In consultation with other golf bodies in the world, the USGA and R&A review, revise and print the Rules of Golf every four years. The last edition was in 2016. The single set of Rules applies to players of all abilities and to both professionals and amateurs. The last complete review of the Rules of Golf was done in 1984.<\/p>\n
Beginning in 2012 the USGA and R&A gave The Rules an extensive review in order to modernize them for easier understanding and to make the game more attractive and accessible for newcomers. The review included feedback from amateur golfers and PGA Professionals. The Player\u2019s Edition of the Rules of Golf has been reduced from 34 to 24 pages with 10 less rules, and is written in the second person point of view. The new Rules of Golf went into effect on January 1, 2019.<\/p>\n
It is your responsibility to know the Rules and to use them to your advantage instead of to your game\u2019s disadvantage.<\/p>\n
Here are some of the most important changes for you to have in mind that will directly affect your golf game:<\/p>\n
Accidental Ball Movement<\/strong><\/p>\n There are no longer penalties for accidental movement of the ball on the putting green, for accidental deflections, or for accidentally moving a ball while searching for it.<\/p>\n Double Hit<\/strong><\/p>\n No penalty for accidentally hitting the ball more than once during a stroke.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Making Repairs<\/strong><\/p>\n Golfers are now allowed to fix damage on the putting green. In addition to fixing ball marks and old hole plugs, spike marks can now be tamped down.<\/p>\n Pace of Play<\/strong><\/p>\n The rule of allowing five minutes to search for a lost ball has been reduced to a three-minute maximum. When it is your turn, be ready to hit your next shot within 40 seconds.<\/p>\n Bunker Changes<\/strong><\/p>\n Loose impediments can now be removed from bunkers without a penalty.<\/p>\n Ball Drop<\/strong><\/p>\n The ball must be dropped straight down from knee height (the height of the player\u2019s knee when in a standing position).<\/p>\n Unattended Flagstick<\/strong><\/p>\n No penalty if a ball played from the putting green (or anywhere else) hits the unattended flagstick in hole.<\/p>\n Penalty Areas<\/strong><\/p>\n In drop areas players can ground their club, take practice swings hitting the ground, and remove loose impediments.<\/p>\n Playing Out of Turn in Stroke Play<\/strong><\/p>\n No penalty for playing out of turn, and \u201cready golf\u201d is encouraged when it can be done in a safe and responsible way.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Stroke & Distance Penalty<\/strong><\/p>\n A Local Rule<\/em> can be instituted for an alternative to the stroke and distance penalty allowing a player who has not played a provisional ball to get a ball back in play, even in the fairway, for a two stroke penalty.<\/p>\n The rules changes were made to streamline The Rules, still keeping the core principles that you play the course as you find it, play the ball as it lies, and call penalties on yourself if you get them.<\/p>\n You can access further simplified changes on the USGA website at https:\/\/bit.ly\/2CbsIbu<\/a>.<\/p>\n Play \u201cin the zone\u201d with Joan<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Entrain Your Heart & Mind for Peak Performances<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n To train your brain to play your best golf, listen pre-season to affirming Positive Mental Imagery self-hypnosis guided imagery CDs in the privacy of your own home, available at\u00a0www.pmi4.com\/cart<\/a><\/p>\n If you aren\u2019t able to maintain trust and belief in yourself on the golf course, email Joan at\u00a0pmi4@bellsouth.net<\/a>\u00a0or call 828.696.2547 for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation about developing a new strategy. Learn what is missing in your golf game so you can achieve the success you desire.<\/p>\n \u201cTHE HEART OF GOLF, Access Your Supreme Intelligence for Peak Performances\u201d<\/em><\/strong> <\/span>explores and explains negative emotions such as fear and performance anxiety, the four Cs of mind blockage, the four progressive stages of learning the supreme intelligence of the heart, and the way to access the zone in competition. It is a player\u2019s guide for developing your true inner self by returning to the joy and love of self instead of seeking praise and rewards from the outside world.<\/p>\n THE HEART OF GOLF<\/strong> is available now on Amazon and Kindle<\/p>\n https:\/\/amzn.to\/2MQzjfq<\/a><\/p>\n All royalties will be donated to Junior Golf!<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There are now three versions of The Rules of Golf: The standard \u201cfull length\u201d Rules book. The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf (for rules officials and committee members). The Player\u2019s Edition of the Rules of Golf. In consultation … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/positivementalimagery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMAZON-BOOK-COVER-WITH-SPINE-300x217.jpg\")
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