Hadyn Rutter's The Golf Rules Dictionary has established itself as the standard reference book on the rules of golf and other related decisions amongst amateur golfers of all abilities throughout the world. As an international commercial lawyer and professional organiser of golf tournaments, Hadyn Rutter has combined his considerable and unique knowledge of interpreting legal rules and regulations with a practical knowledge of the rules and procedural problems of golf. The result is The Golf Rules Dictionary, fulfilling a need for an understandable version of the rules of golf. Hadyn will also be pleased to answer your questions on rules interpretation.

Golf Rules Explained: Identifying the ball Ball Struck More    Than Once Preferred Lie Stance Lie of the Ball Air Shot Ball Embedded Casual Water Do you have a question for Hadyn or a comment on one of his interpretations? Click here to email.

The Latest Questions For Hadyn: Who's Away? From Rich: Two balls lie on opposite sides of the fairway on a dogleg left hole.   The ball on the left is slightly behind the right ball and would be away on a straight hole, but because of the dogleg the right ball is further away if measured from the hole to the ball. Who is away? Hi Hadyn, Gulf temp is in mid-70s, 3 to 5 foot waves and heavy chop inland waters.   Just wanted you to know what is on its way to the Isle of Man.   We are celebrating our Thanksgiving today. Pilgrims, Wampanoag Indians and turkeys then.   Now its the day before Christmas shopping starts. If golf rules were written in plain English "away" would mean farthest from the hole. But .. Best regards, Don Hi Don, Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your Indians, turkeys and golfers! ‘Away’ is not a term in the rules of golf, but we know what Rich means….and as you rightly mention, the important words are ‘farthest from the hole’ – but on the hole being played – not farthest from the hole on some imaginary straight hole superimposed on a hole which is actually a dogleg!  :So, under normal circumstances with drives of approximately the same length, on a dogleg left the ball on the left will be closer to the hole than the ball on the right – so right ball plays first. And ‘away’ I go….. back into my box until another question hits the screen! All the best, >Hadyn Click here to read previous questions to Hadyn.

Update to the Golf Rules Is Available