Golf’s modernized Rules are now in effect Provided by: Golf Canada


The USGA and The R&A have unveiled the new Rules of Golf, that were implemented January 1st, 2019.


The USGA and The R&A finalised golf’s new rules after an extensive review that included a request for feedback from the global golf community on the proposed changes. Golfers can now access the official 2019 Rules of Golf by visiting www.RandA.org or www.usga.org/rules.


The process to modernize the rules began in 2012 and was initiated to ensure that the rules are easier to understand and apply for all golfers and to make the game more attractive and accessible for newcomers.


As the National Sport Federation and governing body, Golf Canada worked alongside The R&A and the USGA on the rules modernization initiative.


THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ADJUSTMENTS MADE FOLLOWING THE REVIEW OF FEEDBACK RECEIVED FROM GOLFERS AROUND THE WORLD, INCLUDE:


• 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 their bag (other than a putter) to measure one club-length or two club-lengths, depending on the situation, making for a consistent process for golfers to establish their 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. This local rule addresses the concerns raised at the club level about the negative impact on pace of play when a player is required


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