The Flagstick - Rule 13.2

This episode covers some of the most basic, yet most important, parts of the Rules - how to keep a ball in play and get a score.   When playing golf, if we never touch the ball from the time we play from the teeing ground into the hole, the game is very simple.  In fact, we would need very few rules if that always were the case.  However, there are many reasons we get the ball into our hands, some with penalty, some without.  Rule 14 tells us the very basics to lifting the ball and, more importantly, how to get it back onto the course and "in play" so that we can continue playing and get a score for the hole.   Take time to listen as Doug goes through the Rule and the different parts so that you can always have a score for each hole.  NOTE: Aside from the Definitions, Doug feels this is the most important Rule; thus, you may want to listen multiple times to be sure you have grasped the important concepts.

No doubt, virtually all of us who are beyond the beginners stage have played a Four-Ball competition of some sort.  Often referred to as "Best Ball," this pits two players against two other players in a match or stroke play.  But, this format by its unique nature, can have some unique circumstances arise.  How do the Rules deal with these?  In many cases, Rules 1-20 are sufficient, but not always.  Thus, Rule 23 tells us what to do in those situations in which Rules 1-20 do not give us an answer.  Enjoy ... and don't be surprised to find that you learned more than you anticipated.

The Rules of Golf have many parts.  There are the Definitions, the Rules themselves, the Interpretations of those Rules, the Equipment rules and the Clarifications. Many will know about the first few, but few actually know about the last part - Clarifications - much less read them.  This is the second of two episodes In this series in which Doug shines a light on and explains some of the "hidden" information that golfers need to know.

The Rules of Golf have many parts.  There are the Definitions, the Rules themselves, the Interpretations of those Rules, the Equipment rules and the Clarifications. Many will know about the first few, but few actually know about the last part - Clarifications - much less read them.  In this two part series, Doug will shine a light on and explain some of the "hidden" information that golfers need to know.

This episode discusses the clarification issued by the USGA and R&A on the caddie standing behind the player as well as an Embedded Ball and the proper procedure for taking free relief.

Wonder what the scoop is about the Haotung Li, Denny McCarthy and Rickie Fowler rulings? Listen and find out!

So you have heard you may now leave the flagstick in the hole while putting. But is there more to this rule? Listen and find out!

Updates from the Rules Workshop being conducted in Chandler, AZ

Welcome to the world of the Rules of Golf! The "I Need A Ruling! - A Golf Podcast" is designed to provide a simplified and easy to understand discussion of the Rules, especially since the release of the new, modernised Rules on January 1. This inaugural episode will layout the format for the "I Need A Ruling - A Golf Podcast" series and begin to explain the Rules. Host for the podcast is Doug Hoffmann, the Director of Rules and Competitions for the Minnesota Golf Association and a PGA Master Professional. He encourages your questions and comments. They may be directed to [email protected]. You also may follow Doug on Twitter using @MGAPGAPRO.