The R&A and USGA have revealed their revised Rules of Golf. I used to know pretty much all of the rules, but now with all of the major and subtle changes, I have no idea what I know and don’t know about the new rules.
Here are some of the changes:
- Dropping procedure: When taking relief (from an abnormal course condition or penalty area, for example), golfers will now drop from knee height. This will ensure consistency and simplicity in the dropping process while also preserving the randomness of the drop. (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 suggested dropping from any height).
- Measuring in taking relief: The golfer’s relief area will be measured by using the longest club in his/her bag (other than a putter) to measure one club-length or two club-lengths, depending on the situation, providing a consistent process for golfers to establish his/her relief area. (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 suggested a 20-inch or 80-inch standard measurement).
- Removing the penalty for a double hit: The penalty stroke for accidentally striking the ball more than once in the course of a stroke has been removed. Golfers will simply count the one stroke they made to strike the ball. (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 included the existing one-stroke penalty).
- Balls Lost or Out of Bounds: Alternative to Stroke and Distance: A new Local Rule will now be available in January 2019, permitting committees to allow golfers the option to drop the ball in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or out of bounds (including the nearest fairway area), under a two-stroke penalty. It addresses concerns raised at the club level about the negative impact on pace of play when a player is required to go back under stroke and distance. The Local Rule is not intended for higher levels of play, such as professional or elite level competitions. (Key change: this is a new addition to support pace of play)
There are also a bunch of other changes, allowing players to repair spike marks or damage on greens, remove loose impediments in “penalty areas” (formerly called hazards) and sand traps, and there will no longer be a penalty for a putted ball striking a flagstick left in the hole.
They are going to put out three rule books; “The Player’s Edition of the Rules of Golf”, “The Rules of Golf”, and “The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf”. Every golfer should get at least the “Player’s Edition”.
Remember, these rule changes don’t come into effect until 2019.
