Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2018 - 10

RULES PRIMER
New Rules Reminder
A look at four changes coming to the new Rules of Golf.
N
ot every golfer views the golf rules in the same way.
Some think the 34 rules listed in the Rules of Golf book
and the 700-plus page tome Decisions on the Rules of
Golf are a bit excessive, while others consider the rules and etiquette
to be what separates golf from every other game. The
USGA and R&A's modernization and simplifi cation of the Rules
is designed to change the view of the former and enhance the
thoughts of the latter. The news Rules were published March
12 and will go into effect in 2019. Here are four more Rules
changes to acquaint yourself with as their adoption nears.
NEW RULE
13.1c
Improvements Allowed on Putting Green
(1) Removal of Sand and Loose Soil on the Putting Green May
Be Removed Without Penalty.
(2) Repair of Damage.
A player may repair damage on the putting green without
penalty by taking reasonable actions to restore the putting
green as nearly as possible to its original condition, but only:
* By using a hand, foot, or other part of the body, or a normal
ball-mark repair tool, tee, club or similar item of normal
equipment, and
* Without unreasonably delaying play (see Rule 5.6a).
What's Changed
The biggest change is the allowance
for fi xing golf shoe spike marks and
other damage (see Rules Glossary
on next page), which wasn't allowed
previously. Spike marks around the
hole are capable of throwing a putt
offl ine, but in the past, we had to just grin and bear it.
What It Means
This change comes with the important proviso that reads:
" without unreasonably delaying play. " Therefore, you are
not allowed to 'manicure' the line of your putt, because as
Rule 5.6a deems, penalty strokes are assessed for unreasonable
delay of play.
* BY JOSEPH OBERLE *
NEW RULE
12.2b
Restrictions on Touching Sand in Bunker
(1) When Touching Sand Results in Penalty.
Before making a stroke at a ball in a bunker, a player
must not:
* Deliberately touch the sand in the bunker with a hand,
club, rake or other object to test the conditions of the sand
to learn information for the next stroke, or
* Touch sand in the bunker with a club:
- In the area right in front of or behind the ball (except as
allowed in Rules 7.1a and 12.2a), or
- In making a practice swing, or
- In making the backswing for a stroke.
What's Changed
A penalty for any touching of the sand other than described
above has been eliminated. It is now legal to: place clubs
or equipment in the bunker; mark, lift or replace a ball
(or take other actions under a Rule); or prevent a fall with
your club. Under Rule 12.2a, you can also touch or remove
loose impediments and movable obstructions from a bunker
before playing your ball.
What It Means
Playing in bunkers has never been a day at the beach, but
the new Rules may help. You still can't ground the club
at address, or intentionally test the condition of the sand
before hitting your bunker shot, but accidental touching,
or, for instance, dropping a second club (that you had
considered hitting) in the bunker won't cost you a penalty
stroke-and it might save a little time. And no penalty for
removing loose impediments, such as small rocks, might
save the face of your wedges, too.
10
MINNESOTAGOLFER Spring 2018
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http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2018

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