New golf rules

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have introduced several new golf rules in 2019, aimed at simplifying the game and reducing confusion. Here are some of the key changes:

Rule 1: Unplayable Ball

• A ball is now considered unplayable if it is in a hazard (such as a sand trap or water) and cannot be played from that position.
• Players can now drop the ball within two club-lengths of the hazard, rather than having to drop it back to the original position.

Rule 2: Ball Drop

• When dropping a ball, players must now drop it from knee height, rather than shoulder height.
• The ball must be dropped within two club-lengths of the original position, and not more than one club-length from the edge of the drop zone.

Rule 3: Measuring

• Measuring distances is now simplified, with players able to use a measuring device (such as a laser rangefinder) to measure the distance to the hole.
• Players can also use a measuring device to measure the distance from the hole to the edge of a hazard.

Rule 4: Ball at Rest Moved

• If a ball at rest is moved by the wind, water, or other natural forces, it is no longer considered a penalty.
• However, if a ball is moved by a player or their equipment, it is still considered a penalty.

Rule 5: Ball in Motion Deflected

• If a ball in motion is deflected by a player or their equipment, it is no longer considered a penalty.
• However, if a ball is deflected by a natural force, such as wind or water, it is still considered a penalty.

Rule 6: Lost Ball

• If a ball is lost, players can now drop a ball within two club-lengths of the original position, rather than having to replay the shot from the original position.

Rule 7: Out of Bounds

• If a ball is hit out of bounds, players can now drop a ball within two club-lengths of the edge of the out of bounds area, rather than having to replay the shot from the original position.

Rule 8: Free Relief

• Players can now take free relief from certain hazards, such as sand traps and water, without having to take a penalty stroke.

Rule 9: Penalty Areas

• Penalty areas (formerly known as water hazards) are now more clearly defined, and players can take free relief from them without having to take a penalty stroke.

Rule 10: Course Boundaries

• Course boundaries are now more clearly defined, and players can take free relief from them without having to take a penalty stroke.

Rule 11: Equipment

• Players are now allowed to use electronic devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, during play, as long as they do not provide information about the game.

Rule 12: Pace of Play

• The new rules aim to encourage a faster pace of play, with players encouraged to play at a pace that allows them to complete their round in three hours and 45 minutes.

These are just some of the key changes to the golf rules. It's always a good idea to review the official rules and guidelines before playing a round of golf.