Golf is older than any living human, and its rich traditional rulebook can leave even the most seasoned players scratching their heads. Although the sport’s governing bodies constantly review rules, with most focusing on maintaining fair play, some rules seem so strange that they seem almost unbelievable. Join us as we unearth some of the most peculiar rules in golf, from restrictions on what you can use to mark your ball to penalties for an overzealous squirrel.
Animals and Outside Influences
When a Squirrel Steals Your Ball
Sometimes, Mother Nature joins the teeing action, and an animal takes off with your ball. That counts as an outside influence according to Rule 9.6 of the Rules of Golf, where if a squirrel, bird, or spectator moves your ball, you should replace it at its initial spot without penalty. Nonetheless, if the ball was moving during interference, the consequence will depend on where the ball was heading. For instance, if your ball ends up in a water hazard after a seagull snatches it mid-flight, normal penalty rules for a lost ball will apply.
Burrowing Animals and Free Relief
Most golfers adore rule 16.1 as it offers free relief, usually applicable when a ball rests in a hole made by a burrowing animal. However, golfers get no relief if a non-burrowing animal, such as a deer or dog, made the hole. Additionally, you must play the ball as it lies, even if positioned awkwardly in a hoofprint.
Equipment Oddities and Restrictions
No Using a Club Thrown in Anger
Although golf is a majorly relaxed game, sometimes frustrations kick in and tempers flare. For example, if a golfer tosses a club angrily and breaks it, they are not allowed to continue using it. Nonetheless, a player can replace a club that breaks due to natural causes, like during a shot or hitting a tree root.
The Infamous “Spaghetti Putter”
The “Spaghetti Putter,” featuring a uniquely designed head and flexible shafts, was famous in the 1960s. It gave players an unfair advantage by enabling them to exert excessive spin on the ball. Naturally, it caused an uproar, and the USGA banned it under Rule 4.1a, which governs equipment conformity.
Unusual Ball Movements and Consequences
The Ball That Won’t Stop Moving
Golf necessitates that a player must strike a stationary ball, but on some rare occasions, the ball might start rolling on its own when you’re about to putt. In such a case, when the ball moves after address, it counts as an outside influence like wind or slope. If it moves before hitting, you must play it from the new spot, but if your stroke is already in motion, you’re stuck with the results.
When the Wind Moves Your Ball
The wind loves its applause on the golf course, and placing your ball on the green only for it to be blown away can be quite frustrating. Rule 13.1d states that in cases where natural forces move your ball, you should play it from the new location unless it was already marked and lifted before being replaced. Nonetheless, if an artificial force like a gust from a jet engine during an airshow moves your ball, you can replace it without penalty.