The rules of golf

Knowledge of the rules of golf allows you to enjoy the game more.

The late Taby Tabaniag, who insisted that I called him Uncle Taby, once told me that he read the rules of golf everyday.

He encouraged me to do so, but I could not do the same, but I never go out into the course without a copy of the latest rulebook in my bag, which is a habit I developed out of playing regularly with my compadres Al Mendoza and Jake Ayson, who are both golf rulesmen, when we gather for the annual PAL Interclub.

Not too long ago, people were checking their drivers if they were conforming or not. Technology has changed the game where some equipment allowed people to hit father with a tweak here and there.

But golf as game is not one that would allow such to ruin it so there have been rules made about what is allowed and what is not.

Even the grooves of the clubface are regulated, which is reason of the most recent incident involving the rules of golf that somewhat turned a bit nasty when Phil Mickelson and other players, who used an old club, which is legal based on the rules of golf were accused of cheating.

Did they cheat by using old clubs? I don’t think so. This is just an example of using your knowledge of the rules to your advantage.

Cheating is a different thing. It is writing a lower score than what you shot. It is writing a score when you did not even play the hole. It is declaring a handicap higher than your real handicap.

It is taking a wrong drop and not correcting your error. It is failing to add a penalty stroke. Cheating may not shake the foundations of the game of golf, but it can surely destroy your reputation not only in the golf course, but also in other aspects of your life.

* * *

If you have wide feet, you probably face the same problem as this deadline beater and several others, who can’t seem to find the right shoes.

I’ve been going around the various shoe stores and sports equipment dealers recently and although I never found a pair that I liked that also fits, it is good to note that many of the staff of the stores know quite well about their products.

Gone are the days when you get a shrug from the sales person when you ask a question and I hope it would get even better.

Better, like seeing more athletic shoes for those with wider feet hehehe…

* * *

It seems that 2010 is not the year for running. I am not referring to the interest of a lot of people on running, but running in the elections.

With all that is happening in the political scene, it is more like a slugfest or worse, plain and simple mudslinging.

We ordinary citizens can do our share in changing the way things happen in this nation, so let us use our one vote wisely when we head to the polls this May.

* * *

MILESTONES: Birthday greetings go to my aunt Bernadita Cotejo-Iway, my fellow Gray Knight Arnel Ceriola, and to Liberty ‘LAP’ Pinili, who both turn a year older today.

Advance greetings go to tomorrow’s celebrants Viking Logarta, Hazel Jane Kiunisala and to Cdr. Rommel Labrador of the Philippine Navy.

More power to all of you!