Rules & Etiquette

The game of golf has 2 basic principles:

• PLAY THE BALL AS IT LIES AND
  
• PLAY THE COURSE AS YOU FIND IT
  

And in addition, PLAY BY THE RULES AND IN THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME which means:

• ACTING WITH HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
  
• SHOWING CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS
  
• TAKING GOOD CARE OF THE COURSE
  

Golf and etiquette have traditionally gone hand in hand. Observing a code of practice that places courtesy, respect and fair play at the heart of the game is a fundamental virtue that defines golf and which has its origins in the earliest rules of the game. The game of golf has had rules in written form dating back to 1744. This early code of 13 “Articles & Laws in Playing at Golf” was drafted by The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith for a single day of competition on the Leith links, and the principles represented in these 13 rules still fundamentally describe the same sport that is played around the world today.

The first known Rules of Golf, written, as already mentioned, in 1744 did not explicitly mention the observance of etiquette; however, rule 7 refers to behaviour on the course, which has parallels with the spirit of the modern game and the reference in the 2019 Rules to Standards of Player Conduct.

However it would be a mistake to think that today's rules were decided centuries ago and then simply preserved ever since. On the contrary, continuous evolution in the rules is one of the game’s central traditions. And while the Rules of Golf serve to define and preserve the essential challenge and character of a game rich in history, the outcomes of these rules and the procedures for applying them have undergone regular change.

For much of the time, the Rules of Golf have changed in response to the seemingly infinite variety of unforeseen or unique circumstances that keep arising in a sport played outdoors in a natural setting. Reasons for rule change have included the evolution of course design, maintenance and agronomics; innovation in clubs, balls and other player equipment; and the expansion and diversification in the landscapes where golf is played. More generally, the Rules of Golf Committees have often made changes after listening to passionate debates among golfers about whether particular outcomes or procedures are fair or appropriate.

This is undoubtedly true in the case of the new golf rules introduced in January 2019 after extensive consultation with golfers in many countries and the MGF is now in the position to offer all its license holders the opportunity to attend seminars on the new rules. Details of dates and locations of these seminars will be e-mailed when appropriate.

Alternatively, visit R&A website or download their app to improve your knowledge on 2019 rules of golf.