On March the 12th 2018 the R&A and the USGA, released the information on the new rules that will be in effect starting January the 1st, 2019. I don’t like to talk too much about those major changes because the actual rules are still good for the next competition season. The danger is having players thinking those rules are in effect when they will face some situation next summer.
These are a short list of the changes:
-1 When taking relief, golfers will drop from knee height instead of shoulder height.
-2 When measuring the player may use any club with the exception of the putter.
-3 In case of a double hit, only the stroke will be counted instead of adding a penalty stroke.
-4 By local rule, it will be possible to drop a ball in the area where we lost our ball instead of Stroke and Distance.
-5 A ball at rest that is accidently moved will no longer cost a penalty stroke on the green or while searching for the ball.
-6 When making a stroke from the putting green, we will be allowed to keep the flagstick in the hole.
-7 It will be possible to use red and yellow stakes even if there is no water (desert, jungle, etc).
-8 No penalty for removing loose impediments in any penalty zones (hazards) or bunkers.
-9 In a Bunker we will have the right to remove any loose impediments but we can’t ground the club.
-10 A player may declare his ball unplayable in a bunker, play the ball outside and add a penalty of 2 strokes.
-11 We will have only 3 minutes to find our ball instead of 5 minutes.
ANSWERS TO THE MATCH PLAY QUIZ
Explanation will be given next week
-A Eddy’s ball is in the hole – no penalty.
-B Eddy may replay his stroke without penalty.
-C The ball is in play and eddy must add a 1 stroke penalty.
-D 2 options:
– Eddy may replay his stroke without penalty.
– Eddy may play the ball where it lies but must add a penalty of 1 stroke.
-E Eddy has a one stroke penalty .
-F No penalty.