rules and etiquette quiz night (possibly after a junior competition) this could be done in teams with prizes as an added incentive. A rules and etiquette session can be incorporated into the induction for new junior members. Produce a basic steps guide to your first round of golf for new members. Provide every junior member with a copy of the Rules of Golf (or Rules of Golf in Brief) booklet and golf etiquette publication. Use the R&A interactive rules quiz at There are other interactive rules and etiquette guides and books produced by commercial organisations. Take the juniors out onto the course (or practice ground or putting green) and set up some rules scenarios practical situations help to gain a better understanding. Include rules and etiquette information within the junior handbook, newsletter or on the club website monthly tips or questions will help stimulate thought. Juniors could be included in the team that enters the R&A s Great Britain & Ireland Rules of Golf Quiz younger minds often retain more information. An EGU/ELGA RDO is available to provide guidance on rules and etiquette. The most effective way for a golf club to access this support is by registering for the GolfMark award (see Section 12 GolfMark). FACT: Over 80% of golf clubs incorporate rules & etiquette into their development programmes (Based on questionnaire returns since 2000)

4 Rules & Etiquette 90 Summary The rules of golf and golfing etiquette are the cornerstone of the game and it is important to uphold these traditions, whilst at the same time ensuring that juniors are not overwhelmed by the information. Example 1 - To encourage juniors to learn the rules and etiquette of the game: Rules & Etiquette 91 A simple guide to a golf club encouraging juniors to learn the rules and etiquette of golf: Juniors should understand that the rules of golf are self-governing and if they break the rules then there are disciplinary procedures within the golf club to deal with this. By teaching juniors the rules of the game it helps them develop and uphold the unique tradition and discipline associated with golf, however this should be conducted in a positive and enjoyable way. If juniors understand golfing etiquette they are more likely to feel comfortable when playing and it improves their conduct and development as an individual. Issue juniors with a Rules of Golf booklet and etiquette booklet upon joining the club. Following each coaching session, the new junior members are given a one page rules and etiquette quiz to complete, which is to be handed in at the next coaching session (series of 8). At the end of each month, the juniors have a half hour quiz on rules and etiquette with a prize for the winner. It is important to make rules and etiquette fun and interactive for juniors so that they will learn quickly and appreciate the significance of adhering to them. The

5 Rules & Etiquette 92 Example 2 Example questions for a rules quiz Below are some sample questions from a rules quiz: What do I do next? 1 Your ball is lying next to a tree which is staked. 2 Your ball is lying next to a tree which is not staked. 3 Your ball is lying in a rabbit scrape. 4 Whoops! Just hit your ball into the lake. 5 Your ball is lying on a path/tractor rut/cart path. 6 Your ball is lying in the bunker but a stone is lying beside it. 7 Your ball is lying in the bunker and covered by leaves and twigs.