Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2017 - 8

RULES PRIMER
Rules Modernization
A total Rules makeover is coming in 2019.
F
our years ago, Mike Davis told a group of largely state
and regional golf administrators that the rules-makers,
the USGA and the R&A, were " radically simplifying
the Rules of Golf. " It was an electrifying statement, especially
among the audience of rules officials who make it their business
to apply the Rules for amateurs and professionals alike at
local, national and international competitions.
On March 1, the reorganized, rewritten and thoroughly
modernized Rules of Golf were unveiled by the USGA and the
R&A. The new Rules of Golf is trimmed down from 34 to 24
Rules, and is the first fundamental review since 1984, according
to the rules-makers.
" The rules-makers not only turned the old Rules book upside-down,
they turned it inside-out as well, " says Doug Hoffmann,
MGA rules and competitions director, and an expert on
the Rules of Golf. " I think they did a good job of maintaining
the characteristics of golf, requiring it to be decided on skill
and not procedures like dropping or whether to play or replace
the ball. And by simplifying the Rules, it gives the average
golfer the opportunity to enjoy what is best about golf without
giving him or her a reason to become frustrated by not knowing
what to do. "
In the joint statement, David Rickman, R&A executive director,
says the changes aim to make the Rules easier for all to
grasp. " We have looked at every rule to try to find ways to
make them more intuitive and straightforward, and we believe
we have identified many significant improvements.
It is important that the Rules continue to evolve and remain
in tune with the way the modern game is played,
but we have been careful not to change the game's
longstanding principles and character. "
A few highlights on the proposed new rule
changes from the joint statement:
Elimination or reduction of " ball moved "
penalties: There will be no penalty for accidentally
moving a ball on the putting green or in
searching for a ball; and a player is not responsible
for causing a ball to move unless it is
" virtually certain " that he or she did so.
* BY W.P. RYAN *
Relaxed putting green rules: There will be no penalty if a
ball played from the putting green hits an unattended flagstick
in the hole; players may putt without having the flagstick
attended or removed. Players may repair spike marks
and other damage (made by shoes, animals, etc.) on the
putting green and there is no penalty for merely touching
the line of putt.
Relaxed rules for " penalty areas " (currently called
" water hazards " ): Red- and yellow-marked penalty
areas may cover areas of desert, jungle, lava rock, etc.,
in addition to areas of water. There will be expanded use
of red penalty areas where lateral relief is allowed, and
there will be no penalty for moving loose impediments
or touching the ground or water in a penalty area.
Relaxed bunker rules: There will be no
penalty for moving loose impediments
in a bunker or for generally touching
the sand with a hand or club. A lim8
MINNESOTAGOLFER
Spring 2017
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Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2017

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