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New World Handicap System Coming January 1, 2020
Presented by Golfers Report on November 5, 2019
The USGA, and the rest of the world golf associations, have agreed on a new system for handicaps that applies to all golfers worldwide. Although there are quite a few changes, for a full list and explanation of why, read the summary provided by the USGA The World Handicap System. Those we’ve listed here are
Have The New 2019 Golf Rules Really Made A Difference?
Presented by Golfers Report on August 18, 2019
The new USGA golf rules have now been in place since January 1, 2019. Long enough to assess if these changes made any real difference. I suppose there are two ways to look at this question. One is from the perspective of the pro tour, where it seems even the officials are still confused. During
A Bunker Is Not A Penalty Area
Presented by Golfers Report on February 10, 2019
There seems to be some confusion between what you are allowed to do in a Penalty Area (previously known as a water hazard, plus any area so deemed by course officials), versus what you can do in a Bunker. The rule that allows you to touch the sand in a Bunker, is not the same
Decision Time: Leave The Flag In, Or Take It Out
Presented by Golfers Report on January 25, 2019
There are lots of new rules for 2019, but I think the one that will cause the most confusion has to do with putting. Suddenly you are faced with a new decision – leave the flag in or take it out. In the past it was simple, because you always had to take the flag
The Unplayable Lie – A Rule
And Also A StrategyPresented by Golfers Report on July 10, 2016
You may have read our earlier post “The Unplayable Rule Is Your Friend” which pretty much explains how the unplayable rule works, as well as some other rules you should remember. But I have to admit this video by USGA Senior Amateur committee member Jerry Duffy, is the best example of just how valuable, and
Do I Get Relief From An Alligator?
Presented by Golfers Report on March 13, 2016
If you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, and wonder what your options are, it’s good to know that the rules of golf are your friend. Here in southwest Florida it is not unusual to come face to face with the question, “Do I get relief from an alligator?” Just as common as alligators,
Would You Consider Using The Relaxed Rules Of Golf
Presented by Golfers Report on January 31, 2016
The Golf Channel’s Morning Drive program started a movement to make golf more fun, improve pace of play and attract and retain more golfers. Their solution is the Relaxed Rules of Golf that would be used by everyday golfers, during non tournament games. While there are 34 official rules of golf and 1200 decisions on
Rules Of Golf Riddle
Presented by Golfers Report on October 18, 2015
by Barry Rhodes Rules of Golf Read the question below, then try to figure out as many of the 7 reasons, as you can, that solve the riddle. I got two. After celebrating much too enthusiastically on New Year’s Eve, George arrives at the first tee for his New Year’s Day match against his arch
When Your Provisional Ball Doesn’t Behave
Presented by Golfers Report on June 20, 2015
You hit what feels like a nice drive; suddenly it starts fading, and then just keeps on fading, until you lose sight of it somewhere in the woods. Your playing partners try to comfort you by saying “don’t worry we can find it,” but you know better, and quickly declare you are hitting a provisional
Hitting A Wrong Ball (Yours)
Presented by Golfers Report on April 30, 2015
by Barry Rhodes You’ve just hit a great approach shot onto the green, and suddenly one of your playing buddies yells out “I think you just hit my ball.” Of course we all know that this is just an innocent mistake; maybe the ball is the same brand as yours, or your buddy drove up
Playing From Different Tees
Presented by Golfers Report on July 21, 2013
UPDATE: Starting in January 2020 the USGA will adopt the World Handicap System, and a new formula for calculating handicaps will eliminate the need for a separate calculation for playing from different tees. See our post World Handicap System Coming January 1, 2020. We’ve all heard the USGA‘s admonition that to improve the speed of
The Unplayable Rule Is Your Friend
Presented by Golfers Report on June 22, 2013
Ever tried reading the rules of golf? Most of us would rather go to the dentist. But what’s the big deal, after all there are only 34 of them? Well for starters the rules of golf are pretty dense, with each rule consisting of multiple segments and to make matters worse they are nested. Which