61 Definitions and 34 Rules...Oh My!

If you’ve paged through the Rules of Golf lately, chances are you quickly became overwhelmed. There are 61 definitions, 34 rules, an etiquette section, four appendices and more. While this cute little book is only about 4 inches by 5 inches in size and highly portable, it is 208 pages in length and chock full of rules that govern the game.

I can see you squirming in your chair as you read this. You’re already a bit intimidated by the prospect of golf and now I’m telling you there are 34 rules, plus, plus. Yikes!

Hold on a minute. Stay with me here. Chances are you’re not competing in a PGA TOUR or LPGA Championship any time in the near future, so you certainly have some leeway on the rules, or even a lot of leeway, especially if you’re out with family and friends and aren’t working on building a golf handicap just yet.

There are some basic tips that can simplify the rules and your playing experience when starting out new in the game. There’s never been a better time to be a kid getting into golf. Equipment is better, instruction is better, programs are better, course access is better in many areas.

PLUS, how many other sports and games can take you around the world? In how many sports and games can you meet the most influential people in the world? In how many sports and games can you play on the SAME field where championships have been played, heroes crowned, and history made?Golf can do all that – and more.

If you want a safe, esthetically beautiful, healthy and socially receptive environment, you would be hard-pressed to find a better venue than a golf course. The people you meet at a golf course are generally some of the nicest people anywhere.

And here’s the kicker: Golf can be one, two or three holes of golf. It doesn’t always have to be 18 holes. If you are delayed getting out to the golf courses because you always have “18 holes” on your mind (because some adult told you that’s the way it’s supposed to be), there are alternative ways to “play golf.” Why not 9 holes? If time is an issue, this helps manage that challenge. If you feel uncomfortable going to the course at 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, this helps manage that challenge by playing later in the day when the course is less crowded.