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Rules of Golf

Definitions

Addressing the Ball

The Definition is amended so that a player has addressed the ball simply by
grounding his club immediately in front of or behind the ball, regardless of whether or not he has taken his stance. Therefore, the Rules generally no longer provide for a player addressing the ball in a hazard. (See also related change to Rule 18-2b)

Rules

Rule 1-2. Exerting Influence on Movement of Ball or Altering Physical Conditions

The Rule is amended to establish more clearly that, if a player intentionally
takes an action to influence the movement of a ball or to alter physical
conditions affecting the playing of a hole in a way that is not permitted by
the Rules, Rule 1-2 applies only when the action is not already covered
in another Rule. For example, a player improving the lie of his ball is in
breach of Rule 13-2 and therefore that Rule would apply, whereas a player
intentionally improving the lie of a fellow-competitor’s ball is not a situation
covered by Rule 13-2 and, therefore, is governed by Rule 1-2.

Rule 6-3a. Time of Starting

Rule 6-3a is amended to provide that the penalty for starting late, but within five
minutes of the starting time, is reduced from disqualification to loss of the first
hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Previously this
penalty reduction could be introduced as a condition of competition.

Rule 12-1. Seeing Ball; Searching for Ball

Rule 12-1 is reformatted for clarity. In addition, it is amended to (i) permit a
player to search for his ball anywhere on the course when it may be
covered by sand and to clarify that there is no penalty if the ball is moved
in these circumstances, and (ii) apply a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a if a player moves his ball in a hazard when searching for it when it is believed to be covered by loose impediments.

Rule 13-4. Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions

Exception 2 to Rule 13-4 is amended to permit a player to smooth sand
or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard,
provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 is
not breached.

Rule 18-2b. Ball Moving After Address

A new Exception is added that exonerates the player from penalty if his ball
moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that he
did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves
the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played
from its new position.

Rule 19-1. Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped; By Outside Agency

The note is expanded to prescribe the various outcomes when a ball in
motion has been deliberately deflected or stopped by an outside agency.

Rule 20-7c. Playing from Wrong Place; Stroke Play

Note 3 is amended so that if a player is to be penalised for playing from a
wrong place, in most cases the penalty will be limited to two strokes, even if
another Rule has been breached prior to his making the stroke.

Appendix IV

A new Appendix is added to prescribe general regulations for the design
of devices and other equipment, such as tees, gloves and distance
measuring devices.

Rules of Amateur Status

Definitions

Amateur Golfer

The Definition is amended to establish more clearly that an “amateur golfer”,
regardless of whether he plays competitively or recreationally, is one who plays
golf for the challenge it presents, not as a profession and not for financial gain.

Golf Skill or Reputation

A time limit of five years is introduced for the retention of “golf reputation”
after the player’s golf skill has diminished.

Prize Vouchers

The Definition is expanded to allow prize vouchers to be used for the
purchase of goods or services from a golf club.

Rules

Rule 1-3 Amateurism; Purpose of the Rules

Rule 1-3 is amended to re-state why there is a distinction between amateur
and professional golf and why certain limits and restrictions are needed in the
amateur game.

Rule 2-1 Professionalism; General

The existing Rules on professionalism are consolidated and re-formatted into
new Rule 2-1.

Rule 2-2 Professionalism; Contracts and Agreements

National Golf Unions or Associations – New Rule 2-2(a) is added to allow
an amateur golfer to enter into a contract and/or agreement with his national
golf union or association, provided he does not obtain any financial gain,
directly or indirectly, while still an amateur golfer.

Professional Agents, Sponsors and Other Third Parties - New Rule 2-2(b) is
added to allow an amateur golfer, who is at least 18 years of age, to enter
into a contract and/or agreement with a third party solely in relation to
the golfer’s future as a professional golfer, provided he does not obtain any
financial gain, directly or indirectly, while still an amateur golfer.

Rule 3-2b Hole-in-One Prizes

New Rule 3-2b excludes from the general prize limit prizes (including cash prizes)
awarded for achieving a hole-in-one while playing a round of golf. This exception
is specific to prizes for holes-in-one (not longest drive or nearest the hole) and
neither separate events nor multiple-entry events qualify.

Rule 4-3 Subsistence Expenses

New Rule added to allow an amateur golfer to receive subsistence expenses to
assist with general living costs, provided the expenses are approved by and paid
through the player’s national golf union or association.