Customer Reviews

The Rules of Golf in Plain English

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Garner and Kuhn have made an admirable attempt to defog the rules of golf, obviously expending a lot of thought and effort. Their renumbered subcategories are more systematic than those of the official version, and the reorganized definitions are a big improvement. Appendix 1 contains a useful summary of one-stroke penalties.

However, many of the modifications in the text consist simply of substituting "you" for "the player" and transforming statements from passive voice to active. Has this removed all befuddlements from the rules? No. As an example, try to make sense out of this passage from Rule 26.2(B): "When proceeding under Rule 26.2(B), you need not drop a ball as described by Rule 27.1 or 28.1(B). If you drop a ball, you need not play it." Huh? Not exactly plain English.

In other places, the authors slavishly follow the terse, pithy language of the official Rules, failing to insert explanations where they are desperately needed. For example, both the current official Rules and the Plain English version say merely that it is permissible to remove loose impediments from the line of a putt, with no word at all about what means of removal may be used. Until 2003, only the player's hand or club, brushing lightly sideways, was allowed for this purpose. In 2004, however, as specified in the USGA's "Decisions on the Rules of Golf," the rule was changed to permit the player to use a cap, towel, or presumably any other implement within reason. Given the recent rules change and the frequency of this circumstance, a simple sentence of explanation would surely have been in order.

The USGA publication "Decisions on the Rules of Golf" is actually fairly entertaining to read. It contains a fascinating mix of rules applications one might never have thought of otherwise until encountered on the course. It remains the definitive (and only) complete guide to the myriad situations that can arise during a round of golf. Of course some of its decisions are nitpicking in nature, but the vast majority have simple logic and fair play as their basis. I recommend that any golfer who is interested in playing the game honestly (and avoiding arguments) acquire a copy and use it for leisure reading as well as reference.

This book made the rules of golf very easy to understand. I love having it in my bag.

Been a golfer (low handicap) for over 40 years now and hated having to find a rule. Too hard to understand. Thank goodness for this book so I actually can win arguments with my buddies. Good book that is cheap and easy to use. Nice job.

I feel it is an excellent guide for the serious competition golfer with a bit too much detail for those of us who play social golf. Never the less it covers all the rules in detail including the penalties that apply for each of the types of games being played ie Matchplay Stroke etc.
When the authors choose the title PLAIN English I was expecting a simple reminder of each of the rules with some typical examples of where players go wrong in interpreting rules in typical situations

Next week I'm playing in the World Amateur Handicap Tournament in Myrtle Beach and there is always someone in my foursome that is just a little bit fuzzy on the rules of golf. Yes, sometimes that person is me. Of course the legalese that the USGA puts out can be very hard to understand at times.

When I saw the title of this book I figured that it would be a good investment. Well maybe, the rules have been translated into english and it's still difficult to decipher but this is an improvement.

Here's an example. Rule 18 covers Movement of Ball at Rest and 18.2 covers Ball Moved by Player, Partner, Caddie, or Equipment.

paraphrased:
You can't move the ball unless you can move the ball. You'll get a penalty of one stroke and "the ball must be re-placed unless the movement of the ball occurs after you have begun your stroke and do not discontinue your stroke." Unless of course it falls under one of seven exceptions. Writing it in clearer language helps but...

I understand that originally there were 13 rules of golf. Well many cultures consider 13 an unlucky number, couldn't they have just added 1.

This book does make it a little easier to read the rules of golf. Unfortunately I need more help! No wonder the pro's always have a rules official following each foursome.

If you think you understand the rules of golf and a having the words translated into english would help then buy this book. Don't buy it if, like me, you really need someone to explain it all to you. Save me a seat at that rules seminar!

Kevin Decker

Jeff Kuhn and Bryan Garner have taken what is usually a mundane and tedious topic and made it simple for the average weekend golfer to understand. Best of all, they kept it priced reasonably for that same weekend golfer. Buy this book and keep it in your bag - your friends/playing partners are sure to follow your lead!