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.

I Need A Ruling! - A Golf Podcast

Rule 23: Four-Ball Play

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.

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.  In this two part series, Doug will shine a light on and explain some of the "hidden" information that golfers need to know.

The Rules Clarifications - Part 1

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!

The Rules - A Basic Primer (Part 2 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.

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

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.

USGA Clarification on Caddies and Embedded Ball

Wonder what the scoop is about the Haotung Li, Denny McCarthy and Rickie Fowler rulings? Listen and find out!

Episode 4 - Caddies & Ball at Rest Moving

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!

The Flagstick - Rule 13.2

Updates from the Rules Workshop being conducted in Chandler, AZ

PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop

Welcome to the world of the Rules of Golf! The "I Need A Ruling! - A Golf Podcast" is designed to provide a simplified and easy to understand discussion of the Rules, especially since the release of the new, modernised Rules on January 1. This inaugural episode will layout the format for the "I Need A Ruling - A Golf Podcast" series and begin to explain the Rules. Host for the podcast is Doug Hoffmann, the Director of Rules and Competitions for the Minnesota Golf Association and a PGA Master Professional. He encourages your questions and comments. They may be directed to INeedARuling@gmail.com. You also may follow Doug on Twitter using @MGAPGAPRO.

"I Need A Ruling! - A Golf Podcast (The Inaugural Episode)

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.