A new set of golf rules has come into effect. The changes are designed to make the game quicker and more enjoyable for both players and spectators.
According to the R&A and the United States Golf Association, the joint rules-making bodies, for the first time, a ‘player’s edition’ of the Rules of Golf has been launched and it includes diagrams and illustrations as well as more direct language to explain the complexities of the game.
“This is a pretty exciting day for us. It has been six and a half years in the making,” David Rickman, the R&A’s director of governance, told the media.
“We have millions of people around the world who love this sport and want to play by the rules. We needed to step up and give them the best opportunity to do that. The aim is to make golf more accessible, appealing and inclusive while upholding the sport’s traditions and breaking down barriers to progress.”
Here is a look at the new rule changes.
1. Finding a lost ball
Before: Five minutes were available for finding a lost ball.
Now: The maximum search time is only three minutes.
2. Ball moved during a search
Before: The player usually incurred a penalty stroke if he moved his ball during a search.
Now: A mishap such as this does not incur any penalty. So, you can, as a result, use your feet and your clubs when searching in thick grass without any consequences.
3. Identifying the ball
Before: If you wanted to pick up your ball to identify it, you had to inform a fellow player in advance and give him the opportunity to observe the process.
Now: You no longer have to inform a playing partner. However, if circumstances allow, it is still advisable to inform your fellow players before you pick up your ball as a matter of courtesy and in order to avoid misunderstanding.
4. Provisional ball.
Before: A provisional ball could only be played before the player walked down the fairway to look for his first ball. However, going forward as far as 50 yards (45 metres) was allowed.
Now: You can also play a provisional ball after you had already looked for your original ball for a while.
5. Embedded ball.
Before: A player only got relief if the ball had become embedded in a closely-mown area.
Now: You can take a free drop from all embedded balls in the “general area”, including in the semi-rough and rough, but note that balls embedded in a bunker or in penalty areas still have to be played as they lie.
6. Club-length
Before: The player could use any of his clubs to measure out a club-length.
Now: A club-length is defined as the longest club in your bag, except for the putter. Using extra-long, “broom handle” putters for measuring is thus no longer allowed.
To be continued in our maiden edition
