What Is 90 Degree Rule In Golf?

The 90-degree rule in golf is a simple but effective way to improve your accuracy and consistency. By keeping your clubface square to the target at impact, you can ensure that the ball will start on the correct line and travel the desired distance. This rule is especially helpful when hitting irons, as it can help you to avoid slicing or hooking the ball.

To use the 90-degree rule, simply align the clubface with the target line at address. Then, as you swing the club back, keep the clubface square to the target. At impact, the clubface should still be square to the target, and the ball should start on the correct line. If you find yourself struggling to keep the clubface square, try making a few practice swings without hitting a ball. This will help you to get a feel for the correct position and to build muscle memory.

Conditions In Which the 90-Degree Rule Applies

The 90-degree rule applies when a player's ball comes to rest in a hazard. The player may take relief outside the hazard by dropping their ball within two club-lengths of the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard or within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief. The ball must be dropped no closer to the hole than the point where the original ball came to rest.

The 90-degree rule also applies when a player's ball comes to rest in an unplayable lie outside a hazard. The player may take relief by dropping their ball within two club-lengths of the unplayable lie, no closer to the hole than the unplayable lie.

The 90-degree rule is a common-sense rule that helps to ensure that players are not penalized for hitting their ball into a hazard or into an unplayable lie.

Areas Where the 90-Degree Rule Does Not Apply

How to Use the 90-Degree Rule

Examples of the 90-Degree Rule

A common example of the 90-degree rule is when a player is in a fairway bunker and faces a lip that is higher than the ball. To get out of the bunker successfully, the player must swing their club at a 90-degree angle to the lip of the bunker, which will help the ball to get up and over the lip. Another example is when a player is chipping onto a green with a slope. To get the ball to roll up the slope and onto the green, the player must swing their club at a 90-degree angle to the slope, which will help the ball to get up and over the slope.

Another example of the 90-degree rule is when a player is putting on a green with a break. To get the ball to break in the desired direction, the player must swing their club at a 90-degree angle to the break, which will help the ball to break in the desired direction.

Finally, the 90-degree rule can also be used when a player is hitting a tee shot. To get the ball to go straight down the fairway, the player must swing their club at a 90-degree angle to the ground, which will help the ball to go straight down the fairway.

Consequences of Violating the 90-Degree Rule

The consequences of violating the 90-degree rule in golf can be severe. If a player's club touches the ground outside the 90-degree arc, they will incur a one-shot penalty and the stroke will not count.

In addition, the player may be disqualified from the tournament if they continue to violate the 90-degree rule. Therefore, it is important for golfers to be aware of this rule and to avoid violating it during play.

Exceptions to the 90-Degree Rule

Although the 90-degree rule is a general guideline, there are some exceptions to this rule. One exception is when the ball is in a hazard. In this case, you are allowed to take relief outside of the hazard, even if it means taking a drop that is more than 90 degrees from the original location of the ball. Another exception is when the ball is unplayable. In this case, you are allowed to take a drop within two club-lengths of the unplayable ball, even if it means taking a drop that is more than 90 degrees from the original location of the ball.

Finally, there is an exception to the 90-degree rule when playing from a bunker. In this case, you are allowed to take a shot from outside the bunker, even if it means taking a shot that is more than 90 degrees from the original location of the ball. However, you must take the shot from the nearest point of relief outside the bunker, and you must not improve your lie.

Alternatives to the 90-Degree Rule

In some circumstances, you may need to hit a shot that requires a different trajectory than what the 90-degree rule allows. For instance, you might need to hit a shot over a tree or other obstacle. In these cases, you can use one of the following alternatives to the 90-degree rule.

One alternative is to use the 80/20 rule. This rule states that you should set your clubface 80% open and swing it 20% slower than normal. This will produce a shot that has a higher trajectory than a shot hit with the 90-degree rule.

Another alternative is to use the 70/30 rule. This rule states that you should set your clubface 70% open and swing it 30% slower than normal. This will produce a shot that has an even higher trajectory than a shot hit with the 80/20 rule.

Benefits of the 90-Degree Rule

The 90-degree rule in golf can be a helpful tool for improving your accuracy and consistency. When you're standing over the ball, take a look at the target and then turn your body 90 degrees to the left or right. This will help you to align your body and clubface correctly, and it can also help you to avoid slicing or hooking the ball.

Another benefit of the 90-degree rule is that it can help you to improve your tempo. When you take a slow, smooth backswing and then turn your body through 90 degrees, you'll be able to generate more power and control on your downswing. This can lead to more accurate and consistent shots.

Finally, the 90-degree rule can also help you to improve your rhythm. When you're swinging your club in a smooth, rhythmic tempo, you'll be less likely to make mistakes. This can lead to better scores and more enjoyable rounds of golf.

Overall, the 90-degree rule is a simple but effective tool that can help you to improve your golf game. If you're not already using it, I encourage you to give it a try. You may be surprised at how much it can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the 90-Degree Rule in golf?

The 90-degree rule is a golf rule that states that a player may only take a backswing that does not exceed 90 degrees from the target line. This rule is in place to help prevent players from making excessive backswings, which can lead to inaccurate shots.

What are the benefits of following the 90-degree rule?

Following the 90-degree rule can help you make more accurate shots. This is because a shorter backswing will help you to keep your swing more consistent and will reduce the chances of you making a wild swing.

What are the consequences of breaking the 90-degree rule?

If you break the 90-degree rule, you will be penalized one stroke. This penalty can be very costly, especially if you are in a close match.

What are some tips for following the 90-degree rule?

There are a few things you can do to help you follow the 90-degree rule. First, make sure that you are standing far enough away from the ball. This will give you more room to make a shorter backswing. Second, focus on keeping your swing smooth and controlled. This will help you to avoid making a wild swing.

Summary