This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
As I continue to attend mass on the YouTube channel of the St. Paul's University Chapel, I am reminded of the importance of continuous learning. This past Monday, Father Anthony used the Johnnie Walker slogan 'Keep Walking' to encourage the faithful on their journey of faith.
My journey of faith and that of my knowledge of the Rules of Golf are similar. I keep learning new things every week. In my last article, I discussed a golf ball that ended up in a bird's nest, and I argued that it did not qualify for free relief as Ground Under Repair.
However, I have since learned from my friend at The R&A that the Rules of Golf do not require the nest to be in use for it to qualify as Ground Under Repair. According to Daniel Sommerville from The R&A, 'a bird's nest is covered under this and there is no requirement for the nest to be in use, in position etc. Therefore, the player would be entitled to relief.'
As I reflect on my experience, I am reminded of the importance of humility and seeking knowledge. As Andy McFee, a senior European Tour rules official, once said, 'there are two types of referees; one who has made a mistake and one who is going to make a mistake.' We must quickly go to those we told and tell them the correct position lest they make the same mistake again.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, I have the opportunity to deepen my faith in God and improve my knowledge of the Rules of Golf. I urge all golfers to read up on the Rules of Golf and download the 'Rules of Golf' application from The R&A to attempt the quizzes.
Let us keep walking on our journey to improving our knowledge of the Rules of Golf.
