First, a thank you for helping me as I continue to learn
the Rules of Golf !
We recently played in a member/guest tournament at a local
golf club. The format the second day was a modified Chapman. As we were ready to
tee off on the first hole I asked if we should play “ready golf.” A competitor
immediately said that I was subject to a one-stroke penalty for asking the
question. She stated that “ready golf” was not an accepted term of the USGA and
by asking the question I was in violation of the rules of golf. So, I am asking
you if this is correct. Looking forward to your feedback.
Best Regards,
Lulu from Arizona
Dear Lulu,
I am (almost) speechless. This may be the most ridiculous
assertion I have ever read. Did you happen to ask this “golfer” (I feel
compelled to use quotation marks) exactly which rule you were violating?
There is no penalty for playing out of turn in both match
play and stroke play. If your Chapman was match play, your opponent may recall
your stroke if you play out of turn [Rule 10-1c]. If it was stroke play, there
is no penalty unless competitors agree to play out of turn to give one of them
an advantage [Rule 10-2c].
Playing “ready golf” is one way to improve pace of play. The
USGA is presently making a special effort to encourage golfers to play at a
faster pace. It is not an “unacceptable term;” it is a recommended way to play.
The only questions that will cause you to incur a penalty
are those in which you ask for advice. My “advice” for this competitor is to
study the rule book and stop making up rules.
Linda
Copyright © 2014 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
