Rules? What Rules?

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The Rules of Golf – What Rules?

Why aren’t more women playing golf?  I believe one of the biggest barriers is The Rules.

The traditions that make the game great, can also be completely intimidating.  And if you get hung up on all the rules when you are first starting out, it will make the experience very frustrating.

So my advice is to throw 99% of the rules out the window as a beginner – and unless you are playing the club championships or serious golf – it’s okay to keep ignoring most of the rules.

What’s that?  The sound of golf traditionalists around the world gasping “blasphemy!!!!”  ?

Well despite their collective outcry, I am not advocating disrespect for the traditions of the game, and I am not suggesting that you ignore basic etiquette.  I simply want more people to get out and enjoy the game – stress-free!

For example, I NEVER keep score in a friendly game… it makes me tense.  So I don’t do it… and guess what?  You don’t have to keep score either.   (Do you feel the weight slowly lifting from your shoulders??)

Before you begin to recreate the entire game, there are a couple of guidelines you do need to adhere to.  If you follow these “rules of thumb” you can pretty much get away with changing everything else to suit your game.

  • All golfers must follow the golden rule – keep up with the group ahead of you.

Don’t worry about the golfers behind you, it’s the golfers in front of you that matter.  If you are keeping up with them, then nobody can complain.

  • As a beginner, you need to know when it is time to pick up the ball.

Some basic guidelines are if you have hit double par, pick up the ball OR if you make 2 swings and miss the ball, pick it up and try again from the 100 yard marker.

When you are starting out in golf you will not be known as a great player.  It’s okay. You do however want to be known as a great person to play with…someone who is positive, and relaxed and can keep up the pace of play without being too hung up on all the rules.

Embrace your inexperience and make your own rules to play by.  Your foursome (and the foursome behind you) will thank-you!

Want to know more about finding business success through Golf?  Follow me on Twitter @hititwithfar or check out my private and group lesson offerings.far-inside-pic-with-hands