[coralpro]

Originally Posted by atticusfinch

I guess that is where we part. I can think of no rule that "should" be changed. As we have discussed ad nauseam, these are the rules of a game. Changing the rules might make it easier or more logical to some, but I maintain, "so what" if it is tough or illogical. We aren't talking about science or government where those considerations have importance. It is not a democracy.

They changed the bunker rule because it made the rule involving inspection of your ball more consistent. I had no problem with the way it was before, but, now they say, you can check the ball without penalty in a bunker. (There is still a penalty for playing the wrong ball bunker or not.) It might be better because there is less to think about....any ball can be lifted to determine whether it is yours.

What's funny is this issue has never come up in a discussion group that I am aware of other than a matter of curiosity. The perennially discussions issues, rife with predictions of change such as limiting removal of heavy loose impediments to the player and caddy, or treating divot holes as GUR haven't happened.

This tells me that we average players do not think about the rules the same as the ruling bodies. They think on a different plane. I do not consider myself qualified to question their judgment. (Some people say that makes me a lemming....)

They make the rules, I play by them. If they want my opinion and ask for it I will give it to them.)

Ok, now think about what you just said. You don't think yourself qualified to question their judgement and that they are on a different plane but yet when they make a rule change it is OK but when others not thought of as highly qualified as those wishy washy rules changers make a recommendation or complain a rule doesn't seem right or makes sense then those that question shouldn't. They should just play and be content that nothing is going to do any good by complaining or stating their opinion as to what needs changed. That's how changes are made; by input. The commitee doesn't just read through the rules and go "hey, this should be changed". I do agree that some of the rule changes wanted by hackers might be extreme but that is where I also say I don't mind them make local rules for themselves that don't effect anyone but themselves so they may enjoy the game much better. The only real time the rules of golf matters are in competitions when all have to play by the same set of rules and as long as they understand that I have no problem. I play by the rules of golf so that I may have a better idea when comparing my progress to others and if for some reason I don't during a round then it is then used as a practice round in which the score doesn't represent anything other than info for ones own use.