Just When You Thought You Knew the Rules of Golf...

The rules of golf are in effect to protect all players - they can either help or hurt players during a round but it is essential to learn their lessons.

Below are several recent rules infractions and how professional golfers dealt with the consequences.

RULES INFRACTION #1: Rule 15-3b

This week, the world of golf is discussing the former NCAA women's champion who was DQ'd after playing a ball which had been deemed out of bounds and moved back into bounds, reportedly by her mother!

Former NCAA individual champion at USC, Doris Chen, played a golf ball that she knew had been moved back into bounds resulting in the rules breach. "Ms. Chen did not correct her error before teeing off on the next hole, thus resulting in the DQ penalty."

Golf Lesson learned by Doris Chen? "My caddie and I didn’t see anything happen. We were looking for the ball. I didn’t see the ball move,” Chen said. “It was just what the homeowner said. … In my mind, I thought I was just supposed to play the ball as it lied. … "

For all of the inexperienced golfers reading this, Miss Chen stated, "I realize now I should have called for a rules official to investigate."

RULES INFRACTION #2:  Scorecard Snafu

A group of Oregon State teens, unaware that they were playing from the wrong tee box were disqualified after reading a scorecard incorrectly.

Twelve high school students were supposed to play a hole which was 172 yards - even though they were playing the blue tees, the scorecard said that, for this hole, the red tees were playing a similar distance. The teens switched tee boxes and were made aware of their mistake after they finished the hole.

Golf Lesson Learned by the Oregon golfers? If there are any rules handed out before a tournament, read and stick to them. If there are any questions about the rules, see golf lesson learned by Doris Chen.

RULES INFRACTION #3: Golf ball collision

For the majority of players, knowing the rules of golf can also help you when there are no officials around, case in point, Xander Schauffele at the WGC-HSBC Champions Tournament.

Picture this: Final hole on Sunday with three golfers in contention, Schauffele, Finau, and Rose - Rose's golf ball collides with Schauffele, sending both balls into the water. After gasps subsided, Schauffele remembered Rule 18-5:

"According to the rule, which covers a ball at rest moved by another ball, Schauffele must replace his ball where it was previously on the green at no penalty. Rose, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky. He had to play his ball wherever it came to rest after the collision, and for him, that meant he had to take a drop on his way to a bogey 6."

The Rules of Golf are there to protect you and to make the game fair for all - sometimes, however, golfers, such as Justin Rose, suffer from them. Still, it's better to know the rules of any game in order to protect yourself.

KINONA Review - Flattering Golf Sportswear for Women

KINONA has set out to create golf sportswear which is not only comfortable but also flattering - after slipping on their latest autumn resort wear, chic and elegant are also added to the list!

Female golfers, in my opinion, want to dress for golf but, at the same time, we want to have an enjoyable time on the course without worrying about clothes which don't fit, or feel,  just right.

Ladies...how many times have you adjusted the shorts under your skort, or had to tug on your waistband to keep it from sliding below the hips? After slipping on the "Start to Finish Golf Skort", I now believe this problem has been solved!

The KINONA Start to Finish Golf Skort is an easy-to-wear garment which can carry you through eighteen holes and beyond...I just didn't want to remove it!

The waistband on this skort is wider to help smooth out tummy bulge, the shorts are made from a perforated moisture-managing fabric which is soft and undemanding and there are pleats on either side for when you feel like spinning after sinking that birdie putt.

During a round of golf, KINONA has taken care of those times when you are so busy reading your line that you forget you are bending over; the back waist is made slightly higher so that you don't have to worry about pulling down your shirt in the back...now you can focus on the golf, girl!

The Resort Collection features the lovely KINONA Modern Mix Longsleeve Golf Top (see photo) which pairs perfectly with the Start to Finish Golf Skort. This top is strikingly fashionable and it's warm enough for autumn mornings that transition into late afternoon 60's temperatures. The fabric is stretchy but not snug so it offers you a slimming look, the collar will cover your neck for the early morning then simply zip down and pull up the bracelet sleeves as the sun shines on you and your game.

For women who want to project a sense of style, to look flirty and feminine without sacrificing quality and fashion, take a look at what KINONA has to offer -their website says it all and I agree, this golf clothing has both "style and sass".

3 Golf Swing Power Leaks You Can Avoid

Standing near the tee box last week, I watched as a golfer took his swing and noticed the results from his efforts - the grunt from the player didn't surprise me, nor did the golf ball's lack of distance.

The golfer believed he made a decent enough effort, which he did...the ball moved forward...but the outcome could have put him farther down the fairway and in a much better scoring position.

He'll never become a scratch golfer that way! I wondered if he knew of his inherent swing power leaks.

I pulled out my smartphone and took notes. Golfers can play for thirty years without taking a lesson and be happy in their ignorance - Golf for Beginners seeks to make players think about their swing and game to make the sport more enjoyable.

For players of the sport that read this golf blog, I have put together a list of basic problems which are fixable on the driving range so that you can come out swinging on the golf course!

4 Golf Swing Power Leaks and how to fix them:

1. Decelerating: This means you are slowing down the club (and your golf swing) before impact. The proper impact of the golf club is just after the golf ball. An article in GolfInfoGuide.com offers the thought of driving a nail into a board - I was told by my golf instructor to think about chopping wood...either way, you get the idea.

2. Chopping at the ball and not finishing your golf swing: GolfDistillery.com says it best...hit through the golf ball, not at it. The ball is not the target, the ball is in the way of the swing!

3. Backing up when you're taking a swing: The dreaded "reverse pivot" usually comes from improper weight shift. "The reverse pivot results in a bad weight shift. This is the No. 1 killer of proper golf swings," says Ernie Boshers, in a teaching article in Golfweek.com.

This golf blog is no substitution for receiving golf instruction from a qualified professional - make an appointment with your PGA teaching pro today if you think you have a golf swing power leak.

Add any golf swing power leaks to the comments section of this golf blog and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.