One year ago Dustin Johnson was licking his wounds from the infamous “bunker” incident at the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. On the anniversary of one of golf’s most infamous blunders Dustin Johnson was asked whether or not he had reconsidered his statement that he “never reads those things” (Rules sheets, aka, “Notice to Competitors.”) Apparently, his opinion remains unchanged. As I write this it appears that he will miss the cut at +7 for the 2011 PGA which should give him plenty of time over the weekend to read the “Notice” as he sits on the couch watching the 2011 Championship unfold.
There are many who share Dustin’s casual attitude toward these “petty details” and others who think such details are what separate the champion from the also-ran. Where do you fit on this continuum? Perhaps this question will help: A golfer admitting to not reading a Notice to Competitors is like: (a) An NFL quarterback not watching game film on the defense of an upcoming opponent; (b) An accountant not checking the IRS code before filing a return for a client; or (c) An airline passenger tuning out the flight attendant’s safety speech. If you answered, “a” you believe the Rules are important and that knowing what local rules are in play are a critical part of a golfer’s “game day” preparation. If you answered “b” you believe that ignoring the Notice to Competitors is just plain reckless. If you answered “c” you are probably sitting next to Dustin Johnson reading “Sky Mall” Magazine!
In my experience the overwhelming majority of golfers fall into camp “c” and share Dustin Johnson’s view. If nothing else I give Dustin credit for being honest. Being an advocate for and a proponent of the Rules of Golf, I will attempt to make a case for camp “b”. Knowing the Rules of Golf is absolutely essential to playing the game. Dustin Johnson claims he knows the Rules and therefore needn’t be bothered by any last minute “addendum” that clutters his back pocket. First of all, based on his comments I doubt that he knows the Rules very well, because anyone who does know the Rules also knows that there are many Rules that are only in effect if, and only if, the committee has chosen to adopt them. Is the one-ball Rule in effect? Has the committee allowed Distance Measuring Devices? Are there any restrictions on automotive transportation? Do I get relief from a sprinkler head that is on my line of play? Can I move stones in bunkers? By “not reading” the Notice to Competitors you are ignoring all of these questions. And guess what, failure to comply with some of these rules (Distance Measuring Devices for example) leads to golf’s “death penalty” of disqualification.
Well, I suspect I am preaching to the choir here if you read this far! For those that have, keep up the good work–you will be rewarded. For those that quit reading after the first sentence, could you order me some of those alarm clock slippers?
