2019 brings many new changes to the “Rules of Golf” as detailed in the USGA’s link, Golf’s New Rules: Major Changes. The link reviews and explains (with video’s) thirty-six recent modifications. Paul (USGA Rules Official) shares his thoughts and interprets a number of our “new” Rules of Golf.
You are now allowed to leave the flagstick in the hole while putting. For the weekend warrior, I believe this new Ruling may add time to the round as some players will opt for the flagstick in the hole while other players will opt for the flagstick out of the hole.
It could add time in some instances if people choose to play with the flagstick in the hole like DeChambeau; however, it is my thought that unlike DeChambeau, very few weekend warriors will be analyzing the coefficient of restitution of fiberglass flagsticks and most will only leave it in when they have long putts or tap ins and that overall pace of play will not be materially improved or harmed. But if you have a physicist in your Sunday group it could add time to your round.
You are now allowed to touch the line of a putt with your club and or a flagstick. Does this make sense to you?
Yes, because the player is allowed to repair damage to the Green so it now would be inconsistent to penalize a player for touching the line of putt since there is a Rule permitting the player to repair damage to the Green including damage on the line of his or her putt. See Rule 13,1c.(2).
DMD (distance measuring devices, i.e. range finders). DMD devices are now permitted. Are you now allowed to use a DMD device that calculates grade as well as distance?
No – you may not use a device that calculates the effect that slope has on distance.
In the event my opponent would mark my ball for speed of play purposes, is my opponent required to replace my ball on his mark.
See Rule 14.2b – the player’s ball must be replaced under the Rules only by the player or any person who lifted the ball or caused it to move.
The new Rules allow you to lift a ball for identification purposes without notification. I understand the intent however; I feel notification is still the appropriate course of action.
This was a change based upon a guiding principle that can now be found in the “Purpose” section of Rule 1. “You are responsible for applying your own penalties if you breach a Rule, so that you cannot gain any potential advantage over your opponent in match play or other players in stroke play.”
Since you are calling penalties on yourself and now that the Rules have a standard of conduct (see Rule 1.2a), it no longer makes sense to have this requirement in the Rules that could trip up a player and cause him to incur a 1 stroke penalty. If the player is found to be acting in a manner contrary to the spirit of the game, a player can be disqualified for serious misconduct. In addition, the Committee can now set its own standard of player conduct and may include 1 stroke penalties or the General Penalty in addition to disqualification in the event the standard is breached.
Stay tuned next week for the final installment of our series with Paul.
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