World War II Golf Rules

During World War II, Richmond Golf Club in Surrey, England, drew up a unique set of amendments to the rules of golf. Let's hope these won't be necessary again anytime soon.

Players are asked to collect bomb and shrapnel splinters to save these causing damage to the mowing machines.

In competitions, during gunfire or while bombs are falling, players may take cover without penalty for ceasing play.

The positions of known delayed action bombs are marked by red flags at reasonably, but not guaranteed, safe distance therefrom.

Shrapnel and/or bomb splinters on the fairways, or in the bunkers within a club's length of a ball, may be moved without penalty, and no penalty shall be incurred if a ball is thereby caused to move accidentally.

A ball moved by enemy action may be replaced, or if lost or destroyed, a ball may be dropped not nearer the hole without penalty.

A ball lying in a crater may be lifted and dropped not nearer the hole, preserving the line to the hole. Without penalty.

A player whose stroke is affected by the simultaneous explosion of a bomb may play another ball from the same place. Penalty one stroke.

For additional information about the course, which opened for play in 1891, visit http://www.therichmondgolfclub.com.

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