THE QUESTION: If you Could change one golf rule, which would it be?
ROBERT TRENT JONES
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Golf course architect
A rule change so that the pin must be removed or attended when the ball is on the green. Currently, that isn't required from any distance, even one foot, the theory being that it helps in putting. That's strictly an illusion. The ball bounces off more times than it drops in, causing all sorts of grief.
BOB STRAILE
President
Palm Beach Athletic Club
The rule which permits grounding the club in the fairway or on the green but prohibits the same thing in the sand trap, the inference being that a golfer might improve his lie. Apropos of this, there is the story of the man who asked of his partner: "Is my friend in the sand trap or is the so-and-so on the green?"
JOHN P. FRAZER
Grosse Pointe, Mich.
Retired
The rule which gives the winner of a hole the so-called privilege of driving first. To my mind, that's a handicap. He should have the privilege of driving when he wants to, so, if he is of a mind to, he can observe the action of the wind and take advantage of learning from the other fellow's shot.
KEN VENTURI
San Francisco
Golf pro
I would change the out-of-bounds rule because I think it is too severe. The majority of the pros think so, too. The penalty is in effect two strokes if you drive out of bounds, but you lose only one stroke if you miss the ball completely, which is without a doubt the worst shot in golf, not to say humiliating.
COUNT COURT VON HAUGWITZ-REVENTLOW
Newport, R.I.
The rule that charges you a stroke and distance when you drive out of bounds. That is too big a penalty. However, harsh as the out-of-bounds rule is, I think that the penalty for an unplayable lie, two strokes, is even more harsh and unfair. It is penalty enough that you are there in the first place.
JOHN McAULIFFE
President
Triangle Conduit and Cable Co., Inc.
I'd like to know who can understand the existing rules. There's one simple prohibition that all of us understand and which I'd like to see changed. That's the rule which prohibits a golfer from cleaning his ball on the green in all tournaments. It should be allowed. I can think of no advantage in not allowing it.
SEVEN PHOTOS