most of the answers given further prove the case for not many people knowing the rules of golf. Its not a sand trap its a bunker, its not a water hazard its a penalty area. Sorry to say, a golfer learns a rule once they break it and are called out. Read a good book on amazon called, Golf Murder Mysteries Breaking the Rules, golfers murdered for breaking a rule of golf. Even has 2 chapters on the Villages. I digress.
Higher handicap golfers should be more concerned with improving their golf swing than knowing the rules of golf back and forth.
Judging by the comments on moving the ball and picking up putts I would say most handicaps here are about 3-5 shots too low and won't travel well.
People here are friendly, they don't want someone spouting rules of golf they just want to play. If you are spouting you will find yourself playing alone.
The groups here play by the rules if they are playing for money. And yes they invoke local rules, i.e. preferred lies etc. which is legal.
Just chill out a little bit and you will be fine. A group is the tournament committee for its golf, they determine local rules and those rules should not break a rule of golf.
Bottom line is, play 18 holes in under 4 hours and people will love you and want to play with you. If money is involved, the rules will be invoked even for a quarter. It's just the way it works.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SPT32507
I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.
I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.
Thanks in advance!
|