Book Review by Jeffrey Reed
Golf Rules Quick Reference 2008-2011
Author: Yves C. Ton-That

Have you seen Peter Jacobsen and Natalie Gulbis hawking the yardage gadget on The Golf Channel? It’s like having a “Tour caddie” on your bag, they trumpet. Here’s an addition to your playing arsenal that requires no batteries, and fits in your back pocket: the completely updated booklet, Golf Rules Quick Reference 2008-2011.

Quick: which of the four declares a ball unplayable (under penalty of one stroke): fairway and rough; bunker; water hazard; or green? With Yves C. Ton-That’s updated pocket guide, all you need to do is flip to the back cover, and the answer is revealed.

In fact, this invaluable 48-page guide, complete with 170-plus full-colour illustrations, answers 80 per cent of golfers’ questions without even having to flip open the booklet, thanks to the illustrated back-cover chart.

Just like a low round of golf, Golf Rules Quick Reference 2008-2011 proves good things do come in small packages. In seconds, any golfer can refer to this guide, avoiding arguments, saving strokes and speeding up a round. It’s a great plastic-coated flip guide that, according to the author, can boost anyone’s game – even a touring pro.

“The fact is, most golfers, including many tour professionals, don’t have a thorough knowledge of all the Rules of Golf, other than the basics,” says Ton-That, an international rules official for more than a decade. “(My latest booklet) provides quick answers to rules and regulations thanks to its 170 illustrations and easy-to-understand language instead of dry, legal verbiage nobody understands. Storing (it) in your golf bag will enable you to avoid embarrassment and arguments, and will also allow you to take full advantage of the various relief procedures and free drops you weren’t aware of before.”

There are eight sections in Golf Rules Quick Reference 2001-2011: Basics/dropping; Tee; Fairway & Rough; Bunker; Water Hazard; Out/Provisional Ball; Green; and Ball Moved/Deflected.

The original book by Ton-That was voted second-best new product at the 2004 PGA Merchandise Show, and just captured a Golf Europe Product Award for second-best new accessory product for 2008. Expect more accolades for the latest edition.

Do yourself a favour: Spend the $10 and grab yourself a copy of Golf Rules Quick Reference 2008-2011. Visit www.golfrulesmadeeasy.com, or look for it at your local golf retailer or pro shop.

The answer to the ball unplayable question? All except for water hazard. All I had to do was flip over the booklet, and read the answer. Now only if the game of golf was this easy.

Golf Rules Quick Reference 2008-2011
by Yves C. Ton-That
www.golfrulesmadeeasy.com
Artigo Publishing
ISBN 978-3-909596-16-4
$9.95 US