D uring the summer months from June through August, scorching tem- peratures and high humidity, as well as the occasional late afternoon thunderstorm, are par for golf courses throughout much of the country. As a golfer playing in hot and humid conditions, it is important for you to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated. It is also important for you to be aware of, and certainly not ignore, the lightning warning system that may be utilized at the golf course where you are playing. While we are on the subject of hot weather conditions, did you know that the Rules of Golf actually address a variety of those condi- tions? For example, Decision 25/12 [Cracks in Earth] advises that cracks in the earth, which sometimes occur in hot and dry conditions, generally do not qualify as ground under repair. However, if your ball comes to rest in a large crack, you would be justified in requesting that the Committee overseeing the competition declare the crack to be ground under repair. As you probably know, hot and humid conditions can produce excessive perspiration, which will make it more difficult for you to grip your clubs. Unfortunately, you may not change clubs when your grips become wet from perspiration. Decision 4-3/5 [Changing Clubs Because of Wet Grips] points out that a club is not “unfit for play” if the grip becomes slippery. On the other hand, Rule 14-3 [Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment; Abnormal Use of Equipment] authorizes not only the use of golf gloves, but also resin, powder and drying agents, to help you hold onto the golf club. You may also wrap a towel or handkerchief around the grip of your club. If you need to borrow a towel or a glove from someone in order to prevent your club from slipping out of your hands, you may do so per Decision 5-1/5 [Whether Player May Borrow Balls from Another Player], which states, “… the Rules do not prevent a player from borrowing other items of equipment (balls, towels, gloves, tees, etc.) from another player or an outside agency.” Also, Decision 14-3/8 [Adhesive Tape] advises that you may apply tape to your golf glove to prevent the glove from slipping. For protection from the sun, you may find it helpful to hold an umbrella RULES OFTHE GAME The Hottest Rules in Golf BY PAUL KRUGER June 2017 | 31 Subscribe today at juniorgolfmag.net Don’t Miss a Single Issue ... Subscribe Today! Print Edition–$ 20 (Just $ 2.50 per Issue) Digital Edition–$ 8 | Digital & Print (Best Value)–$ 25 Go to juniorgolfmag.net and click the Subscribe tab – now! Hot temperatures make critters such as snakes more active. If your ball comes to rest near a snake, you do not have to play the ball as it lies. over your head. Did you know that you can play golf one-handed while holding an umbrella with your other hand? Just make sure that someone else isn’t holding an umbrella over you while you make a stroke per Decision 14-2/2 [Player Holds Umbrella Over Own Head When Playing Stroke]. Hot temperatures make critters such as snakes more active. If your ball comes to rest near a snake, you do not have to play the ball as it lies. Deci- sion 1-4/10 [Dangerous Situation; Rattlesnake or Bees Interfere with Play] authorizes you to abandon your ball near a snake or other dangerous situa- tion and substitute another ball in a nearby location that is not dangerous. That’s obviously another example of where the Rules of Golf and common sense go hand in hand. This summer, stay cool, stay hydrated – stay safe. Paul Kruger is a PGA professional at The Canyon Club in Albuquerque, NM. He has authored numerous articles on the Rules of Golf, all with the goal of making them fun and interesting to learn. Some of the exclusive stories include: • TGA Premier Golf Comes to Schools • Steppin’ Out with the Hottest New Shoes • Greg Norman Academy – Where Champions Train • Summer Dreaming at Sea Pines Resort • The Golf MasterMind Speaks Out • And many others! Coming in our July Issue!