06 May '08

Rule Changes

KNOW THE RULES – 2008 CHANGES TO THE RULES

“Play the ball as it lies,
Play the course as you find it,
And if you can’t do either, do what is fair.
But to do what is fair, you need to
Know the Rules of Golf.”

Changes to the Rules came into force as from 1st January 2008 and free copies of the new Rule Book are available from the Pro Shop.

It is, of course, the responsibility of every player to familiarise themselves with the Rules and the changes, but until you have had time to do this, I thought it might be helpful to summarise a few of the more significant changes likely to be encountered by golfers in regular play.

There are changes to 28 of the 34 Rules of Golf, but many of these are intended to improve the clarity of the Rules, and in some cases reduce the penalties.

In the front of the new Rule Book is a summary of the principal changes and the more significant changes likely to be encountered are:-

Identification of the Ball in a Bunker or Water Hazard.

Revised Rule 12-2 now allows a player to lift a ball in a bunker or water hazard for identification purposes. Remember you must notify your opponent or marker of your intention before doing so and give them the opportunity to observe your actions. The position of the ball must be marked and the ball must not be cleaned beyond the extent necessary for identification. After identification the ball must be replaced and if the original lie of the ball has been altered, the ball must be replaced:

• In a water hazard, in the nearest lie most similar to the original lie that is not more than one club-length from the original lie, not nearer the hole.
• In a bunker, the original lie must be re-created as nearly as possible and the ball must be placed in that lie. (See Rule 20-3b.)

As a consequence of this change, Rule 15-3 has also been amended to introduce a penalty for playing a wrong ball from a bunker or water hazard in the same way as a penalty applies for playing a wrong ball Through the Green.

Accidental deflection of the Ball by the player, his partner, their caddies or equipment.

 

Revised Rule 19-2 reduces the penalty for the accidental deflection of the ball by the player, his partner, their caddies or equipment to one penalty stroke in both match play and stroke play. Previously, the penalty was two strokes or loss of hole in match play.

In addition to the Rule changes there is also a Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf included in the Book. This starts on page 19. Most members should find this useful, especially when it is necessary to refer to the Rules during the course of play.

Enjoy your golf, and a happy New Year.
Mike Howell