DIFFERENT RULES FOR AMATEURS AND TOP FLIGHT COMPETITORS

I think the rules should be the same at all levels.  That's how you can judge your game against the best players in the world.  Plus, for high level amatuers that are planning on turning pro, it puts them at a disadvantage if they have to adjust to different rules.   

I agree with memphisunited.  There would be a lot of confusion and you would have to adjust as you go up the ranks.  Playing by the proper rules really helps gauge yourself and your progress. 

The grooves still affect amatures because if you are a high level player trying to get into events, you will have to make sure your grooves conform, so they might as well switch to the new grooves to be ready in case they qualify.  I know I will be grabbing a set with the new grooves to get used to.

I'm with memphis on this one - we should have the same rules.  That said, the rules regarding equipment make sense that they are a little different - we all can't afford to overhaul our bag every time a groove ruling or the like comes down.  There's also nothing to stop the average weekend foursome from playing by their own little tweaks to the rules if they're all on the same  page.  For many, it's about enjoying the game with family and friends, and not about posting scores or competing, so I say to each his own.

i don't think that there is a need for different rules for different levels of golf.  the handicap system keeps the playing field even and as you get older and cannot hit the ball as far as you used to, hey move up one set of tees.

I also agree. The Rules should be the Rules. More than one set of rules would really complicate the game. I can understand an equipment rule phase-in like the grooves. Tour pros change equipment so often, I even change my wedges for new ones 3 times a year, that it isn't a problem for them. The average player, doesn't of can't change equipment as often. It is just a priority of finances.

But as far as the rules that govern the playing of the game, only 1 set please.

Agree with EMK and Welch. 

And, I would love to overhaul my bag and have access to a tour van, but I am merely an amateur.  Must be nice to walk into the locker room and have a few dozen Pro V1s and some nice new pairs of FJs waiting on you.  Then, head on over to the range and meet up with the guys from the tour van to give you some new Vokeys or a new Cameron.  Guess I can dream.

There should be equal rules on all fronts.  There is no reason the Pro or Amateurs need separate sets of rules.  There is nothing stopping you from creating local rules inside of your daily group.  You are well within the rules of golf to do such a thing.  While you can't decide to modify rules in a tournament there is nothing stopping you from having your own local rules in regular play. 

A group of friends of mine have done something like this.  We have decided that we didn't think the O.B. markers on our sixth hole were fair so we decided to create an imaginary line a little further to the right.  We also decide that the O.B. left on our 18th hole was to be played as a lateral hazard.  The golf course owns the property but for some reason decided to make it O.B.  We complained enough to the pro that he finally changed it a couple of months ago.

Welch222

I'm with memphis on this one - we should have the same rules.  That said, the rules regarding equipment make sense that they are a little different - we all can't afford to overhaul our bag every time a groove ruling or the like comes down.  There's also nothing to stop the average weekend foursome from playing by their own little tweaks to the rules if they're all on the same  page.  For many, it's about enjoying the game with family and friends, and not about posting scores or competing, so I say to each his own.

Great point Welch222 and an even better philosophy

I too agree with Memphis. The rules should be the same for all. While we may not like the new groove ruling, if someone is getting ready to compete at the pro or semi-pro level, switching from one set of rules to another is harder. In Football, when a receiver in college catches a ball he must have only one foot inbounds to call it a completion, whereas in the pro level he must have both feet in. When they were talking to several of the pro receivers a number of years ago, they stated that getting both feet inbounds was one of the hardest adjustments they had to make. If I remember correctly, Lynn Swan was one of the receivers they were  talking to at the time. Lets just keep the rules the same for all and save the headaches.

Everything should be at a level playing field.  All rules should be the same no matter the level.

However that being said, to each his own and you can play within your own rules or "create" your own rules so you can enjoy the game the way you want to enjoy it.

Welch222

I'm with memphis on this one - we should have the same rules.  That said, the rules regarding equipment make sense that they are a little different - we all can't afford to overhaul our bag every time a groove ruling or the like comes down.  There's also nothing to stop the average weekend foursome from playing by their own little tweaks to the rules if they're all on the same  page.  For many, it's about enjoying the game with family and friends, and not about posting scores or competing, so I say to each his own.

+1