Golf Rules? There's an App for That!

THE SITUATION - On a recent Saturday, Tim stepped up to his approach on #8, and unleashed a wicked worm burner with more sizzle than a Ruth's Chris NY Strip. The ball bored through a grazing flock of geese, skimmed through the grass, and made a bee line directly for the foot bridge. Just when it seemed that the golf gods had smiled upon Timmy and his ball was destined to find safety on the far shore, it ricocheted off both posts on the far side of the bridge, reversed course back across the bridge, hit one of the posts on the near side, reversed course again, and finally came to rest in the middle of the bridge against against the curb, somehow missing both the windmill and clown's mouth.

Once all the laughter had subsided and his underwear had been changed, Tim faced a dilema and an accompanying series of questions. "How do I play this shot? Am I allowed to ground my club? How does a thermos know whether to keep a drink hot or cold? Should I take a drop? Are Oriental massages tax deductible?"

THE RULING - Faster than Bob Dray can say "Tee, do you have any muffins?", Gil produced a copy of the USGA Rule Book from his golf bag, and informed Tim that he could, in fact, play the ball from where it came to rest, provided he not ground his club since the ball was within the boundaries of the hazard. With one foot hiked on the curb, and by employing a modified croquet stroke, "Tripod" Tim was able to nip the ball off the concrete and across the bridge, with his good fortune at having averted a penalty dashed to pieces when the ball caromed off one of the posts, went straight up in the air, bounced once on the bridge, and plopped unceremoniously into the middle of the pond, bringing his adventure to a wet and unsatisfying conclusion.

NEW FROM THE USGA! -For those of you who prefer to tote an iPhone instead of Gil and his Rule Book, the USGA has come up with a some handy app's to help you expertly resolve any rules questions that may arise during your next round. "The Rules of Golf" and "Decisions on The Rules of Golf" are available on USGA website via the link to the right - go forth in search of knowledge and remember, the rules are our friends!