I know the rule, but in my years growing up caddying and playing, I’ve never seen someone aside from players who play in real competitive events, be careful when in trees and taking practice swing/addressing the ball.
I’ve never seen anything blatant like breaking a branch to be able to hit it. I just don’t think most people would realize that knocking a single leaf off a tree on a practice swing is a penalty.
I was aware of the practice swing rule but not the spirit of the stance rule until recently.
I was definitely guilty of maneuvering a branch with my trail leg to create some back swing space in the past.
I would probably call some one out in a money game or tournament if it was blatant (stomping on low hanging tree limb or moving limbs with their hands to create room for arm swing). I wouldn’t insist on them taking a penalty there but would probably say “if it happens again i am calling it” or something to that effect.
I typically play with fairly “casual” rules but i agree with @davep043 that it really goes against the spirit of the game. Almost on the same level as someone improving a lie in the rough or bunker (for the record we frequently give relief in our casual game for a shot in fairway that rolls into a divot, so we are by no means “playing by the book”).
Wait, am I not allowed to bend branches around myself to take a swing? Like basically push the branch out of the way with my thigh to take the swing?
Read 8.1b, and decide for yourself. And be sure to review the appropriate Interpretations.
8.1a covers it… you aren’t allowed to bend a growing object… even with the exception moving things to take a reasonable stance, I don’t think you can do it without breaking the rules.
Interesting. Glad I don’t play in tournaments! Though when I’m deep enough in the weeds to try to become one with a tree, I’m probably not playing that well!
Because I am an avid player to include the tournament realm, I like knowing the rules. Now that I am beginning to loop, I want to be able to impart my knowledge with my player, I feel like it’s the only way you’re a team in golf.
As golfers, it behooves us to know the rules the best we can. I have a bunch of friends when we’re playing casual rounds that bust my balls about being so strict with myself on the rules. I’m always like, I don’t give a shit what you guys do, but I’m going to do the right thing whenever I can. They don’t understand it.
Yeah, i tend to follow the rules for my own game… I don’t pick and choose which rules I follow!
That said, i definitely could know the rules better.
Everyone could know the rules better if they weren’t written in the form of riddles in a 162 page choose your own adventure book.
That’s as goof of a description as any… I’m still a little shocked I can’t move branches out of my way to hit a golf ball…
Can you rewrite the rules in haiku?
In my opinion, the 2019 RoG were a vast improvement on the previous versions. Many procedures were revised to become more consistent, the wording is easier to read. They’re also available online and on your smart phone, are searchable, with easy links to defined terms and related Rules. That “162 page book” dates your awareness, it hasn’t been used for at least 24 months now.
And @Craigers, that rule didn’t change from the previous version, its been a rule for a long time. You can take your stance, but must use the least intrusive way to do so. You CAN move some branches, but no more than is absolutely necessary.
Thanks, Dave! I should probably spend some time brushing up on the rules this season, just to make sure I’m fully aware (no reason not to).
“Complicated” rules
We will never be perfect
Why we all love golf
I see you’re in Kentucky. Here’s a link to an online seminar Kentucky Golf House has available for a review of the Rules.
https://www.kygolf.org/content/-rules-of-golf
Be aware of sand
That is not in a bunker
This is Whistling Straits
My ball moved on green
I conquered Oakmont that day
My name is D J
Do not touch my balls
That is a stroke penalty
I will not enforce
these haikus are incredible!
Do not break a branch
Honor the spirit of golf
Stay out of the trees
It’s still a fairway
Even on a different hole
Play safe and miss big.