PA-PLAYA The rule is stupid. What advantage does it provide the player in this particular scenario? That's my underlying question. If the players themselves had taken a cart on a hole - I would be more prone to take the side of the USGA ruling. And I completely understand that a player's caddie, according to the USGA rules, is an extension of the player himself accordingly. But I still find that rule absolutely ridiculous as it relates to setting an example that slow-play should be addressed.
The rule is the rule... most are indeed archaic. Many if not most do seem ridiculous, but the rule none the less. You asked and answered your own question. We understand your feelings.
Is this how we want competitions to be determined? Especially if it revolves around a caddy feeling the need to thwart slow play, which is the bane of the weekend golfer's existence?
No. COMPETITIONS are determined by the number of stroked taken by players in accordance within the structure of the Rule of Golf. 95% of the readers here haven't used a caddie in the past years. I would venture to guess that over 70% have never used a caddie so your comparison of caddies and their apparent or possible impact on the weekend golfer's enjoyment of the game is moot.
No matter where you stand on the situation - it just reeks of imperialism and an unwillingness of common sense being applied by the governing rules authority. The USGA has continuously overlooked the criticisms of their membership over the years to the point where they're no longer considered credible. The only reason they've attempted to change some of the rules to make the game more player-friendly is a direct reflection of how many thousands of former members no longer want to support them.
Rules and their application change all the time. So does the fact that human error applies to situations when applying the rules of golf. It seems that it could have happened in this situation.
If this was your club pro invoking said penalty - he would be looking for another job at the end of the season.
Really??? Really! So you would be upset that your hired golf professional chose to , ummmmm, uphold the Rules of Golf in an event as they were written and stated??? Really?! So please let all of us know which RULES OF GOLF you would feel MOST COMFORTABLE with to make YOUR next competitive round of golf at your Club Level ACCEPTABLE to make it fair for YOU! Please open the rule book and use a yellow highlighter if it would be easier for you... I am quite sure that after reading all of your thoughts on "stupid rules" you will highlight in bright yellow ONLY The rules that YOU FEEL are fair..... ummmmmm, for YOU. Are you kidding me with that statement?????
Yet we continue to accept that the USGA is above-board and there are no consequences for their lack of foresight and incompetence.
Which is why I am advocating a total boycott of the USGA. They have refused to adjust to a different time, different playing era, different circumstance regarding the growth of the game. The NFL made the necessary adjustments. The NBA, MLB, the ATP have all seen the need to adapt to the current times. Yet the USGA seems hellbent on representing the game from half a century prior. Why? What purpose does it serve as it relates to them welcoming potential new players into the game? "Hey, we want you to spend $60 on a weekend greens-fee, but don't forget! - we have a very stringent set of rules that you need to abide by. PS - send us $25 bucks and we'll give you a ball marker and free hat."
90% of the people here and across this country haven't played a "clean round" of golf, by the rules in 5 years!!!! Mulligans, gimmes, red stakes, yellow stakes, switching balls on tough water hazards, teeing off in front of the markers, "breakfast balls", more than 14 clubs in the bag, how many more do you want me to list???? The USGA has no damn impact on your daily round of golf.
It's no wonder why the game is struggling in this day and age to add interest for the younger players.
Really? The game of golf is suffering (don't forget, I don't care for their heavy hand) because of the USGA
Gotta be honest - given what I've invested over the years, the amount of time I've sacrificed to improve, the amount of money I've invested.... I'd be looking at another hobby if I was just starting out.
You didn't "SACRIFICE" Shit! You willingly spent your time and money on a sport and an activity that you loved. You bought the magazines, the videos, went to the local golf shows, drank all the beers after the rounds and played in all of the events as a SACRIFICE?! PUHHLEEEZE. The line for Martyrs is to the right. Someone is saving you a spot.
But maybe that's just me.
It is.