TheRules
Rules Revision
Modernization process continues with the release of the 2023 Rules of Golf by JANEEN DRISCOLL
THE MODERNIZED RULES OF GOLF went into effect in January 2019 and featured sweeping changes that helped make the Rules easier to understand and apply . That modernization process continues with the R & A and USGA ’ s release of the 2023 Rules of Golf , which went into effect on January 1 .
The 2023 update comes with an emphasis on both inclusion and sustainability . For the first time , the modified Rules for players with disabilities have been fully incorporated into the playing rules without the need to adopt a local rule . Adaptive golf , highlighted by the inaugural U . S . Adaptive Open held in 2022 , continues to be a growth area in the sport and the creation of Rule 25 recognizes that trend .
The governing bodies will also promote digital and mobile app access to the Rules while significantly reducing the production and distribution of more than four million printed books .
What are the most significant changes covered in the latest Rules update ? Several penalties have been relaxed and language has been clarified to help golfers at all levels of play .
The R & A The and R & the A and USGA the have USGA released have released the most the recent most edition recent edition of the Rules of the of Rules Golf , of effective Golf , effective January January 2023 . 2023 .
New Rule — Modifications for Players with Disabilities
These modifications are now part of the Rules and are in effect for all competitions and all players who fall under the categories covered in new Rule 25 .
Ball Moved by Natural Forces
When your ball is at rest after taking relief and then rolls into another area of the course due to natural causes , there is no penalty , and you must replace it .
Simplified Back-onthe-Line Relief
When using this relief option , you are required to drop your ball on the line , and it may roll up to one club-length in any direction .
HERE HERE ARE ARE 5 KEY 5 KEY CHANGES CHANGES
Replacing Damaged Clubs
If your club is damaged during a round ( except in cases of abuse ) you may replace it , repair it or continue to use it .
Handicap on Scorecard ( Stroke Play Only )
You are not required to put your handicap on your scorecard and there is no penalty if you return your scorecard in a competition with an incorrect handicap , as this is now the Committee ’ s responsibility .
This change is consistent with other penalty reductions , such as reducing the penalty for playing an incorrectly substituted ball from the general penalty to one stroke .
For more information on the Rules of Golf , please visit usga . org or randa . org .
18 V IRGINIA G OLFER | J ANUARY / F EBRUARY 2023
AND DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL RULES OF GOLF MOBILE APP .
KEY CHANGES INCLUDE :
• Modifications for players with disabilities : The modification to the Rules for players with disabilities have been made part of the Rules and are in effect for all players who are classified in the categories covered in Rule 25 .
• Handicap usage in stroke play : With the continued growth of score-posting technology following the adoption of the World Handicap System™ , players are no longer penalized for failing to put their handicap on their scorecard in stroke play . The committee will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of each player ’ s handicap .
2023 • Club RULES damaged during OF GOLF round : The : 5 KEY
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5 KEY damage
CHANGES it through abuse .
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now part of or the replaced Rules . repair it or continue and are • in effect Back-on-the-line for all relief procedure to use : it . competitions The and back-on-the-line all relief procedure , players who fall under
often used for penalty area and unplayable 25 . ball relief , has been simplified so that
the categories covered in new Rule the player now drops their ball on the
line , and the ball must come to rest within one club-length of where it dropped .
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“ The
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growing popularity of golf continues to guide our decision-making ,
When your ball is at rest after taking and relief modernizing and the Rules to promote
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You are not required to p
encourage more people to play and enjoy scorecard in a competiti
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This change is consisten
When using this relief Driscoll is Director of Brand such as reducing the pen option , you are required Communications for the USGA . substituted ball from th to drop your ball on the line , and it may roll up to one club-length in any direction .
USGA