By The Book

Four equipment-related rules you need to know

- Matthew Rudy

Conforming drivers and putter grips get most of the attention when it comes to equipment and the Rules of Golf, but you’re bound to run into other on-course scenarios that could cost you shots (or the chance for an easier swing) if you don’t have the right information. Follow these four rules to steer clear of the gear police.

1 DON’T DROP THE BALL

▶ Taking a drop is part of golf – either the free kind for avoiding something like a cartpath, or the penalty kind for continuing on after hitting into a hazard. The amount of relief you get – one club-length or two – depends on the situation.