KNOW YOUR RULES

Jordan Spieth won the 2017 British Open by using the Rules of Golf to his advantage.

He took an unplayable lie from where his tee shot landed. Under penalty of 1 stroke, the options for an unplayable lie are:
1: Go back to where you last played;
2: Take two clubs lengths no nearer to the hole and drop a ball;
3: Take the line between the hole and the ball and go back as far as you want and drop a ball there.

Jordan chose option #3. He did not want to go back to the tee and replay from there – too risky as he might hit that same shot again. He could  not use the two club lengths as that would not get him out of the trouble. Option 3 was the best option for him. Notice how far back he went? Behind the equipment vans by the driving range. He made an amazing 5 from there. The rules are there to help you — know your rules! It will save you a few strokes – and in Jordan’s case — it was a BIG factor in him “righting the ship” and giving him confidence to finish strong and win.

There are 34 Rules of Golf – you don’t need to know them all by heart, BUT – you should know the rules for:
Ball out of bounds
Lost ball
Ball unplayable
Ball in water hazard
Playing a wrong ball

It is always a pleasure playing with golfers who know the basic rules of golf. Know your rules!

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