What happens if your ball moves while you are addressing the ball?  What do you do if an ambitious squirrel takes off with your ball?  What are the differences between distractions with your ball that happen in the bunker or the fairway?  An easy way to check your facts is the 2008-2011 Golf Rules Quick Reference.

Have you ever been with a foursome that had differing opinions on what to do if another ball hits your ball while it is at rest?  Instead of having this cause a major disagreement, keep the Quick Reference in your bag and have the pertinent information at your fingertips. 

The booklet’s author takes information from “The Rules of Golf” and “Decisions on the Rules of Golf” that are published by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the USGA.  It is important to note that the author also stipulates that the booklet is a summary of some of the rules as he has interpreted them.  His interpretation does not seem to be that far off, as he is a rules official that has written several books on golf and holds a law degree.  Finally, his bio on the booklet claims he has a handicap of 4.  Fair enough, I think the booklet will suit a round with the group just fine.  At the very least, it should settle some minor disagreements.

The size and format make it easy to slip into your golf bag.  It fits in your palm and the pages are a thicker, laminate stock that can get wet or dirty without being harmed.  The back cover has an overview of relief procedures and whether or not relief is available.  Look for your type of predicament and whether your ball is in the fairway & rough, bunker, water hazard, or green and flip to the section that tells you how to proceed.  Inside are tabs that make it easy to find what you need.  In addition, plenty of illustrations are included.  Each rule is referenced after each descriptor so that it is possible to double-check yourself.  This is extremely simple to use and even has step-by-step instructions of exactly how to use it.  Overall, it’s worth throwing in your bag in case you’re wondering what to do the next time the ball is wedged between the flagstick and the rim of the hole. 

You can find this at your local pro shop for around ten bucks or online at www.golfrulesmadeeasy.com.  The booklet is published in twenty languages and can be customized as well.  After you buy one, sign up for the newsletter at the site and get updates to rule changes as they become available.