​Navigating the USGA’s New Rules

The USGA and the R&A, the governing bodies of golf, have proposed new rules to modernize the game and simplify the understanding and application of it. They are currently in a six-month feedback period which is due to end on August 31^st. The new rules will then be finalized next year and go into effect on January 1, 2019.

The process itself began in 2012 when the USGA and R&A gathered a body of administrators, officials, and experts together to begin a comprehensive review of the current rules and the way the game has changed over time.

The rules themselves are updated every four years, but there has not been an overhaul since 1984. Their goal is to ensure that the rules of the game allow for the practicalities of the modern times, with its current technology, and that they are streamlined for players around the world.

The current feedback period for the proposed rules provides the body a gauge to check the efficiency of the change before it goes into effect. They have looked at every rule and have strived to update them so they are straightforward and intuitive to every player on the green without changing the fundamental character and integrity of the game.

In place of the 34 rules the game currently upholds, the body has proposed 24 new rules, written in fresh, contemporary style with a friendly voice and natural language. They feature shorter sentences, common phrases that everyone can understand, and lists with subheadings so the reader can easily find what he or she needs without filtering through extra jargon. The body has focused on making the rules consistent, simple, and fair across the board so that the field is leveled wherever the game is played around the globe.

Highlights of the Proposed Rules

Ball-moved penalties: The player will no longer face a penalty for moving the ball accidentally on the green or while searching for it. Unless it is certain that a player has moved the ball on purpose, they will not be assessed a penalty for it.

Putting green rules: If, while on the putting green, a ball hits a flagstick that has been left unattended, the player can putt again without attending to or removing the flagstick. Players can now repair any damage done to the green by spikes, shoes, or animals, and they will not be penalized for touching the putt line.

Penalty areas (A.K.A. water hazards): Penalty zones marked in red and yellow will cover a range of areas, including jungle, desert, lava rock, and bodies of water. Red zones are expanded in areas of lateral relief but there will be no penalty if loose impediments are moved or the player touches the ground or water while in the penalty area.

Bunkers: If a player moves loose impediments while playing in a bunker or if they touch the sand with their hand or club, a penalty will not be assessed. There are still some restrictions, though they are limited. For example, so that the challenge of the game is preserved, the player must still grind the club close to the ball while in the sand. However, if the ball is not able to be played from the bunker, the player can do so on the outside but it will cost them a two-stroke penalty.

The integrity of players: The reasonable judgment of a player will be upheld when they measure any area or distance, including lines, spots, and points—even if videos later contradict the judgment.

The pace of play: Players will only be allowed three minutes to search for the ball (instead of the current five minutes). The new rule encourages (but does not require) players to take their shot in less than forty seconds.

Relief: Procedures will be in place to allow players to drop the ball and take relief in specified zones. The procedures for dropping the ball have also been simplified—the player only needs to drop it from above the ground.

Final Thoughts

The USGA and R&A have material available on their site that explains the proposed changes to allow everyone to navigate the new rules. This includes an overview of the initiative the bodies have taken and a draft of the new goals they want to implement in 2019.

They even have a version written from the perspective of the player. Following #GolfRules2019 on social media also facilitates discussion of the new rules.

Keep in mind that until the new rules go into effect on January 1, 2019, the current rules will continue to be enforced.

Although some of the rules of the game have changed, the heart of the game remains untouched. The challenge of the game is still preserved, the anticipation of the ever-lofty hole-in-one is still around the corner, and the bonding of man and nature and ball is ever present.