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To the uninitiated, the world of golf can appear simple, with the ultimate objective of hitting the ball into the hole in the fewest number of shots, the aim for all comers.
However, a deeper dive into golf, particularly at the sharp end of the game, shines a light on the foibles and quirks that litter the game and for many, are an essential part of its appeal.
In the golf betting sphere, having a handle on the way which the game works and all of the associated rules is key – for all punters and golf betting sites.
By the same token, keeping on top of the latest golfing rules outlined by the R & A is essential for all golf followers and strange golf rules are always catered for with the best golf betting sites.
While most rulings come about relatively infrequently, it always adds an element of drama and intrigue when they come to the fore.
Here is a look at some of the most unusual rules across the game of golf and how they are enforced in the professional game:
Play it as it lies
A phrase that has become common parlance in society, playing the ball as it lies feels like a relatively simple operative within the game of golf.
Wherever the ball ends up off the tee, or even when playing from the fairway, the player must play the next shot from the finishing position of the previous stroke.
However, one key missive from this mantra is that wherever the ball ends up (provided it stays in the bounds of the hole), the player must play their next shot from there – regardless of how difficult it maybe.
Iconic images of players standing in bushes, straddling streams and attempting to strike off roads and paths have been present within professional golf for generations as a result – as players look to play the ball ‘as it lies’.
While a common sense approach is adopted by most players, who opt to take a drop and replay their shot, some players get caught up in the heat of the battle and attempt to rekindle their rounds from difficult positions.
Regardless of the ruling, the incentive of playing the ball as it lies is clear for all players and keeping the ball on the straight and narrow will always assist with that – regardless of the level of golfer.
If the ball moves, it is a shot
The closed-paced nature of striking a golf ball does give players an additional sense of pressure, every time they step up to strike a ball.
In a world of professionals looking to gain every inch through striking the ball in different places, most players place the club head right next to the ball as they are lining up to take their shot.
No matter how experienced a particular player is, there is always the possibility that a slight of the hand or a slip of the wrist will cause the club head to actually touch the ball, and this is where the rulings come into play.
Once a player has addressed a particular shot, should the ball come into contact with the club and move forwards, it is then classed as a shot.
Of course, detecting this rule and enforcing it is far easier in the professional game with a myriad of television cameras on hand, while amateur players may be able to get away with these slips more readily on their respective golf courses.
A key element of this ruling is the implementation of the human element. If a player has inadvertently moved the ball with their club, a stroke is counted towards their score.
However, if an outside element such as weather has caused the ball to move, then the player is not directly responsible for this, and no shot penalties are incurred.
Flag stick innovations
Flag sticks are synonymous with different golf courses the world over and up until very recently, they had to be removed from the hole when players were making a putt.
Whether it be the optics of the ball falling into the open hole, or a perceived advantage for players of the flag stick being in the cup, golfers for generations were tasked with removing the pin from the hole.
However, in 2019, the R & A and the USPGA combined forces to outlaw this ruling, enabling players to leave the flag stick in the hole, should they wish.
In the professional game, very few current players opt to keep the flag in the hole, which could be in part due to the relatively new ruling taking a while to take hold with this current generation of golfers.
However, the quirk of the ruling still stands in how it is enforced.
If a player is perceived to be using the position of the flag stick to assist the outcome of the shot ‘deliberately’, then officials can intervene and sanction shot penalties.
This has seldom come to the fore in the professional game since 2019, but players of all standards ought to be wary of the change in ruling.
Conforming to the rules and self-policing
As detailed, golf has plenty of rules that players must look to adhere to at all times and in the professional game, there is an expectancy on players that they would play within the rules and uphold the values of golf.
Scrutiny is present in every professional golf tournament, with individual match referees, caddies and playing groups all working together to ensure that every shot is played within the confines of the rules.
However, at an amateur level, self-policing is a huge part of the game, as players are tasked with scoring their rounds themselves and accounting for any rule breaches that may occur.
As a consequence, the relative importance and implementation of rules within the game remains a talking point and the responsibility to enforce them more often than not, falls to the individual playing in each round.
