1.  I hit a shot and my ball struck the overhead power lines – What’s the rule?
     If your ball hits a power line or overhead cable, and there is a Local Rule covering this issue, you must cancel the stroke and replay it without penalty, as close as possible to the spot of the original stroke. If such a local rule is not in effect, you must play the ball as it lies.

2.  When I need to get relief, what club can I use to measure my club-lengths?
     You can use any club in your bag to measure club-lengths for taking a drop. That means most of us will use the driver, the longest club in our bags; some golfers might carry long putters that are longer than drivers, and if you are one of those golfers, you may use the long putter.
     If your ball is near the obstruction - the question is, does the obstruction interfere with the path of your intended swing? If so, you should identify the nearest point of relief, then drop within one club-length of that point, not nearer the hole.
     To determine if the obstruction interferes with your intended swing, you'll need to simulate that swing.  When simulating the swing, you must use the club you would use if the obstruction was not there.

3.  I hit my tee shot, but didn’t see where it ended up. When I went to look for it, I couldn’t find it, so I declared a lost ball and went back to the tee and hit a second ball.  After hitting the second ball, I found my first ball.  Which ball must I play and why?
     In every case, but one (explained below), you will need to play the second ball and take the appropriate penalty (lost ball: stroke and distance).    
     The one exception is if you find your first ball in the hole.  If that is the case then the first ball (the one that was holed-out) counts. The very first rule in the Rules of Golf says: The Game of Golf consists of playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules. Therefore, since your first ball went “into the hole” you are done.  Congratulations, you just got a hole-in-one!!

4.  Out of Bounds (White Stakes)
    When stakes (or a fence) indicate out-of-bounds, then out-of-bounds begins at the nearest inside point of the stakes at ground level (excluding any kind of angled supports). When a line is used to indicate out-of-bounds, the line itself is out-of-bounds.
    Out-of-bounds brings the dreaded stroke-and-distance penalty - a golfer must assess himself a 1-stroke penalty, return to the spot of the previous shot and hit it again. Of course, that's time consuming. So when a golfer believes his ball may be OB, it's a good idea to hit a provisional ball.

5.  Water Hazard (Yellow Stakes and Lines)
    Golfers can try to play out of a water hazard, and sometimes that's easy to do. If a ball crosses the margin of a water hazard (designated by the yellow stakes or yellow lines, which are themselves considered part of the hazard), but is not actually in water, it might be easily playable.
    The penalty is one stroke. There are two options for putting a new ball into play. One is to return to the spot from where the previous stroke was played and play it again. The second, and more commonly chosen option, is to take a drop.
    When a golfer takes a drop out of a water hazard, he must drop behind the point where his ball crossed the margin of the hazard. The drop can be made at any point, as far back as the golfer wishes, so long as the point where the ball crossed into the hazard is kept between the point of the drop and the hole. A ball is considered in the hazard when it lies within the hazard or when any part of it touches the hazard (remember, stakes and lines are themselves part of the hazard).

6.  Lateral Hazard (Red Stakes and Lines)
    A lateral water hazard is differentiated from a water hazard by the fact that it is, well, lateral. That is, it runs alongside or adjacent to the line of play, rather than across it.
    A lateral water hazard, however, might be a creek that runs alongside a hole, or a lake to the side of a fairway that extends all the way back to the tee or beyond. Dropping behind such a hazard would not just be inconvenient, it would be unfair. That's why lateral water hazards are handled differently than "normal" water hazards.
    As for dealing with a ball that has entered a lateral water hazard: Golfers have the same option to play from the hazard if they so desire.  More likely, a golfer will assess himself a 1-stroke penalty and take a drop. The drop can be taken within two club lengths from the point where the ball crossed the margin of the hazard, no nearer the hole. Or a golfer can go to the opposite side of the hazard and drop at a spot on the hazard's margin that is equidistant from the hole.  A ball is considered in the hazard when it lies within the hazard or when any part of it touches the hazard (remember, stakes and lines are themselves part of the hazard).

7.  When trying to determine what line I should hit my putt or chip, can my caddie, partner or me touch (normal walking is fine) any part of the green?
    No.  The player, his partner or either of their caddies are allowed to point out the putting line prior to - but not during - the stroke; however, they are not allowed to touch the green in so doing, and no marks or aids of any kind can be placed on the green (whether prior to the stroke or during the putting stroke).

8.  Can I lay down a club at my feet to help me with my alignment?
    A player may, other than on the green, place golf clubs at his feet to align his stance for the stroke, as long as he removes those clubs before actually hitting the ball.

9.  My Ball is Stuck in a Tree - What are My Options?
    There are three options for continuing play when your ball gets stuck in a tree: play the ball as it lies; declare the ball unplayable; or take a lost ball. 
    You can declare the ball unplayable, take a one-stroke penalty and, most likely, drop within two club-lengths of the ball. The spot from which you measure the two club-lengths is that spot on the ground directly under where the ball rests in the tree. But in order to use the unplayable option, you must be able to identify your ball. You can't just assume that it's up there somewhere, and you can't just assume that a ball you see in the tree is yours. You must positively identify it as yours.
    BEWARE:  That might mean trying to shake it loose from the tree, or climbing the tree simply to retrieve the ball for ID purposes. Before you do either, make sure you've announced your intention to treat the ball as unplayable. If you dislodge the ball without having made your intentions clear (to continue under the unplayable rule), you'll incur a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a (Ball at Rest Moved) and will be required to put the ball back in the tree! (Failure to replace a ball moved would result in an additional 1-stroke penalty.)  So make sure you identify your ball before continuing under the unplayable option, and make sure you declare your intentions before retrieving or dislodging the ball from the tree.
    Of course, you may not be able to find a ball that has lodged in a tree, even if you know it's there. The only option then is to declare a lost ball and proceed under Rule 27 (Ball Lost or Out of Bounds). The lost ball penalty is stroke-and-distance; that means assessing a one-stroke penalty and returning to the spot of the previous stroke, where you must replay the shot.  Even if you see a ball up in the tree, you'll have to take a lost ball penalty unless you can positively identify it as yours.

10.  Should the sand rake be placed inside or outside of the sand bunker?
    There is no official rule on rake placement.  Therefore, you can do either.  Some clubs have a local rule which you should follow.  
    A general recommendation is to place rakes outside the bunker laying flat on the ground and parallel to the holes’ direction of play.

11.  What does "keeping the point of entry between you and the hole" mean?
    Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which your ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole (Pin) and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped.
    Take a look at the flagstick. Now look at the point at which your ball crossed the margin of the hazard. Now imagine drawing a line extending straight back from the flagstick to that point. Now imagine that line continuing to travel straight back, from the flagstick to the point where your ball crossed the margin, and continuing straight back hundreds of yards.  That is the line on which you must drop.

12.  The wind moved my ball at address – Do I have to take a penalty stroke?
    No matter how unfair it may seem, the answer is yes.  Once a player is at address, he is responsible for the movement of the ball, no matter what actually causes movement. It's right there in Rule 18-2b: "If the player's ball in play moves after he has addressed it (other than as a result of a stroke), the player shall be deemed to have moved the ball and shall incur a penalty stroke."  So when the wind is blowing hard, be prepared to get over the putt and pull the trigger quickly.
    On the other hand, if the wind moves the ball before you've addressed it - say, as you are standing near the ball preparing to take your stance - it is not a penalty.  If this happens, you simply play the ball from where it comes to rest with no penalty.
I accidentally hit the ball with my practice swing – Is there a penalty for this?  It was an accident!
    The answer is yes and no.  The answer depends on whether the ball was already in play.  If the ball is on the tee and you have not yet made a stroke at the ball, then the ball is not yet in play.  Therefore, accidentally hitting the ball with a practice swing in that situation does not result in a stroke or a penalty. 
    However, once you've made a stroke at the ball on the tee, the ball is considered in play.  Then, if you accidentally move a ball in play with a practice swing, it's a one-stroke penalty.  Additionally, you must replace the ball to its original position and play it correctly.  Failing to replay the ball from its original position results in a total penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play.  So be careful with those practice swings!

13.  My shot hit another ball that was in play and at rest – What should I do?
    This is covered in Rule 18-5, Ball at Rest Moved by Another Ball. There is no penalty to either player as long as this procedure is followed: The person whose shot struck the ball at rest plays his ball as it lies; the person whose ball was moved returns the ball to its original position.  Failure to replace the ball that was moved to its original spot; or moving the ball that did the striking (rather than playing it as it lies) results in loss of hole in match play or a 2-stroke penalty in stroke play.
    If both balls were on the green, Rule 19-5a covers this.  In match play there is no penalty. However, in stroke play, it's a 2-stroke penalty on the player whose ball was in motion when the balls collided.  Therefore, It's not a penalty against the player whose ball was at rest; the penalty is against the player who struck the putt.  The player whose ball was at rest replaces it to its original position; the player whose ball was in motion plays it as it lies.

14.  Is there a penalty for playing out of order?
    There is no penalty for playing out of order in stroke play.  Except, perhaps, the glares of your playing partners.  Play simply continues and you're encouraged to pay more attention during the next round of shots.  So while there's no penalty, you should do your best to follow the correct order of play (unless all players in a recreational match have agreed to "ready golf").   
    There is no penalty in match play, either, but there is a proviso. A player who hits out of order in match play can have his or her shot cancelled by a competitor and be required to play the shot over, in the correct order.  The cancelled shot does not count as a stroke, and there is no penalty; the player simply replays the shot in the correct order.

15.  If a Club Breaks During a Round, Can it be Replaced?
    Depends on how the club was broken.  If the club was broken in anger - for example, as a result of being slammed into a tree or thrown down - it may not be replaced. If the club was broken because it was used as a walking aid, it may not be replaced. In other words, if you were doing something with it unrelated to playing of the course, you can’t replace it.
    However, if the damage occurs during normal play (e.g., the club head comes off a driver, or an iron is bent when trying to play from under a tree branch - there are options for replacement per Rule 4-3).  The first option: Keep playing with the damaged club.
The second option: If it can be done without unduly delaying play, you can repair the club yourself, or try to have it repaired.  The third option: If the club is unfit for play, you can replace it in your bag with any other club, as long as play is not unduly delayed. The replacement may not be borrowed from any other player. But you can get it anywhere else - from the trunk of your car, from the pro shop, from your Joe Smith, etc.

16.  Is there a time limit for playing a shot or completing a round of golf?
    What do the Rules of Golf say about time limits for playing a shot or completing a round of golf?   Nothing concrete - only that a player may not "unduly delay" play, and if the player does, he incurs a two-stroke penalty in stroke play or loss of hole in match play per Rule 6-7.
    What constitutes an "undue delay"? The rules don’t help much.  How long does a golfer have to play an individual shot? The rules don't address this at all. How long to complete a round? Again, the rules do not address it.  Although the rulebook makes no ruling on the issue, individual tournament rules committees do. That's why you sometimes see tour players being penalized for slow play.
    However, there are some specific time limits in the rules. For example, you have five minutes to search for a ball before it must be declared lost; and you have 10 seconds to wait, following your walk to the cup, to see if your putt will fall when it is hanging on the lip of the cup.

17.  What is the penalty for playing the wrong ball?
    In most cases, playing the wrong ball results in a two stroke penalty in stroke play and loss of hole in match play.  In stroke player, the offender must go back and hit his own ball after assessing the penalty.
    There are a couple of exceptions.  If you play the wrong ball out of a hazard. In both match play and stroke play, no penalty is incurred for wrong ball played from hazards as long as the player goes back and plays with the right ball.  A player whose ball was incorrectly played by a competitor or partner should play a ball as close to the original spot as can be determined.  In stroke play, a competitor can be disqualified if the mistake of playing a wrong ball is not corrected (Rule 15).

18.  If I hit a wayward shot – how long do I have to look and can others help me in the search?
    Yes, the Rules of Golf gives you five minutes to find and identify a ball as yours per Rule 27.  As many people as you can gather can help look for it - yourself, your caddie, family and friends – but, if you yourself have not identified your ball within five minutes from the start of the search, you must declare a lost ball and move on.

19.  Can I use a club other than the putter on putting green?
    Yes, there is nothing in the rules of golf that would prohibit this.  HOWEVER, before you do this, ask yourself - if you're not a highly skilled player - if it's really worth the potential damage to the green.

20.  When we are on or near the green, what is the correct order of play?
    Whoever is away – regardless of whether they are on the green or not.  However, in the spirit of speeding play up, you might have the golfers that are not on the green yet, play first.  However, this would not “technically” be within the rules of golf.  Similar to the “ready golf” recommendation.

21.  I hit my ball into a bunker and if that’s not bad enough, it’s completely filled with water – what should I do? 
    Not a lot of great news here…you need to play it “in” the bunker or take a drop (outside the bunker) and a penalty stroke.  Specifically, if your ball comes to rest in casual water within a bunker, you may drop without penalty at the nearest point of relief within the bunker, no nearer the hole. That applies no matter what the condition is of the rest of the bunker.  According to the USGA Web site, "the player may drop the ball in the bunker at a point that provides maximum available relief (i.e., in 1 inch of water rather than 5 inches)." Alternatively, the player may take a one stroke penalty and drop outside the bunker.

22.  I just two-chipped and three-putted the last hole, am I allowed to practice between holes?
    Yes, it's even OK to practice putting and chipping on the previous hole (as long as you are not holding up the players behind you or delaying your teeing off at the next hole).  You can also putt and chip balls on any tee box.
    You may not practice bunker shots or shots from any other hazards. And of course, you are never allowed to play practice strokes during the play of a hole, or to hit 3-irons, for example, while waiting between holes.

23.  What Qualifies as Casual Water?
    Casual water is any temporary water on the course which is not in a water hazard and that is visible before or after a player takes his stance.  You do not get relief simply because your ball comes to rest on ground that is very wet or spongy. An accumulation of water must be visible above ground.
    If you are in casual water, drop the ball at the nearest point of relief no closer to the hole per Rule 25 (Abnormal Ground Conditions) for more on casual water.

24.  Can I take the sand rake with me into the bunker?  
    For the sake of convenience and expediency, when you enter a bunker to play a shot you like to bring the rake with you.  As long as the rake is not used to test the condition of the sand prior to playing your shot, there's nothing wrong with placing the rake in the bunker (see Exception 1 to Rule 13-4).  Likewise, the rules do no prohibit placing other clubs in the bunker, as long as they are not used to test the sand conditions.  The same applies to water hazards. Of course, the rake or clubs must not have any effect on your ball or the lie.

25.  I conceded a putt to my competitor and then he went ahead and putted it and missed.  What’s the right way to handle this?
    If you conceded it, then you conceded it.  The missed "putt" doesn't count.  Once one player informs another that the putt is conceded, that player's play of the hole is over and his or her score is in the books per Rule 2.  Note that conceded putts are only allowed in match play competitions, and that they differ from "gimmies," which are not allowed by the rules under any circumstances.

26.  I want to change the brand of ball I am playing with.  Do the rules of golf allow me to do this?
    There is nothing in the Rules of Golf that prevents a golfer from changing to a different golf ball (i.e., from a Titleist to Bridgestone) on every hole on the course - so long as the change is made between the play of holes. 
    However, there is something in the Rules of Golf that says a tournament committee can impose such a rule.  It's called the "one ball rule / condition."  As you probably know, all Tour events are played under the "one ball rule / condition." And any rules committee may adopt the "one ball rule / condition" for its competitions.
    The "one ball rule / condition" requires the player to use the exact same brand and type of ball throughout the round. For example, if you start the day with a Titleist Pro V1x, then that's what you must play throughout the round.
    If the "one ball condition" is not in effect, however, golfers may swap out different types of golf balls at any point in a round of golf, so long as the change is made between holes rather than during the play of a hole.  Rule 15-1 states: "A player must hole out with the ball played from the tee..."

27.  My ball was in a hazard and the grass was tall.  Can my club touch the grass before I swing?
    No.  If your ball is in a bunker or a hazard you are not allowed to touch the ground (or water, if in a water hazard) with your hand or the club before the downswing per Rule 13-4.

28.  How many clubs may I carry in my bag?
    You are permitted to carry a maximum of 14 clubs.  You can carry less than 14 with no penalty. 

29.  Where can I tee off on my tee box?
    The rules of golf state that you must tee off within two-club lengths behind the front edges of the tee markers.  If you tee off outside this area, you incur a two stroke penalty in stroke play and must re-tee from the proper area.  In match play, your opponent has the option of having you play the first shot or re-teeing. 

30.  I am on the green, do not have a towel and my ball has mud and dirt on it.  Can I rub my ball against the green to get the mud and dirt off?
    No.  Doing so might be interpreted as testing the surface by scraping it or rolling a ball per Rule 16-1d.

31.  I accidently dropped my putter and it hit and moved my ball - what should I do?  
    If your ball is moved by you, your partner or your caddie, except as permitted by the Rules, or if it moves after you have addressed it, add a penalty stroke and replace the ball per Rule 18-2.  If you fail to replace the ball, you lose the hole in match play or incur a total penalty of two strokes in stroke play.  If your ball at rest is accidently, or intentionally, moved by someone else or another ball, replace it without penalty to you. 



Part B
Physical Conditioning

Being in excellent physical condition will give your son an advantage over the competition.  Many of today’s top pros (Tiger Woods, Phil Michelson, Sergio Garcia) all have spent a lot of time and effort in improving their physical strength, flexibility and conditioning. 

A good physical fitness program for young golfers will focus on the following areas:
            -  Flexibility
            -  Strength
            -  Balance
            -  Endurance

To become a top-notch player, you need to eat right and exercise regularly.  There are many good exercise programs available, however, below I have identified a number of exercises that can be of great benefit to junior and senior golfers. 

Benefits:    Many of these exercises were recommended to me by Karen Kupelian, PT, DPT.  I want to thank Karen for her assistance!

Fitness is very important for golfers.  Focusing on improved postural awareness and control of all phases of the golf swing will help improve golf performance and help to promote consistency.  Focusing on both static and dynamic stability through the hips, pelvis, thighs, and spine will give you, the golfer, the mobility and control needed to achieve a lower golf score.  Below are some examples of easy exercises that will assist both with overall fitness, and improve your golf game, and are fun to do with a friend!

1. Stretches:
Hamstring Stretch:
Lay on your back on the floor in a doorway, place the heel of one foot on the wall in front of you with your knee straight, and the other leg flat on the floor.  Position yourself closer or farther away from the wall as needed to obtain a non-painful stretching sensation along the back of the leg that is against the wall.  Maintain for 30 seconds, repeat 2 additional times.
Purpose: Improve flexibility and reduce hamstring tightness to enable a stable, neutral pelvis throughout the golf swing.

Calf Stretch:
Stand with 2 hands against a wall, one leg forward, and the one to be stretched back.  Keep the heel of your back foot on the floor with your knee straight, and bend your forward leg until a stretch is felt along the back of your back lower leg.  Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 2 additional times.
Purpose: Improve flexibility and reduce calf tightness to enable a full ankle range of motion, balance, power and control from hip throughout the entire swing.  

2. Single Leg Swing Balance Drill
(May be performed on both R leg and L leg):  hold your golf club in your golf stance position, knees bent, head in position, etc.  Now lift one leg so that you are balancing on one leg only.  Perform your swing as you normally would start in your backswing position then fully follow through. Repeat 5-10 times, then switch.
Purpose: Improves hip and pelvis control of the leg that you are standing on, helps to promote maximal weight transfer, improves balance throughout the swing, and improves rotation of the thoracic spine.

3.  Wrist Flexibility and Strength Exercise: 
 Hold your arm straight and down at your side.  Grasp a golf club with that hand at the grip portion, now slowly move your wrist up and down while grasping the club.  Perform 10 repetitions.  Once this can be attained with proper form (ability to maintain vertical position of the club through your wrist’s entire range of motion), add another club up to 3 clubs.  If you are unable to complete 10 repetitions, grasp the club at a higher point.  Repeat with the other hand.
Purpose: Wrist strength and range of motion are needed for club position at the top of the back swing.

4.  Deep Squat: 
Again stand in your golf stance position.  Take a golf club and place it on your upper back and shoulders.  Maintain this position complete a maximal deep squat.  Try to maintain your heel contact with the floor, proper posture and spine angle and keep your knees aligned over your feet. Repeat 10 times.  (note: performing hamstring and calf stretches will assist with your performance on this exercise)
Purpose: The deep squat is a very commonly tested golf movement to assess both lower extremity flexibility and control of movement.  These will assist with your ability to maintain proper dynamic positional of the ball at impact, and help to reduce your risk for injury.

5. Medicine Ball Rotations: 
Find a partner and stand back to back.  One person holds a medicine ball (7# is recommended). Pull your belly button in towards your stomach and stand up tall to assist in stabilizing your spine.  Now rotate to the right and look behind you to hand the ball to your partner, have them do the same until you are making fast, but non-sloppy circles with the medicine ball.  10-15 times to the right, then repeat towards the left.
Purpose: Trunk strength is very important for golfers to remain stable, and allow for optimum performance of their arms and legs during the golf swing.  Good strength in this area helps to improve club speed, distance and accuracy all while protecting the spine from undue stress.

6. Shoulder flares: 
Stand in your regular golf stance position with a hand weight in each hand, starting with your right side, lift up the weight in an elliptical arc while extending your shoulder back and rotate your body in that direction with head and lower body still (simulates the back swing), then bring the weight back in front of you and do the same thing with your left hand (simulating the follow-through).  Left hander’s can reverse the order.  Start with lighter weights and then work up to heavier weights.
Purpose:  Shoulder disassociation from wrist for increased power in, and consistency of, the golf swing.

7.  Running:
Jog between 1 – 3 miles at least twice a week. 
Purpose:  Increases endurance level, allows golfer to stay sharp for all 18 holes.

8.  Weight Training:
Start with 3 – 5 lb. hand weights and work your way up as your son grows older.  If your son is already older, then you can start him on some heavier weights.  Younger children should use lighter weights and concentrate more on the number of repetitions.  Increase weight only after the youngster has shown the ability to do 15 reps consecutively with good form.  Weight increases should be kept in the one to three pound range.
Arm Swings
Hold a weight in each hand directly in front of you.  Start with the right arm, swing your arm up over your right shoulder similar to where your hand would be for your golf swing, then slowly return your right hand back down in front of you next to your left hand.  Then swing your left hand up above your left shoulder similar to where it would be on your follow through, then slowly return your hand to its starting position.  Alternate sides and do a total of 20 to 30 reps (10 – 15 / arm) three different times. 
Arm Curls
Hold an appropriate weight in each hand.  Take turns (right then left) curling your arms up.  Start with the arm straight down in front of you, then curl your arm bringing your hand up to your shoulder.  Alternate sides and do a total of 20 – 30 reps (10 – 15 / arm) three separate times.
Other
Kids can gain strength by using their own body weight:  Push-ups, climbing stairs, etc…anytime he moves your body against resistance.  

Children should do eight to 15 repetitions of an exercise without stopping.  If a child can not do at least eight, then the weight they are using is too heavy.  They should go down in weight until they are able to do at least eight reps and then slowly increase the weight as they increase their strength.  One hour a day, three to five days a week

Purpose:  Various tests by medical groups have shown that young boys who take part in weight and strength training increase their self-efficacy, creativity, self-esteem, internal control, test scores on cognitive functioning and become less confrontational, socialize better and have better mental discipline.  Additionally, studies show that children 7 – 12 can increase their strength by 40%

Note:
(1) It is not recommended for boys to start serious weight training until they reach the age of 13.  At 13, they can start by lifting ¼ of their body weight, then after 6 months they should be up to ½ their body weight, and finally, after a year – they should be ready to lift their entire body weight.
(2) Exercises that build “explosive strength” (Quick burst or explosion of strength) like squats, snatch, clean and jerk, bench press and incline bench press are good exercises to do to improve distance off the tee.
(3) Appropriate weight training can help prepare and tune your body and actually prevent various injuries.

Part C
The different aspects of Golf that every good golfer needs to know

• The Fundamentals: Doing it Right, Being Consistent
• The Difference Maker (Your shortgame: Putting and Chipping)
• The Mental Game of Golf
• Proper Course Management Strategies and Skills
• Purposeful Practice (Don't just practice, practice with a purpose!)

Read more about the keys to playing better golf (and being a better father) in my new book do out in early April.   Read how these key concepts can vastly improve your golf game and greatly enhance your efforts in fulfilling the challenging and  important role of being your kids "Dad!"