Originally Posted by
BC MIST
IMO, those most interested in changing, modifying, clarifying.... the Rules of golf, are those highly experienced officials/referees who both know the Rules exceptionally well, but also know the history of the Rules and the logic behind their implementation. Each time there is a rewriting of the rules or decisions, there are dozens and dozens of changes and clarifications that take place, and that, over time, has made things better. We are very fortunate to have in Ottawa, two of these people who have worked major PGA/LPGA Tour events, as well as regular Tour events, served on the Joint Rules Committee, and on scores of occasions, shared their knowledge and expertise with us. Often, this information makes it easy to understand why certain rules need to put into effect for all possible scenarios under a specific rule, rather than isolated ones which many of you seem to focus on.
At the beginning of our Level 4 Rules Seminar in April, 2013, we were each asked to select a rule of decision that we felt need some worked and there was no shortage of suggestions and they WERE taken seriously.
There is certainly nothing wrong with questioning a rule, but as I said above, it's also important to look at the "big picture," beforehand regarding the rule, and not just focus on one isolated incident. However, and IMO, much of the questioning of the rules is based on the fact that if one has to play by them, one's scores and handicaps will go up, and some egos have difficulty with that.