The Metropolitan Golf Association and the Metropolitan PGA held their annual Rules of Golf Workshop on March 25 at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, N.Y. Attended by golf professionals, club officials and MGA Committeemen, the workshop featured a presentation by USGA Manager of Rules Education David Staebler.

Staebler’s presentation was broken into three segments: Why the Rules are so complicated; Rule 3-3: Doubt as to Procedure; and Rule 1-4: Equity. Staebler answered the first question very simply: “The Rules are complicated because they have to be to get the answer we need.” This was highlighted by the fact that less than one percent of golf rulings require far more explanation than the other ninety-nine percent of typical scenarios that occur in the game.

When discussing Rule 3-3, which explains what golfers should do when there is doubt or disagreement about a procedure, Staebler emphasized scenarios in which the Rule can be invoked properly as well as situations where invoking the Rule can cause difficulty for fellow competitors and tournament officials. The discussion about Rule 1-4 covered situations that may arise on the golf course that are not otherwise covered in the Rules of Golf.

The 2009 MGA/Met PGA Rules of Golf Workshop is part of a month-long program of educational forums that are designed to educate club leaders and the golfing public about a wide range of topics of interest to Met Area golfers. Topics include the Rules of Golf, handicapping procedures, new technology and MGA and MGA Foundation services and programs.