By John M. Bodenhamer, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Golf Association
(first published in Pacific Northwest Golfer, March 2002)

With tournament season just around the corner, it is time to dust off the old Rules book. More importantly, do you really know how to use it when a question arises? Let’s take a look at a few key points that may assist you when it becomes necessary to pull it out on the golf course.

The Rules book is written in a very precise and deliberate fashion. You should be aware of and understand the following differences in word use:

may = optional
should = a recommendation
shall/must = instruction (a penalty will result of not carried out)
a ball = you may substitute another ball
the ball = you may not substitute another ball

Also, did you know the terms sand trap, pin and cup are not found anywhere in the Rules book? Try finding an answer to a situation that occurred in a sand trap and it could take you awhile. The terms bunker, flagstick and hole are each specifically defined in the definitions and are the correct terms to use.

There are about 40 defined terms called "definitions," which are found in the front of the Rules book. They form the foundation around which the Rules are written. Knowing these definitions (which are italicized throughout the Rules book) is crucial to correctly applying the Rules.

The Contents pages may help you find the relevant Rule; alternatively, there is an Index at the back of the book.

To find answers on Rules questions you must first establish the facts of the situation. To do so you should identify:

The form of play (e.g., match play, stroke play, four-ball)
Who is involved (e.g., the player, his partner or caddie, an outside agency)
Where the incident occurred (e.g., on the teeing ground, in a bunker or water hazard, on the putting green or elsewhere on the course)
The player’s intentions (e.g., what was he doing and what does he want to do?).
Any subsequent events (e.g., the player has returned his score card or the competition has closed).
Always remember to carry a Rules book in your golf bag. If in doubt as to how to proceed, do your best to play the course as you find it and play the ball as it lies.

**The above recommendations were largely taken from text listed on the inside cover of the 2002-2003 USGA Rules of Golf Booklet.

Questions regarding the Rules of Golf may be directed to the PNGA office in Seattle at 800-643-6410 or to your state or provincial golf association office.