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The 6 Most Ridiculous Rules in Golf
Let’s get these changed ASAP huh Fellas?
Remember Dustin Johnson pleading to a rules official during the final round of the 2016 U.S. Open. I had his back and most of the world did too.
They say you can’t fix stupid, but you are able to complain about it and hopefully get it changed. Golf, this game we love, there is plenty of senselessness to go around. Witness the Rules of Golf, an encyclopedic catalog of do’s and don’ts that often fall beyond the bounds of reality
For argument’s sake, here’s our take on six of the dumbest rules in the most beloved sport on the planet. OK, maybe I am biased, but the game is pretty old and may need a little botox here and there. Just Sayin’
1. The Dreaded “DJ Rule
In the official ledger, it’s Rule 18-2. But ever since the 2016 U.S. Open, it’s more widely recognized as that *&%$!!!-ing Dustin Johnson Rule. You know, that nonsensical one under which the eventual tournament winner was slapped with a one-shot penalty for supposedly causing his ball to move a nano-millimeter on the 5th green. Never mind that he clearly didn’t intend to set the ball in motion, or that the micro-movement gave him no discernible advantage. The punishment stood. But we shouldn’t have to stand for it in the future. How about this? Next time around, no harm, no foul. Move the ball back, end of story!
2. No Relief from Sand-Filled Divots – In the fairway?
Let’s see if we understand correctly: if we spray a tee shot off-line and our ball winds up in the ground under repair zone, we’re entitled to relief. But if we smoke one down the middle and it settles in a sand-filled crater left behind by another golfer, we’re doomed to play it as it lies. That ground we landed in happened to be damaged. Someone tried to repair it. Sounds to us like… the ground is under repair. Now Im no genius, but are you following me here?
2. The “DROP”
You’d think that hitting a shot into a hazard would be punishment enough. But you’d be wrong. Under the Rules of Golf, the dogged victim then has to go through the tedious ritual known as the drop, which brings other potential rules infractions into play. If the dropped ball moves closer to the hole (as it so often does) twice, the player gets to place it. So why not just allow placement from the start? It would spare the player undue pain, and save the rest of us a lot of time.
3. Stroke & Distance
In American jurisprudence, it’s known as double jeopardy, a procedural defense that protects us from being prosecuted twice for the same crime. Sounds reasonable, right? No such safeguard exists for a golfer who bangs a ball into oblivion, only to be slapped with a stroke penalty on top of loss of distance. That’s two punishments for one misdeed, and it’s unjust by any measure. We, the people, call for a one-stroke penalty and lateral relief. Motion Carries!
4. Sprinkler Head in Your Putting Line
Your approach shot lands pin high, just on the collar, and a straightforward putt awaits, with just one problem: a sprinkler head lies in your putting line. Common sense suggests that you should get relief, no closer to the hole; a sprinkler head, after all, is a man-made impediment. But common sense apparently has no place here. Your only hope is that the course you’re playing has a local rule that allows line-of-play relief from immovable obstructions within two club lengths of the green, which, let’s be reasonable here, should really be the rule that governs all play.
5. Five Minutes for a Lost Ball – Really?
That lax allowance dates back to a bygone era, when life moved at a pastoral pace and golfers had the luxury of lollygagging. This is the modern age. Chop, chop, time’s a-wasting. We’ve got cat videos to watch and vapid tweets to send. The game needs to adapt. And besides, if you can’t find that errant ball in two minutes, you probably don’t want to in the first place. It will be under a rock or in a bush but with just enough clearance that those 9 deadly words are uttered “I think I can get a club on it”
6. Cant move a ball from a footprint in a bunker – This one Grinds my Gears
It might make sense on Tour, where players all have caddies and the grounds are as well-groomed as the gardens of Versailles. But many of the courses we mortals play are under-tended and trod upon by etiquette-flouting chops who don’t even attempt to rake up their mess, creating hazards within hazards. The more sensible alternative: if your ball lands in a footprint in a bunker, move it and place it elsewhere in the sand. Done, End of rant. You may go about your business.
The 2025 LIV Golf season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the league’s short but impactful history. With its disruptive approach to the sport, LIV Golf continues to challenge traditions and generate buzz. Here are the most compelling storylines to follow as the season unfolds:
1. New Players, Fresh Rivalries
One of the most exciting aspects of this season is the arrival of new talent. LIV Golf has successfully attracted top-ranked players from the PGA Tour, thanks to its lucrative contracts and innovative format. The clash of seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers promises to create intense rivalries. Will the newcomers shake up the established order, or will the veterans defend their turf?
2. Team Dynamics in Focus
LIV Golf’s unique team-based format continues to set it apart from traditional golf tours. Teams like Crushers GC, Fireballs GC, and 4Aces GC have cultivated strong fan followings. This season, roster changes and new strategies could shift the balance of power. How will captains adapt their leadership styles to foster team cohesion and success? And which team will dominate the standings?
3. The Battle for Global Expansion
LIV Golf has emphasized its commitment to expanding the sport globally, with events scheduled in emerging golf markets like India, South Korea, and Brazil. These new venues not only offer fresh challenges for players but also present opportunities to engage with diverse fanbases. Will LIV’s global push solidify its status as a truly international tour?
4. Technology and Fan Engagement
One hallmark of LIV Golf is its embrace of technology to enhance fan experiences. This season, expect to see advancements in augmented reality, interactive broadcasts, and player mic-ups. These innovations aim to bring fans closer to the action than ever before. Will these efforts further distinguish LIV Golf as the most fan-friendly tour?
5. The PGA Tour Rivalry
The tension between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour remains a defining narrative. With both organizations vying for the loyalty of players and fans, the stakes have never been higher. High-profile defections and joint-event rumors keep fueling speculation. Could 2025 be the year where cooperation begins to overshadow conflict, or will the rivalry escalate further?
6. Defending Champions and Underdog Stories
Every sports season needs its heroes and Cinderella stories, and LIV Golf is no exception. Last season’s champions return to defend their titles, but a host of underdogs are poised to challenge their reign. The unpredictability of golf means that anyone could have their breakout moment. Which players will rise to the occasion and capture the spotlight?
7. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Amid growing concerns about climate change and sustainability, LIV Golf has pledged to make its tournaments more environmentally friendly. This includes reducing carbon footprints, promoting renewable energy, and supporting local communities at host venues. Will these efforts resonate with fans and set a new standard for the sport?
8. The Legacy Question
As LIV Golf grows, questions about its long-term impact on the sport persist. Critics argue that it’s diluting tradition, while supporters believe it’s revolutionizing golf for a new generation. How will this season shape the league’s legacy? Will LIV Golf prove its staying power or face challenges that threaten its future?
With a mix of drama, innovation, and high-stakes competition, the 2025 LIV Golf season is a must-watch for sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a fan of the league’s modern twist, there’s no denying that LIV Golf is making waves and keeping the world of golf on edge.
During the 2025 American Express, PGA Tour rookie William Mouw found himself in a deep, 20-foot bunker on the par-5 16th hole—famously known as the “San Andreas Fault” for its ability to frustrate even seasoned pros.
Mouw’s shots went from bad to worse: after escaping the bunker twice, he’d end up back in it. After an epic 13 strokes, he followed up with a triple bogey on the 17th.
Despite a 5-under 67 in the next round, he missed the cut by 9 shots.
The lesson is to remain resilient despite setbacks. The 16th hole demonstrated how quickly things can go sideways, but his ability to shake off the octuple bogey and finish the weekend strong with a 67 shows that recovery and perseverance are key. Golf is unpredictable, but staying positive and focused on the next shot is crucial. Mouw’s resilience in the face of adversity can be an important learning experience as he moves forward in his career.
Golf: always full of surprises!
Check back often to stay informed on everything happening on and off the course.
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