Rules of the Green a History of the Rules of Golf [Hardcover]

Kenneth Chapman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 20, 1997

This is an account of the way that the game of golf has developed from its origins as a simple diversion for soldiers and common folk, to its present status as an international professional sport. The first list of 13 articles constituting the official rules of golf was produced by a group of Scottish gentlemen in 1774. Since then the rules have seen many changes, although the game is still largely based on the same 13 articles. In this book the author examines how these changes came about and takes the reader step-by-step through the history and rules of the game.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Sometimes draconian, regularly exasperating, often infuriating, but always--somehow--fair, the rules of golf are so clearly codified that even Hammurabi might have turned the color of an Augusta fairway in their presence. If bad golfers swear the rules punish them, their more circumspect counterparts understand that what the rules really do is carve order from chaos and lend a helping hand. How the rules of play exploded from 13 basic principles set down in 1744 by a group of Scottish gentlemen into the hundreds of maddening permutations and combinations teed up today actually makes for surprisingly fun and fascinating reading. A combination of history, anthropology, and psychology, with doses of mystery and gossip thrown in, Kenneth G. Chapman's breezy exploration turns what could have been arcane territory into an agreeable stroll on the links. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 261 pages
• Publisher: Stoddart+publishing (November 20, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852277114
• ISBN-13: 978-1852277116
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,555,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rules of the Green: A History of the Rules of Golf, January 12, 2009

By 

J. Austen "Writer" (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Rules of the Green: A History of the Rules of Golf (Hardcover)

I was very pleased that I was able to find a Bookseller who still had this book in stock as I was told that it was out of print. All of the golfers who visited over the Christmas Holidays were intrigued with the book. The Bookseller option on Amazon is such a good idea.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The more you know, the better off you are!, April 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Rules of the Green: A History of the Rules of Golf (Library Binding)

A couple great things you learn in this book: 1) If all golf were played at match play, there wouldn't be a need for all the rules we have today; 2) The rulebook as it stands today is as efficient and concisely written as possible, culled from centuries of input. Read this book and you will enjoy the game more than you do already.