Why Playing by the Strict Rules of Golf is Important for Amateurs

My earliest memories of this great game take me back to my childhood and time spent with my Dad, the late Don Brown Sr, playing a round at Battle Island State Park.I would look up at him when I had a two-footer left for another big number, and look at him with my eyes asking the question “is this good?” He would respond, “Take your time, Don.” I would often yip the short putt and walk to the next tee dejected. But as time went on and the more rounds I played, I never wanted a gimmee. What is a gimmee anyway? Is it a 12-inch putt? Two feet? Two and a half? Three feet? What if it’s a downhill putt? Does it have break? To alleviate any gray area, why doesn’t everyone simply play by the rules of golf? Putt the ball into the hole. Pretty simple. It seems that playing by the rules is a lost art in the amateur world of golf these days.

Golf has always held a unique place in the sporting world. Unlike many games where referees constantly enforce regulations, golf relies heavily on the honor and integrity of the player. At the professional level, the Rules of Golf, set by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A, are non-negotiable. Yet for amateurs, the temptation often arises to overlook certain rules, whether by giving mulligans, improving lies, or ignoring penalty strokes. While this may make the game feel more relaxed, playing by the strict rules of golf is ultimately essential for amateurs who want to develop as players, maintain fairness, and preserve the spirit of the game.

First, playing by the rules builds discipline and helps amateurs grow as golfers. Golf is a sport of precision and mental toughness. By adhering to the rules, amateurs learn how to handle adversity – whether it’s an unlucky bounce into a hazard, a plugged lie in the bunker, or a tough spot on the green. Accepting these situations as part of the challenge mirrors what professionals face and pushes players to develop skills and mental toughness. For example, an amateur who regularly takes mulligans may improve their scorecard, but they will never sharpen their tee-shot consistency under pressure. Sticking to the rules ensures the improvement is genuine and lasting.

Second, fairness among players depends on everyone following the same standards. In a casual round among friends, it might seem harmless for one golfer to kick the ball out from behind a tree. But if others are grinding through difficult lies and counting penalty strokes honestly, frustration and imbalance quickly emerge. Golf loses much of its meaning when results cannot be compared on an even playing field. By playing by the rules, amateurs show respect not only for the game but also for their fellow golfers. It creates trust within a group, knowing that each player is competing honestly and transparently.

Third, learning and applying the rules of golf allows amateurs to appreciate the tradition and history of the sport. Golf’s reputation as a “gentlemen’s game” stems from its reliance on honesty and self-policing. When amateurs respect the rules, they connect themselves to centuries of players who did the same, from Old Tom Morris to today’s tour stars. This continuity is part of what makes golf special. Whether you’re a beginner at the local muni or a seasoned player at St Andrew’s, the rules unite everyone. Ignoring them risks undermining this heritage and eroding the very qualities that make golf distinct.

Finally, strict adherence to the rules prepares amateurs for competitive play. For example, there will be 120 amateurs competing at the 30th annual Penn Masters Golf Championship next May in pursuit of the historic ‘Brownie Jug,” a trophy named after my Dad. Many other golfers will enter club tournaments, charity events and other amateur championships. In these settings, rules are enforced rigorously, and ignorance is no excuse. By practicing the rules in casual rounds, amateurs ensure they are comfortable in competitive environments. They not only avoid embarrassing situations but also gain confidence knowing they can play the game correctly under any circumstances.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to relax the rules in casual rounds, amateurs benefit greatly from playing golf as it was intended – by the book. Strict adherence fosters genuine improvement, ensures fairness, honors tradition and prepares players for competition. Golf is more than a test of skill; it’s a test of character. By respecting the rules, amateurs uphold the very spirit that makes the game timeless.

So, “take your time” on that next two-footer.

Don Brown

Don has been playing this great game for nearly 50 years…loves the challenge that a new round brings, the grind of holding together a quality round, the lifetime of friendships forged, the beautiful scenery to enjoy and of course a cold beer or two on the 19th hole. He's the proud host of the Penn Masters Golf Championship for 28 years, the country’s largest amatuer golf getaway…also known as the ‘Greatest Event in All of Golf.’ He resides in Liverpool with his wife Lauren and has two daughters in college curently at The University of Tampa and Fransican University of Steubenville.