Last weekend's match against Marshallia Ranch was a good learning experience for many of us regarding the rules of match play. Before the regular season starts, make sure to check out the latest issue of FORE Magazine for USGA's new 2008 rule changes - also available here.

You can also review this helpful primer on the Basic Rules, posted by the Northern Nevada Women's Golf Association, and this Golf Rules FAQ posted at About.com. Then you'll be ready to read the Official USGA Rules of Golf.

Here are two rules of match play that several of us were unaware of last weekend.

1) If you miss a putt and your next putt is not conceded by your opponent, you cannot hole out unless you or your teammate are still furthest from the hole. If an opponent's ball is further out, you must mark your ball - even if it's a simple tap-in.

2) In stroke play, Rule 3-3 authorizes the player to play two balls when he is faced with a doubt as to his proper procedure under the Rules. This rules does not apply in Match Play (see Decision 3-3/9).

Labels: News, Rules