Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2019 - 4

INSIDE
THE MG A
What is MGA
Membership?
The Learning Curve
* BY TOM RYAN *
Adapting to change can be challenging-
even for the best of players.
W
ho knew change
could be so hard?
Watching the
touring professionals grapple
with new rules changes has
been educational. While most
of the changes seem to be well
received, a few have created
confusion, resulted in penalties
and even brought embarrassment
to the world's best players.
The rule regarding the
positioning of a caddie prior
to a player taking a stroke
was certainly an issue. While
not intending to line up
their players, some caddies
were being caught standing
directly behind them as they
took their stance and moved
too late for the player to avoid
being penalized. Kudos to
the USGA for clarifying and
amending the language of the
rule to address this issue.
Another change that's
getting a lot of attention is
the fl agstick rule. While not
intended for the pros,
it's
interesting to see them use it
while putting. As time goes
on, more and more golfers
will keep it in on most putts.
Some may on all putts. Word
from the snowbirds is that
the rule has done its job to
keep pace moving.
But it's the procedural
change regarding dropping
a ball when taking relief that
has caused the most discussion.
Frankly, I'm not sure the
rules-makers saw this debate
coming. The new drop has
been characterized by some
tour players as awkward
looking, nonathletic and not
cool. Even Jack Nicklaus has
weighed in that the new procedure
is " stupid. "
Those most critical of the
change seem unaware of-or
perhaps uninterested in-
the reasons for changing the
procedure, and the process
and scrutiny all the new rules
went through prior to their
fi nal release.
The old rules included up
to nine scenarios
under which
a ball had to
be re-dropped.
The USGA's
position originally
was to
have the player
place the ball
in all relief situations-but
the R&A objected. As a result,
when the fi rst draft of the new
rules was released for public
comment in March 2018, the
drop was to be made from a
couple inches off the surface,
just above the turf.
But golfers didn't like this,
from the shoulder,
which
would better control the
distance the ball rolled after
contact with the ground. This
solution is practical, resolves
the problem it was meant to
address, and I'm sure will be
accepted with common use.
If you haven't already,
I encourage you to check
out all the new rules. Visit
our website, mngolf.org, or
attend an MGA rules workshop
to brush up on the key
changes.
Hopefully, we've seen the
last big snow of the season.
It's been a winter of frigid
weather,
" While most
of the [rules]
changes seem
to be well
received, a few
have created
confusion. "
ice and record
snowfall.
No
one knows what
turf conditions
we'll fi nd once
the thaw arrives,
but there's a
good chance
we'll need patience
spring.
Remember,
this
your superas
evidenced by the quantity
of feedback during the comment
period. Thus, a compromise
became the drop
from knee height instead of
4
MINNESOTAGOLFER Spring 2019
intendent is highly trained
with a wonderful network
of knowledgeable colleagues.
They will be doing all they
can to quickly get our facilities
in top condition. Let's
remember to support their
efforts and to do what's asked
of us as they prepare for the
coming golf season.
See you on the course.
It's your
invitation to
play some of
the fi nest golf
courses around,
through participation
in MGA Associate
Members' Days or
the MGA Senior
Tour. * It's your USGA
Handicap Index, now
updated twice every
month, year-round. *
It's your subscription
to Minnesota Golfer
magazine, delivered to
your home. * It's your
support of programs
and services that
make the game better.
RULES OF GOLF EDUCATION
rain,
With the new Rules in effect
as of Jan. 1, 2019, we asked
members how you prefer to
update your 2019 Rules of
Golf knowledge.
59.43%
Look to the MGA to help me
update my knowledge
58.20%
Read the new 2019
Rules of Golf
45.99%
The USGA.org website
33.29%
The USGA Rules of Golf app
19.48%
USGA/PGA 2019 Rules of Golf
Workshop
18.25%
Watch professional golf
on television
18.00%
Rely on the knowledge of others
0.49%
No plans to update my
knowledge
mngolf.org
http://www.mngolf.org http://www.USGA.org http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2019

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