Last week we reviewed six rule modifications to be implemented in 2019. Here are four more:
- 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.)
- Note: The new dropping procedures minimizes the drop zone, attempting to replicate the value of the initial shot. The relief area should be similar to the initial location.
- Measuring in Taking Relief: The golfer’s relief area will be measured by using the longest club in his/her bag (other than a putter) to measure on club length to two club-lengths, depending on the situation, providing a consistent process for golfers to establish his/her relief. (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 in 2017 retained the existing one-stroke penalty.)
- Note: The new double hit procedure minimizes the penalty. Conventional wisdom suggests a player does not benefit from a double hit, why should the Rules make life even more miserable!)
- 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. It addresses concerns raised at the club level about the negative impact on pace of play when a player is required to go back under stroke and distance. The Local Rule is not intended for higher levels of play, such as professional or elite level competitions. (Key change: this is a new addition to support place of play.)
The one they missed:
As a very average golfer (I just gave myself an enormous pat on the back), I am more concerned with keeping my drives within the uprights (tree lines) than hitting fairways, having the ability to simply advance my next shot. On the rare occasion that I actually place my ball in the fairway, it is frustrating when I find said ball in an unrepaired divot. I have enough trouble hitting a ball when it is on a tee much less alone, in a whole on the fairway!
As the self-appointed “Rules Czar” I am immediately implementing Rule #35: Fairway Divots for Whiners!
Next week: Rules of Golf, Part 4, “Back Nine with Rules Official Paul Romano.” This will be an entertaining commentary, I promise!
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The back nine can only get better!
Thanks for sharing. I want to be able to pat down spike marks in my line to the hole left by the groups ahead of us who failed to repair their twists and turns.
Eliminating the double hit penalty is smart. Generally, I think the proposed changes are long over due. Thanks for keeping us bad golf guys in the know!