Minnesota Golfer - Directory 2021 - 8

FRONT
RULES PRIMER
Respect the Game and Its Etiquette
Golf's code of conduct calls for honesty and integrity.
T
he conventions of golf etiquette should not be confused
with the rules of play, but they certainly are an important
part of the game, so wrote Kenneth G. Chapman in his
chapter on etiquette, featured in the 1997 book, " Rules of the
Green. "
One of the commendable aspects of the game is that the
Rules of Golf codifies a standard of player conduct. All players
are expected to carry themselves in the spirit of the game, says
Rule 1.2 more or less, and which further clarifies that we should
act with integrity and honesty in applying the rules and in all
aspects of our play.
Thus, players should show consideration to others by playing
promptly, looking out for the safety of others and by not distracting
the play of other golfers on the course. In other words,
don't be a nuisance.
The golfer should take care of the course by replacing divots,
smoothing bunkers, repairing ball-marks and by not inflicting
unnecessary damage to the course. In other words, leave the
course in better shape than you found it.
While there is no penalty for failing to live up to these easy
standards, the Committee may disqualify a player for acting
contrary to the spirit of the game if it is a serious breach.
Likewise, there are lesser penalties than disqualification for
player misconduct if those penalties are adopted as part of a
Code of Conduct under Rule 1.2b.
Serious misconduct is described as actions so far removed
from the expected norm in golf that the penalty of disqualification
is justified. This includes dishonesty, deliberately interfering
with another player's rights, or endangering the safety of
others.
Throwing a club toward another player or spectator is considered
serious misconduct. So too is:
* deliberately damaging a putting green;
* changing the course set up by moving tee markers,
boundary stakes, and the like;
* deliberately distracting others while they are making
strokes;
* removing loose impediments or movable obstructions to
the disadvantage of another player;
* repeatedly refusing to lift a ball at rest when it interferes
with another player in stroke play;
* deliberately playing away from the hole in such a way as to
* BY W.P. RYAN *
assist the player's partner, as in learning the break on the
putting green;
* deliberately not playing by the Rules of Golf to potentially
gain a significant advantage, despite incurring a penalty
for the breach;
* repeatedly using vulgar or offensive language;
* sandbagging or using the round to sandbag.
Examples of acts unlikely to be considered rising to the level
of serious misconduct include:
* slamming a club to the ground, damaging the club and
causing minor turf damage;
* throwing a club toward a golf bag that unintentionally hits
another person;
* carelessly distracting another player making a stroke.
In short, the player code of conduct sets golf apart from other
competitive sports; the spirit of the game elevates it. It is an easy
lift, but it requires that we treat the golf course, ourselves and
our fellow competitors with a modicum of respect.
8
MINNESOTAGOLFER Directory 2021
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Minnesota Golfer - Directory 2021

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