golf

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.

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!