With the approval of the R&A and the USGA, the final changes to the rules of Golf from January 1, 2019, came into effect on Tuesday.
After an extensive review, which included a survey of the proposed changes to the world golfing community during 2017 and 2018, both governing bodies of golf made the book of rules that โmodern golfโ will have to count on Tuesday.
On January 1, 2019, the new rules of golf come into force. Are the recent changes made by the Royal & Ancient and the USGA?
Many golf clubs will do a summary of the main novelties of the rules of golf that apply to the next year.
- The rhythm of the game
The new rules of golf for 2019 want to foster a faster pace of play. To do this, the player must execute his coup in 40 seconds maximum. Also, the time to search for a lost ball is reduced from 5 to 3 minutes.
In the same vein, a new local standard has been adopted (which will not apply in high-level competitions). You can drop it at the point where a ball is lost or out of bounds. This action will have a penalty of two blows, but so we will not have to return to the starting tea.
- Dropout
The new golf rules for 2019 modify the dropout way. From now on, the only requirement is for the player to hold the ball at knee level. From there, you must drop it.
- Relief
The relief will be done by measuring one or two lengths of the driver. Also, by obtaining relief, the player may continue to use the original ball or replace it with another shot.
- Penalties
As of January 1, 2019, the penalty for hitting the ball twice by accident is eliminated. New golf rules also eliminate the penalty for accidentally moving the ball. There will be a penalty if it is done intentionally.
New penalty areas are also established. In addition to the water obstacles, the fields of rocks, shrubs, etc. Will all be marked in red. They will allow lateral relief and move loose impediments. You can also touch the ground with your hand or stick.
- On the green
According to the new rules of golf, players can kick with the bottle. And, if a play ball touches the flag of the hole, there will be no penalty.
The player may also repair a pick or other damage on the green. Also, you will be able to touch the putting line slightly as long as it does not improve the conditions for your hit.
- In the bunkers
The new rules of golf by 2019 will allow you to move loose obstacles in a container. Also, touch the sand with the stick or with the hand.
Also, drooping outside the bunker will be allowed if the ball is dangerous. This action will be punishable by two blows. What can’t be done in a container is to support the stick right next to the ball.