From The
Editor
Kansas City ’ s Longest Running Monthly Golf Magazine
Bill Cromwell , Editor-in-Chief TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE™ Magazine
Fall Golf Rules
October is here , which means we ’ ll have to deal with those blasted leaves blanketing the rough , fairways and greens . Like our cover with the dejected golfer who can ’ t find his ball , apparently lost in the leaves , we ’ ll invoke the “ Leaf Rule .”
I do enjoy the fall season ; it ’ s great for golfing . Cooler temperatures and fewer golfers often lead to quick rounds — until you hit your tee shot into an area blanketed with leaves and search endlessly for that family heirloom . While searching , we always hear someone say , “ It should be right here ,” or “ There ’ s no way that ball is lost !” But it ’ s never found ! Then , because we are all tired of searching and ready to move on , someone finally declares , “ Take a free drop ; it ’ s the Leaf Rule .”
Mind you , the Leaf Rule isn ’ t actually a real rule but an allowance that golfers make while playing during the fall months for the sake of not delaying the game for your golfing partners and those playing behind you . In any event , when a ball is determined to fall under the Leaf Rule , another ball is dropped , usually to the relief of and encouragement from your playing partners , which gives you an opportunity to make a good shot without penalty .
I have , however , noticed that rarely has the Leaf Rule been declared when the ball is on the fairway or green ; it seems to only pop up on those marginal bad shots that would likely be lost with no leaves on the course . The truth is , the Leaf Rule falls under USGA Rule 13-1 , which largely states the ball must be played as it lies . Followed by USGA Rule 27 , which addresses the rules surrounding a lost ball and the penalties associated with it — meaning , if you can ’ t find it — it ’ s lost . However , friendly games will most likely extend the Leaf Rule for the sanity of all . Just remember , a golf ball is not a family heirloom , and your search should not last longer than three minutes –– then take a drop and move on .
The fictitious Leaf Rule is there for us to enjoy fall golf and have fun while doing so . We all understand why we do it , and yes , I ’ ve played it , too — I get it . With that said , don ’ t go about boasting that you shot 78 when actually it was closer to 87 with the Leaf Rule festival .
Remember , when you “ Play Golf with a Purpose ” by counting all your strokes , only by not noodling , playing it as it lies , and playing within the rules can you determine if you and your game are actually improving .
Regardless , get out and play this fall . It ’ s just as good as spring golf , only more colorful . Oh , and bring the leaf blower and extra golf balls , just in case .
6 October 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE
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