Golf Rules and USGA Membership
Because of my United States Golf Association membership, I just received a letter from the great Arnold Palmer. In the letter Mr. Palmer talked about Golf and the importance of playing the game correctly. “Learning the Rules and understanding how to apply the Rules will make you a more informed player”, wrote Palmer.
The first edition of “The Rules of Golf” were compiled and published in 1744. They are administered by the United States Golf association and the Royal and Ancient golf Club at St. Andrews. These two groups meet every four years to implement needed changes to the Rules of Golf.
Rule changes generally fall into two categories:
1. Those that improve the clarity of the Rules
2. Those that reduce penalties in certain instances to insure that they are appropriate
There are many important rule changes in 2008. You can get a full listing at usga.org.
You can also sign up for a United States Golf Association membership. There are many different levels and benefits. Membership always includes the current Rule Book.
With the support of members the United States Golf Association
• Provides “For The Good of the Game” grants
• Conducts 13 National Championships
• Manages Handicap and Course Rating Systems
• Conducts and Funds Turf Grass research
• Writes and Interprets “The Rules of Golf”
• Tests Equipment and Golf Balls
• Preserves Golf’s History through its Museum and Archives
The Museum at Golf House in Far Hills, New Jersey is scheduled to reopen on June 3rd.
