Written by: Darin Green, Senior Director of Rules & Competitions
The Rules of Golf are very complicated and difficult to learn. Golf is unique to most other sports. Most sports are played on a court, field, track, etc. and the dimensions of those are nearly identical across the world. Golf is played on courses that vary drastically across the world. We play golf in deserts, forests, and mountains; around homes, lakes, rivers, ravens; and the conditions are constantly changing. The Rules of Golf are written for the whole world; and that is why the Rules of Golf are very complicated.
I am often asked by golfers for tips on how they should learn the Rules. Unfortunately, there is not an easy way, or trick, to learn the Rules. It takes dedication, studying, and patience to learn the Rules of Golf.
Keys to learning the Rules of Golf:
- Know where on the course the ball lies. There are five parts of the course: General Area, Teeing Area, Penalty Areas, Bunkers, Putting Green
- Memorize the relief options for penalty areas, unplayable ball, and out of bounds
- Study the definitions
- Read the Rules of Golf
- Attend seminars or workshops
- Watch training videos
- Take online test questions – USGA, The Roving Official
Entries are now open on the FSGA website for one-day Rules of Golf Workshops. They are only $10 for FSGA volunteers and $40 for the general public. Rules of Golf Workshops are open to the public and capped to the first 40 entrants. They are beneficial to golfers of all levels, volunteer officials, and PGA & LPGA professionals.
Rules of Golf Workshop Details:
- 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Interactive classroom style - Q&A
- Slide and video presentations
- 30-60 minutes of outdoor instruction
- Rules of Golf booklet included
- Lunch included
