Category: Rules
Like the US Constitution, the rules of golf are complex in their simplicity. Though there are only 34 rules, they cover virtually everything that can happen on the course. As even many PGA Tour players have found out, knowledge (or lack thereof) of these rules can make or break your round.
Hole Lengths
I played at a course the other day where the distance from tee to green on a par three was 230 yards. I thought it was unfair at the time and still do. The average golfer can't hit the green from 230 yards. I think anything that requires a driver off the tee has to be at least a par 4.
The USGA disagrees. Here is an article about the USGA guidelines for golf hole lengths and par.
Stableford Scoring
Confused by last weekend's International, where the guy with the highest score was the winner? Here's an explanation.
New Ball Test
The USGA and R&A will start using a new ball test, which involves a higher swing speed and a generic titanium driver. More here.
Belly Putter Ban?
The Royal and Ancient is thinking about ruling that the putter has to be the shortest club in the bag. I'm not sure whether this will work. While I agree that the belly/chest/chin putters are an abomination, I can imagine that, in the future, someone might want a wedge or some other weird short game club that was shorter than a normal putter.
Handicapping the Unhandicapped
What if you were holding an outing, but half the players didn't have official handicaps. The USGA has an article on four ways to establish temporary handicaps.
