Showing 1 - 10 of 62
Smart play! Time to know your bunker relief options
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 04/03/2026
» There is no penalty for accidentally hitting the ball twice during a single stroke. If a player's club strikes the ball more than once, it only counts as one stroke, and the ball is played as it lies.
A guide to getting ball back in play
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 25/02/2026
» Drop a golf ball when taking free or penalty relief -- for example; a hazard, unplayable lie or abnormal conditions within a defined relief area. Place a ball back after previously marking it and lifting it from the green, replacing it after it moves, or cleaning it on the putting green.
Unplayable lies: Know the three relief options
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 04/02/2026
» You have basically three options if your golf ball finds itself in an unplayable lie. An unplayable lie allows a golfer to take relief almost anywhere on the course but comes with a one-stroke penalty, excluding penalty areas. The player is the sole judge of whether a ball is unplayable. The 3-options for relief are -- stroke-and-distance, back-on-the-line, or lateral relief within two club-lengths of where the ball is at rest.
One wrong score for a hole can end your round
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 15/10/2025
» If you return a scorecard with a wrong score for a hole; the score you entered stands if it was higher than your actual score. However, you are disqualified if you return a score that is lower than your actual score or if you fail to return a score for a hole. Putting down a lower score is considered a serious breach of the rules and results in disqualification, unless an unknown penalty was the cause. Some professional tours have adopted a rule that gives players a 15-minute window to correct an incorrect score after leaving the scoring area.
Old tricks and new science in green reading
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 27/08/2025
» I have to be honest and say that the 'Feet Feeling Method' for finding the break in a putt has never excited me. This involves using your feet to feel the slope of the green while you walk around it. The Plumb Bob Method in finding the line of any putt involves using your putter as a plumb line to judge the slope. To do this, you need to stand behind your ball, at a right angle to the hole, and hold up your putter so it covers the ball. Then, you align the shaft of your putter with the ball. If the shaft seems to tilt to one side, it indicates that the green also slopes in that direction and you then allow for this.
Follow through is vital for a smooth and fluid swing
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 18/06/2025
» Follow through completely and don't stop your swing abruptly after making contact with the ball. Allow the club to release naturally through impact, following the path established by your setup and body rotation. Trust your swing mechanics and focus on maintaining a smooth and fluid motion through impact.
Fairway to heaven: Tips for seniors
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 09/04/2025
» For those of us walking up the last few holes of life here are a few facts that you should be fully aware of, even though they are a little depressing.
Backswing: Tips for power and balance
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 22/01/2025
» Winding up the backswing is basically a simple turn -- whilst at the same time stretching the elastic bands so that when you swing down and through the ball, it's as fast as possible, all the while keeping control of balance and direction.
Essential tips to start 2025 on right foot
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 15/01/2025
» Before 2025 gets fully underway, checking several basic points in your swing might be beneficial, rather like investing in putting your car in for a service before a long trip. Start with your grip by placing your lead hand on the top of the club with your thumb pointing down the right centre of the grip (for right-handers). Keep the thumb quite short as a long thumb leads to over hinging at the top of your swing.
Out of bounds: A humorous wish list for golf in 2025
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 25/12/2024
» Seeing that it's Christmas and the season of goodwill, instead of my usual tip, here's something different: