Rules Blog

[Stu-Pid]

While searching for info on the Ping Eye 2 groove regulations, I came accross this Blog run by a USGA rules official:

http://freedrop.wordpress.com/

I had a quick read and it's pretty interesting, especially as he gives a background as to how rules officials have to prepare, and explains some of the more unusual decisions that we may see on TV/ in the press.

Could be an interesting read tomorrow as he is the appointed rules official for the Woods, Westwood and Els group today.

[Below Par]

Seems like a great guy and not at all the sort of anal dried up H&S nerdy type.  (Sorry if I've offended any w@@@@@'s  but someone's been giving me a crap day).

http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=bfe2nh858q5p1s5r9d4ronvg04&/topic,42904.0/
         

Rules are an area I'm increasingly interested in.

[Blofeld]

I was struck by this particular section of text...

The USGA has had some complaints from the players that officials were a little too much in the way so, this year, we have been asked to walk along the rope line.  We will be available when needed but not be out with the players.  When I was at Oakmont some of the players wanted to talk so I would respond.  This year, there will be little or no conversation with the players.

So, my duty will be to assist the player when he asks for help and to enforce any rules issues I see.  But, not to be right on top of the players.

When I attended the EGU Rules School recently the EGU rules officials highlighted that one of the things that they allways tried to do was to be in a position to stop a player from breaching a rule if it looked like he was going to do so.

This was in stark contrast to an event in France (and others in the Continent) that they refereed where the organisers expressly instructed them to let the breach occur and then penalise the player.

Whilst its difficult to get a true picture of the situation from the blog piece it would seem that in the US the officials look like they're being put in a position where they can assist when asked, but not "intervene".

[Tin Pot]

This was in stark contrast to an event in France (and others in the Continent) that they refereed where the organisers expressly instructed them to let the breach occur and then penalise the player.

I'm not one for using this refrain much, or even discussing it, but surely that's against the spirit of the game.

[mattyarse]

I'm not one for using this refrain much, or even discussing it, but surely that's against the spirit of the game.

But from another perspective is it not a form of advice from someone other than a playing partner (e.g. in 4BBB) or caddy?

[Tin Pot]

But from another perspective is it not a form of advice from someone other than a playing partner (e.g. in 4BBB) or caddy?

No, that's covered in the rules too. Advice on the rules of golf is not a problem.