[who_would_fardels_bear]

The idea that golf is so pure and that any deviation from the rules is an abomination is a joke. There are pros who have cheated, only some of which who have been caught. There are pros who have stretched the rules to just below the breaking point and have been patted on their backs for their cleverness rather than shamed for violating the "spirit" of the game.

Weekend golfers playing for little or no money should not feel the need to hold themselves to a set of rules made for tournaments that often slow down play and make an otherwise fun day miserable.

Who has never hit a perfect ball in the middle of a fairway only to find it stuck in a divot that should have been filled? Who has hit a ball, was certain they could find it, couldn't find it, and then walked up back to the tee to hit a second? I'm sure the number is very low and those few who did were given very dirty looks or worse from the foursome waiting at the tee box.

[DeplorablePaul]

Yes, pace of play is very important. Little hacks to speed up play make the game more enjoyable. 99% of the guys I play with are ethical. Sometimes a guy loses count of strokes. Sometimes a putt is given when it shouldn’t but that’s not the putter’s fault.

I do play in a senior golf tour where the PGA rules are strictly followed. All putts must end in the hole. The only modification is three over par pick up for pace of play.