Golf is known as a gentleman's game. It is perhaps the only sport played on such an expanse of open space that competitors often never get to see one another during the game, despite playing the same field under similar conditions.

It is also essentially a self-regulating game: golfers should understand the basic rules.

One must understand that the rules are meant to assist players rather than impose penalties on them. That means, as a golfer, you need to 'play the ball as it lies, play the course as you find it, and if you can't do either, do what is fair'.

However, to do what is fair you need to have adequate knowledge of the rules. In general, golfers are so preoccupied with their swing that they tend to assume they know the rules. It is only when the rules begin to work against them in the form of penalties that they start realising the harsh realities of their ignorance. By then, of course it's too late to lament, "Oh if I had only read the rules or called a marshal for a ruling!"

World's no 1 golfer Vijay Singh was penalised during a PGA tour tournament in 2003. His breach was removing a loose impediment on the green with a towel. Luckily, he realised and corrected his mistake by adding a two-stroke penalty before signing his scorecard. This prevented him being disqualified from the tournament.

You can see that even top professional players get confused at times with the rules of golf. Remembering every single rule is quite impossible but whenever doubt creeps in, a marshal is called or two balls are played with a decision sought afterwards.

Vijay Singh paid his two-stroke penalty in 2003 but a revision of the Rules of Golf the following year allows the removal of loose impediments with towels.

The rules are amended once every four years. It is of paramount importance to keep yourself updated. References are available on the United States Golf Association website www.usga.org. Click on 'Playing the Game' and read Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2004 - 2005. For an explanation of the general rules, consult with your local club professional.

Often seen at the club level are golfers taking wrong drops from unplayable lies, water hazards and lateral water hazards. A recurring problem is how the proper point of entry into a hazard is not identified and neither is the nearest point of relief.

In this game you are given the initial privilege of being your own judge. The game is no fun if rules are not followed.

This Saturday on 6 November, if you are part of the KIA Open at Gokarna Golf Club, keep the above in mind and save yourself from being unnecessarily penalised.

Deepak Acharya is a golf instructor and Head Golf Professional at Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa, Kathmandu. [email protected]