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- by Perry Rightmomd
Golf Has Specific Rules
So, keep your hands off the hazard grounds! That's right. Stay clear. Unlike basketball, baseball or football,
there is no referee to make sure that everyone is playing by the rules. There are literally hundreds of very
specific rules outlined and updated by the United States Golf Association or the USGA in their annual rulebook.
Golf players on the course need to be well-educated and up-to-date on the regulations that apply to the game. With
that said, let's cover some of the basics so that even if you are just starting out, you have a basic understanding
of the rules of the course.
Stay Clear of The Hazard Area
If you are unlucky enough to shoot your ball onto the hazard area, it may prove impossible for you to get it back
into play. Some golfers may attempt to sneak a "touch" of the hazard ground before swinging for the ball which
gives that player an unfair edge by helping them with information about the ground area prior to taking their
escape shot. The term for this maneuver is called "grounding the club".
A very common hazard is "the sand trap". Sand traps are one of the simplest areas to get your ball out of, so that
if your golf ball happens to drop in, prior to taking your swing, you can drive your club into the sand and feel
the texture. This is against the rules because this gives you unfair knowledge about the consistency of the sand.
Having this edge gives you a better idea than your opponent as to what type of shot to make in order to get your
ball out of the sand trap.
Hazards are punishments or challenges for the player who makes an incorrect shot. It adds a challenge to the game,
so that when you fall into that unfortunate position, you shots will end up in the sand pit, rough or other hazard
area where you will have to use your skills to escape. Golf is an honor game, and cheating will increase your
score, but in the long run, decrease your skill with the game. Avoid cheating and look at it as another challenge
to overcome.
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