The Annual Rules Seminar of the MSGA-Women’s Division took place at Argyle Country Club on April 27th. Joe Sprague, USGA Director of Regional Affairs-Northeast, introduced the Rules of Golf to 44 attendees, including a record number of seven men who participated in the session. Joe’s slide and video presentation focused on several of the 34 Rules of Golf, in the context of Tuft’s Principles Behind the Rules of Golf, with emphasis upon several sections of that book, including Definitions and How to Use the Rule Book. His presentation addressed nine strategies for understanding the rules, key words, and the four parts of the golf course. Participants asked a number of excellent questions which added to the learning experience.
Jean Mulcahey, the Women’s Division Rules Chair, Diane Herndon and Stacey Collins, Past Presidents of the Women’s Division, and Joan Heiss, current Vice President, all of whom serve on committees of the USGA, led the on-course presentations in the afternoon. Areas covered were Water Hazards, Teeing Ground, Bunker, Putting Green, Flagstick, Obstructions and Abnormal Ground Conditions. Again questions were asked and answered in these on-course areas which enhanced the learning experience.
Everyone received a copy of the Rules of Golf and a pen commemorating the 20th year anniversary of the Women’s Division. Many copies of the Decisions on the Rules of Golf and several other publications were given to attendees whose names were drawn for these door prizes.
Next year’s Rules Seminar will be held at The Elkridge Club in Baltimore.
-Reported by Carolyn Hudson
