Showing 1 - 10 of 53
Free relief, OB stakes and the one-club drop
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 11/02/2026
» Please allow me to try and explain what is an immovable obstruction once more. They are basically artificial, fixed objects like cart paths, sprinklers, or fences -- they allow for a free, one-stroke relief drop if they interfere with a player's lie, stance, or swing. Relief is not permitted for line-of-sight interference. Players must find the nearest point of complete relief, not closer to the hole, and drop within one club-length.
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.
When a sprinkler raises its head
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 14/01/2026
» Sprinkler heads are immovable obstructions, and you get free relief if they interfere with your stance, swing, or lie, but for line-of-play interference (when it's just in the way of your shot direction), you only get relief from this predicament if a local rule is in effect, requiring the sprinkler head and ball to be within two club-lengths of the green and the green's fringe (fairway height or shorter). Without the local rule, you must play it as it lies or take penalty relief.
One wrong move, two strokes gone
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 31/12/2025
» Giving or asking for advice like "What club did you use?" from anyone except your caddie or playing partner results in a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play. Unsolicited advice from strangers or spectators is okay, but the player must not encourage it.
From divots to bunkers: Clearing up rules
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 10/09/2025
» Feedback always comes back thick and fast when l mention the rules of golf as our rules can be confusing for many. Last week, l discussed the situation of if your ball embeds itself and from the feedback came the helpful comment that there's no relief if your ball comes to rest in another pitch mark or divot.
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.
Straight shots start with setup, posture and tempo
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 28/05/2025
» Always try and work on your posture and alignment, as maintaining good posture throughout your swing is an important ingredient for the making of good shots. Tilt your upper body slightly forward from the hips, maintaining a straight spine angle. Use your core for stability and control throughout your swing. Avoid slouching or arching your back excessively, as this can affect your swing mechanics and lead to inconsistent ball striking.
Master the takeaway like Billy
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 21/05/2025
» Over the years of teaching many women golfers, I've found that they are unaware of the important positions they should be in during the different stages of their golf swings. One of these positions is when the golf club is at waist height, just after takeaway. And Billy Horschel is a player to watch here, as he has incorporated this position in his pre-shot routine.
Alignment the secret to better swing
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 19/03/2025
» Your knees and hips should be more or less parallel to the line of where you're trying to hit the ball; however, a fade or draw will need a little adjustment. Your shoulders should have the feeling of being a touch open and your right arm the same height as your left or even ever so slightly higher than your left.
Perfect your stance in 4 easy steps
Sports, Brett Brasier, Published on 12/03/2025
» Standing correctly to the ball is obviously extremely important for consistency and there's a four-step exercise that will help you to do just that. Firstly, standing upright, hold the club directly out in front of you. Then flex your knees until, when looking down, you can see half of your feet. Carry on the exercise by dropping your arms without bending forward, and then lastly, bend from your hips and stick your bottom out slightly. When the club touches the ground, Hey Presto, you will be in the perfect position from which to start a good swing.