The new golf rules 2019
This spring 2019, after 60 years now, the new golf rules come into force. The old rules catalogue has been shortened from 34 to 24 points, which makes it no less extensive. In terms of content, however, the canon of rules has by no means shrunk, but with regard to clarity and structure a new set of rules has been developed that promises faster decision-making in problem cases. In the following article we will give you a brief overview of how these new golf rules look exactly, why they were absolutely necessary and what golfers need to consider.
What’s new?
The problem that the golf rules were rather unstructured than orderly was already faced by several golfers and tournament directors. In many places, they were more concerned with finding the right rules than with following the tournament. That should be over now. The new rule reform enables golfers to gain a quicker overview. Not only the numbers, but also the structure of the individual areas were changed. This does not mean, however, that the individual decisions on the rules have been shortened in scope. The approximately 300 decisions, which have been incorporated into the new rule reform, are regarded as guidelines for the game management and, in addition to the 24 points, are also represented in the “Official Handbook”.
In special cases, graphics have been used to better explain the game situations and to visually convey the rule forms. New etiquette, green, and course rules guidelines allow game directors and club officials more control over golfers. Violations of etiquette, misbehaviour by the players, will now be punished more severely than before.
The new rules “To-Go”
The new golf rules are now also available as a small “player edition” in DIN A5 format. Also planned for this spring is a German golf rules app for IOS and Android. From the worldwide rule keepers, Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), an English-language app is already available.
Statement
The new golf rules promise a clearer handling and a faster problem solution during the game. The aim is to make the sport of golf more pleasant again and to give everyone involved the opportunity to participate. Now it is up to the club owners and the golfers to implement the new golf rules together.
Source title image: unsplash /@fancycrave
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