Most non-golfers don’t understand the appeal that golf has on its fans. To those that aren’t already familiar with the sport, it’s rules and scoring, etc., golf can seem slightly different. The scoring is odd, and the terminology isn’t used in other sports. With the odd golf rules that follow, it’s easy to see why golf is a phenomenon. Here are some of the wackiest golf rules we’ve ever heard of.
Faulty Golf Clubs
If you’re taking a swing and your club head falls off, you may be entitled to another swing, but is entirely reliant upon what part of the swing you were on when your clubhead fell off. If you swing and your clubhead falls off during your downswing, it does count as a stroke. If your clubhead falls off during your backswing, it does not count as a stroke, and you may take another.
Cactus
Some of us have never played on a golf course with cacti, or cactus, even though we do technically live in a desert. For those of you that have, have you ever hit a ball a little too close to one? You’re in luck, because there is a golf rule in place for situations just like this. If your ball lands near a cactus, you may protect yourself from the prickly cactus, by wrapping your arm or leg closest in a towel. For some reason, you are not allowed to wrap the cactus in a towel.
Water Hazards
Every golfer has experienced the unfortunate situation of hitting your ball into a water feature. If your ball lands in a water hazard, did you know you are still allowed to take a stroke? You are not allowed to wait for the current to move your ball into a better position unfortunately.
Snakes
If you are unlucky enough to encounter a snake on the golf course, there are rules to abide by. Live snakes are considered outside agencies, and they cannot be removed before play. A dead snake, however, is treated as a loose impediment and can be actually removed.
Discarded Fruit
A half-eaten apple laying on the course is still considered a natural object, therefor you can’t remove it without a penalty. If your ball lands inside a deserted orange peel, you must play the ball as it is, or decide that it’s unplayable.
There are many odd rules and circumstances that arise in golf, but it can be part of what makes the game so fun. The next time you head out to play a round you may want to ask if your clubhouse is out of bounds. If it’s not, and you’re unlucky enough to land a shot inside, you should be allowed to open a door or window to continue with your game.
Source: River’s Edge Golf Blog