20 new rules of golf for 2019
The R&A and the USGA introduced 20 new rules of golf for 2019, aimed at simplifying and modernizing the game. Here are the new rules:
Rule 1: The Game
- The game is played with a ball, a club, and a set of rules.
Rule 2: The Player
- A player is responsible for their own actions and equipment.
Rule 3: The Ball
- The ball is in play when it is released from the player's hand or club.
Rule 4: The Club
- A club is in play when it is released from the player's hand.
Rule 5: The Course
- The course is the area where the game is played.
Rule 6: The Hole
- A hole is the path from the tee box to the green.
Rule 7: The Green
- The green is the area around the hole.
Rule 8: The Pin
- The pin is the flagstick in the hole.
Rule 9: The Tee Box
- The tee box is the area where the player tees off.
Rule 10: The Fairway
- The fairway is the area between the tee box and the green.
Rule 11: The Rough
- The rough is the longer, thicker grass around the fairway.
Rule 12: The Bunker
- A bunker is a sand-filled depression on the course.
Rule 13: The Water Hazard
- A water hazard is a body of water on the course.
Rule 14: The Lateral Water Hazard
- A lateral water hazard is a water hazard that runs parallel to the hole.
Rule 15: The Penalty Area
- A penalty area is a designated area on the course where a ball is lost or out of bounds.
Rule 16: The Lost Ball
- A ball is lost if it is not found within a reasonable time.
Rule 17: The Out of Bounds
- A ball is out of bounds if it crosses a boundary or is not visible.
Rule 18: The Unplayable Ball
- A ball is unplayable if it is in a position where it cannot be played.
Rule 19: The Ball at Rest
- A ball at rest is a ball that is not in motion.
Rule 20: The Ball in Motion
- A ball in motion is a ball that is moving.
Additional Changes
- The "one-ball rule" has been introduced, which means players can only use one ball per round.
- The "ready golf" rule encourages players to play quickly and efficiently.
- The "drop zone" rule allows players to drop their ball in a designated area if their ball is in a difficult position.
- The "penalty area" rule replaces the "water hazard" and "bunker" rules.
These new rules aim to simplify the game and reduce confusion, making it easier for golfers of all levels to enjoy the game.