Is Golf too strict a game?
Golf is one of the oldest games of the world whose history dates back to the time of Roman Empire. However, nobody exactly knows its origin but the moment the game became global, its new rules started to emerge.
Almost every game since the time of its origin has changed, its rules especially. In field Hockey initially, there was the rule of off side but then it was abolished. Then in yester years, Field Hockey was played on grass but now it is played on a carpeted
turf.
In cricket, as well, rules change constantly in order to make the game more interesting. The case is the same in football too. However, in golf we have not seen any major rule changes. Why is that?
Golf has been labelled as boring most of the time and even then nobody has ever managed to take a look at it rules.
In golf, apart from adhering to strict rules one has to follow an extremely tight dress code as well. This can sometimes put off new players from entering the sport.
Golf initially started with some thirteen rules but now they have expanded to 34. In other sports, authorities have amended the rules to make the game more interesting but in golf everything is stagnant, apart from a few minute changes here and there.
Some of the rules have been relaxed slightly, which has given players some comfort but probably they are not enough.
For example, if the ball moved due to the wind and a player was standing nearby, then he would be penalised but now he is not.
Likewise, in the bunker, one cannot touch the sand with the club until and unless he is making a shot. If he touches the club, then he gets a one stroke penalty. One stroke penalty means that one can miss out on the title.
Then there are special golf shoes which should be used, this is understandable because the greens are very sensitive and demand extra care. However, adherence to a dress code is a little harsh. It seriously needs to be looked into, especially at the club
level.
The fairways and OB rules should be amended because it is not a player’s fault if the ball gets stuck on the fairway. Plus a one-shot penalty for the ball going in to the water hazard or out of bound is pretty harsh.
If golf has to thrive in young blood, then rules need to be amended. If we look today, most off the youth is focusing on sports which are interesting and have more enthusiasm.
Their focus is mainly on sports like, football, tennis, cricket, hockey because they entail great flair and glamour into the game.
Golf has been most restricted now. Firstly, it is such an expensive game that a common man cannot afford it. Secondly, golf is mainly played on the US soil and most of the top players are from either Britain or USA.
Yes, golf rules are too strict and they need to be changed to make the game more interesting. If it continues like this, then I am afraid people will start losing their passion for the sport. The game of golf has a rich history but times change and so do
the rules to keep the game interesting.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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