Procedure for Rules Queries
If a club member has a rules query, they should:
1) search for the answer in the Rules of Golf Book
2) if they are unable to find the answer, seek advice from their relevant Club Committee.
If the Club then requires clarification on a rules query, they can contact Golf SA. Golf SA requests that all rules queries be emailed to Golf SA Admin on admin@golfsa.com.au
Members of the Golf SA Rules Committee will then be forwarded the query and a response will be provided to the club as soon as practical.
The Rules of Golf
Golf is a game in which a ball is struck with a club from a prepared area, known as the ‘teeing ground’, across fairway and rough to a second prepared area, which has a hole in it, known as the ‘putting green’.
The object of the game is to complete what is known as a hole by playing a ball from the teeing ground into the hole on the putting green in the fewest possible number of strokes. A ‘round of golf’ consists of playing 18 such holes.
There are basically two forms of play, one which is decided by holes won and lost (match play) and the other which is decided by the total number of strokes taken to complete the round (stroke play).
There are three important principles to remember when playing golf:
• Play the course as you find it
• Play the ball as it lies
• And if you can't do either, do what's fair
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Rules Accreditation
The National Rules Accreditation & Education Programs Framework consists of five tiers.
• Rules & Handicapping General Education Programs
• Club Level Rules Accreditation
• State Level Rules Accreditation
• Advanced State Level Rules & Competitions Course
• National Level Rules Accreditation
Golf SA currently conducts Rules & Handicapping General Education programs & Club Level Rules Accreditation program as part of the national Golf Australia program.
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List of (SA) Accredited State & National Level Rules Officials – CLICK HERE
List of (SA) Accredited Club Level Rules Officials – CLICK HERE
*The Accredited Club Level persons listed, have gained accreditation since 2010.
Those holding accreditation prior to 2010 will need to attend a Level 2 Seminar to regain accreditation to be added to the list.
Any Member wishing to gain Club Level Rules Accreditation for the first time please refer to the level 2 seminar details below.
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Golf Australia Spring 2014 Newsletter Click here to download
Golf Australia Autumn 2014 Newsletter Click here to download
Golf Australia Summer 2014 Newsletter Click here to download
Golf Australia Spring 2013 Newsletter Click here to download
Golf Australia Winter 2013 Newsletter Click here to download
Golf Australia Autumn 2013 Newsletter Click here to download
Golf Australia Summer 2013 Newsletter Click here to download
Golf Australia Spring 2012 Newsletter Click here to download
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LEVEL 1 (Introductory)
Level 1 training comprises a session of between 2 and 2.5 hours (depending upon attendee participation) designed for:
* New golfers who want to know more about the Rules of Golf
* Experienced golfers who want to test and develop their knowledge of the Rules
* All golfers holding Level 2 (Club Level) Accreditation
* Golfers who would like to train for Accreditation as a Club Level Rules Official
The session includes:
* Understanding the Rule Book
* Why the Definitions are important
* Applications of the Rules of Golf
* Discussion and problem solving drawn from participant experiences
The Level 1 session is designed to be conducted within clubs and/or districts and is open to all interested members.
Upcoming Level 1 Courses
Monday 8 April (Morning) – North Adelaide Golf Course (Golf SA Office)
Thursday 27 June (Evening) – North Adelaide Golf Course (Golf SA Office)
November TBC – North Adelaide Golf Course (Golf SA Office)
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LEVEL 2 (Club Level Accreditation)
Successful completion of the Level 2 ‘course’ results in Golf Australia accreditation as a Rules Official/Referee at the club/district level.
The Level 2 course comprises:
* A Seminar of 3 hours duration covering the structure and content of the Rule Book, explanation of the Rules, solving Rules problems and sample examination questions
* A Tutorial of approximately 2/2.5 hours duration held two weeks after the Seminar at which Rules exercises (distributed at the Seminar) are discussed and other queries arising from participants’ experience are addressed
* A 50 question multiple choice Examination of 3 hours duration, one week after the Tutorial – 35 correct answers are required for success.
*(Pass = score of 35 – 44 out of 50) / (Distinction = score of 45 – 50 out of 50)
Those completing accreditation requirements have the option of undertaking mentoring at the club level with a view to becoming a practicing referee/Rules official and/or undertaking training as a presenter with a view to (in the first instance, at least) conducting Level 1 sessions within the club/District and/or assisting Golf SA presenters by conducting tutorial sessions.
Participation in Level 2 training is open to all members wanting to become more familiar with the Rules or seeking to participate as a referee/ Rules officials in competitive events conducted by clubs and Districts. There is no obligation to proceed from the Seminar to the Tutorial or to the Examination. Note that a cost of $16.50 per person applies to Level 2.
Upcoming Level 2 Courses
Monday 9 September (Evening) – North Adelaide Golf Course (Golf SA Office)
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LEVEL 3 (State Level Accreditation)
Level 3 is an advanced Rules course held annually with the assistance of Golf Australia. This intensive training course is designed for:
* Experienced Rules officials looking to move into officiating positions for elite amateur or professional tournaments
* Experienced trainers seeking Level 2 training accreditation
The State Level Accreditation seminar is a two-day Forum incorporating direct presentations and on-course workshops.
Participation in training for Level 3 Accreditation is by invitation and requires significant experience as a referee/Rules official in club/District events.
Check back soon for upcoming courses
Click here to download the Golf SA Rules Matrix Summary
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Rules & Other Resources
Golf SA has the following resources available to Clubs and individual golfers:
• R&A Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status 20012 – 2015
• R&A A Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf 2012 – 2015
• R&A Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2012 – 2013
• R&A Golf Rules Illustrated 2010 Edition
• R&A Golf Rules in Action (DVD)
• Conditions of Competition & Local Rules for Golf Australia Amateur Championships
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Handicapping & Course Rating
Handicapping Education Resources
Summary of Complete New GA Handicap System
Check-list – Operational Requirements for Clubs around Implementation of the new GA Handicap System
Handicapping Duties, Authorities & Responsibilities of the Home Club
July 2013
Equipment
Includes information on Equipment News; Clubs; and Balls > More
Etiquette
Guidelines on the manner in which the game of golf should be played. If they are followed, all players will gain maximum enjoyment from the game. > More
Amateur Status
The first definition of an amateur golfer was not made until after the inauguration of the British Amateur Championship in 1885. > More
Policies & Regulatory Codes
Policies & Regulatory Codes information > More