Book Reviews by Jeffrey Reed:
Golf Rules & Etiquette–Crystal Clear, plus
Golf Rules Quick Reference Stroke Play Guide
Author: Yves Ton-That

Remember when veteran Tour pros Mark Roe and Jesper Parnevik were both disqualified from the 2003 British Open for failing to exchange their scorecards on the first hole, and for signing for the wrong scores? Perhaps if they had both read author Yves Ton-That’s book, Golf Rules & Etiquette–Crystal Clear, they wouldn’t have pulled those boners. Well, maybe they still would have erred on the course, but Ton-That’s 160-page book is a thorough, easy-to-understand guide to golf rules and course etiquette that even a weekend duffer can grasp.

Ton-That’s previous publication, Golf Rules Quick Reference Stroke Play Guide, was voted second-best new product at the 2004 PGA Merchandise Show. Colour coded for easy reference, this pocket guide should help the 85-per-cent of golfers targeted by the USGA as those unfamiliar with the rules of the game. The booklet includes 35 full-colour illustrations, and explains golf rules in the order in which the golfer plays, from tee to green.

With both publications, Ton-That advertises he’ll take five strokes off your next round. That’s stretching things, unless you are a total newbie at this game. However, Golf Rules & Etiquette–Crystal Clear is a solid read from a bonafide golf rules official. Contents are broken down into theory, and practical. They focus on real-life situations, and like the pocket guide, approach rules in the order you encounter them on the course. More than 100 graphically edited full-colour illustrations help in comprehending the complex rules of golf. For example, did you know if your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark on any closely-mown area (fairway, fringe), it can be picked up, cleaned and dropped without penalty right next to the spot where it was lying, not closer to the hole? 

The etiquette section makes for some humourous reading. Word on self-control includes an illustration of a golfer breaking his club over his knee – "No temper tantrums," it says. But overall, the etiquette portion of the book is an informative read for both beginner and ace – it’s always good to revisit the rules and regulations of the grand ‘ole game of golf.

Ton-That also provides regularly updated information on the rules of golf at his website, www.golfrulesmadeeasy.com.

I highly recommend both golf publications. They’ll help speed up play, and make your round a more enjoyable one, thanks to a better understanding of the rules.

Golf Rules & Etiquette–Crystal Clear
by Yves Ton-That
Artigo Publishing International
ISBN 3-909596-03-7
$18.95 US