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I Need A Ruling! - A Golf Podcast

I Need A Ruling! - A Golf Podcast

By Douglas A Hoffmann

Welcome to "I Need A Ruling! - A Golf Podcast" where the world of the Rules of Golf are discussed and simplified in an easy to understand format.

Host is Doug Hoffmann, Director of Rules and Competitions for the Minnesota Golf Association, a PGA Master Professional and USGA Certified Expert on the Rules. Doug was named the "2019 Golf Professional of the Year" by the Minnesota Section PGA in part for his work in educating all golfers on the Rules, especially the "New and Modernised Rules" of 2019.
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Currently playing episode

Lifting and Returning a Ball to Play - Rule 14

I Need A Ruling! - A Golf PodcastFeb 10, 2022

00:00
15:55
Lifting and Returning a Ball to Play - Rule 14

Lifting and Returning a Ball to Play - Rule 14

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.

Feb 10, 202215:55
Rule 23: Four-Ball Play

Rule 23: Four-Ball Play

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.

Dec 07, 202015:14
The Rules Clarifications - Part 2

The Rules Clarifications - Part 2

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.

Nov 23, 202013:11
The Rules Clarifications - Part 1

The Rules Clarifications - Part 1

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.

Apr 27, 202014:11
The Rules - A Basic Primer (Part 2 of 2)

The Rules - A Basic Primer (Part 2 of 2)

This is the second of two episodes that deal with the 15 Rules Every Golfer Should Know as identified by the USGA. Whether you are in your active golf season or suffering through your off-season, it always is a good time to have a review of these important, more common rules. Have a listen so you are ready for many situations you will face on the course. If you missed Episode 1, be sure to go back and listen to it. And, back episodes deal with the other changes to the Rules that occurred in 2019. I hope you enjoy this!
Feb 04, 202010:45
The Rules - A Basic Primer (Part 1 of 2)

The Rules - A Basic Primer (Part 1 of 2)

Whether you are in your active golf season or suffering through your off-season, the beginning of the year is a great time to review the more common and basic rules every golfer should know. Have a listen so you are ready for many situations you will face on the course. But, this is only Part 1, check back soon for Part 2.
Jan 09, 202011:09
USGA Clarification on Caddies and Embedded Ball

USGA Clarification on Caddies and Embedded Ball

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.
Feb 21, 201909:46
Episode 4 - Caddies & Ball at Rest Moving

Episode 4 - Caddies & Ball at Rest Moving

Wonder what the scoop is about the Haotung Li, Denny McCarthy and Rickie Fowler rulings? Listen and find out!
Feb 04, 201911:04
The Flagstick - Rule 13.2

The Flagstick - Rule 13.2

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!
Jan 21, 201905:57
PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop

PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop

Updates from the Rules Workshop being conducted in Chandler, AZ
Jan 13, 201920:55
"I Need A Ruling! - A Golf Podcast (The Inaugural Episode)
Jan 05, 201910:13