INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES OF GOLF 
by Frank Gal, 
Chairman of Rules & Amateur Status

January 2006 - Decisions

Every two years, golf's ruling bodies (the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the United States Golf Association) publish the "Decisions on the Rules of Golf". The publication contains the answers to questions not specifically addressed in the Rules of Golf and is amended every two years to keep up with the evolution of the game.

The 2006-2007 Edition, which takes effect on 1 January 2006, contains 37 new and 66 revised decisions. The following are examples of some of the new and revised decisions which help to clarify the Rules to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the game.

Decision 4-3/1
This decision re-defines the meaning of damage sustained in the normal course of play in Rule 4-3a as follows:

The term "normal course of play" is intended to cover all reasonable acts but specifically excludes cases of abuse.

In addition to making a stroke, practice swing or practice stroke, examples of acts that are in the "normal course of play" include the following:         

· removing or replacing a club in the bag;

· using a club to search for or retrieve a ball;

· leaning on a club while waiting to play, teeing a ball or removing a ball from the hole; or

· accidentally dropping a club.

Examples of acts that are not in the "normal course of play" include the following:

· throwing a club in anger or otherwise;

· 'slamming' a club into a bag; or

· intentionally striking something (e.g., the ground or a tree) with the club other than during a stroke, practice swing or practice stroke. (Revised)

Decision 8-1/2

Many players will be relieved to learn that they may ask anyone, including an opponent, fellow-competitor or either of their caddies, the distance between their ball and the hole.

The decision confirms that this is public information and not advice.

Decision 8-2b/2

This decision clarifies that if a player's ball lies on the putting green, the player's caddie cannot place his foot in position for the purpose of pointing out the line of putt. If the caddie did this, the player is in breach of Rule 8-2b, whether or not the caddie subsequently moves his foot.

If the caddie did not initially place his foot in such a position for the purpose of pointing out the line for putting but subsequently suggested the player aim at his foot, the player would be in breach of Rule 8-2b if the caddie did not move that foot to another position that does not indicate a line for putting prior to the stroke. 

Decision 10/4

Clarifies that except when playing a provisional ball from the teeing ground (Rule 10-3), the order of play for a provisional ball is for the player playing the provisional ball to do so immediately (when playing a provisional ball from the teeing ground, the provisional ball must be played after the opponent or fellow competitor plays his first stroke).

In match play, if the player playing the provisional ball (other than from the teeing ground) allows his opponent to play before the player states his intention to play a provisional ball, he has abandoned his right to recall his opponent's stroke under Rule 10-1c, but he may still play the provisional ball.

Decision 13-2/12

Confirms that, except in a hazard, Rule 13-2 permits a player to ground the club lightly behind the ball at address. If the club is pressed on the ground, the player is in breach of the Rule.

Decision 14-3/0.5

There has been some confusion in recent media reports concerning the use of distance measuring devices in competition golf. This decision allows a Committee to establish a Local Rule allowing the use of devices that measure distance only. Devices that gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player's play (e.g. wind or gradient) are not permitted.

In the absence of such a Local Rule, the use of a distance measuring device would be contrary to Rule 14-3. Incidentally, the penalty for a breach of Rule 14-3 is disqualification.

Decision 16-1e/2

Players sometimes hole short putts from a stance astride, or with either foot touching, an extension of the line of putt behind the ball. This is generally done inadvertently or to avoid standing on another player's line of putt or prospective line of putt.  The decision clarifies that the purpose of Rule 16-1e is to prevent a "croquet" style of putting and that in the circumstances described, the stance was not used for that purpose.

Decision 23/5.5

For the purposes of the Rules of Golf, creatures that are similar to insects, such as spiders, are considered to be insects and are, therefore, loose impediments.  A web made by a spider is considered to be a cast made by an insect and is also a loose impediment, even if attached to another object.

Decision 27-1/2

This decision explains how to proceed when a substituted ball is dropped but the original ball is found before the substituted ball is played and within the five-minute search period.

This revised decision explains that a player must continue play with a ball substituted under an applicable Rule, such as the stroke and distance procedure outlined in Rule 27-1.

Keen students of the Rules will note that this is a complete reversal of the interpretation given in the 2004-2005 version of the decision.

The 2006 Decisions on The Rules of Golf book will be available through the NSW Golf Association and can be ordered through our website www.nswga.com.au  At the time of going to press we were still awaiting delivery but expect them to be available for sale to you early in the New Year. Please check the website for availability - payment can be made direct via the internet or you can print an order form and send in with appropriate payment.