Golf Rules Illustrated : The Callaway Golfer (series)

Rating:
Summary: golf rules demystified
Review: Golf Rules Illustrated was written with both beginners and low handicappers in mind. Browsing through its pages you can see that unlike the Rules of Golf, technical terms are seldom used, and it doesn't follow the legalistic manner on how rules are defined by the USGA, which usually leaves us scratching our heads.

Instead what we get are simple, straightforward explanations of the rules, and to make things even easier, illustrations (featuring Scottie IV, the rules terrier, drawn by Greg Clarke) are provided. I especially liked the way the book is arranged. Situations golfers are most likely to end up in are the first to be given priority. So right off the tee you'll have discussions on four areas: Out of bounds, lost balls, water hazards, and lateral water hazards. If you find yourself in a water hazard, these are the options available to the golfer according to the book:

A caveat to the reader: this is a book presented by the Callaway Golf Company, embroiled bitterly with the USGA, because of...well, the rules. The USGA wants the rules to be followed no matter what, whether you are Tiger Woods playing at Augusta or a weekend hacker playing at a rinky-dink golf course in the middle of nowhere. On the other hand, Callaway seems to support the notion that the rules can be a little flexible when golf is played for fun. In fact there is a section in the book where it actually says it's okay to ignore the rules in certain situations. Now this can get you into a lot of trouble, depending how serious your playing partners are about their golf game.

Aside from that, I think any golfer will find this book insightful and find it a handy reference on the golf course.