Effective 2023, the USGA & R&A has made quite a few changes to the Golf Rules in order to speed up the games and also make it more enjoyable especially for the non professionals and golfers with disabilities.
In view of the above, I have made a summary of the key points so that it is easier to understand and for us to follow. Although some areas may not conform to the R&A Golf Rulings, let’s just enjoy the game together.
Here it is...........
Our Golf Rules…
1. GUR, ball or feet in Casual Water, Embedded ball, Cart Path, Distance Markers, Divots, Roots and Rocks, all Immovable Obstructions:
- Free Drop within 1 club length, after taking nearest point of complete relief. See also note 3, Winter Rule.
2. Bunker (if ball in foot print, bunker unraked, casual water, drainage marks ):
- Free Drop within 1 club length, but ball must be dropped in bunker. - if drop outside bunker: +1 stroke
3. Lost ball, OB: +1 stroke; see Drop Options below.
4. Penalty Area: +1 stroke
- Red stakes, see Drop Option 2.
Or take lateral relief on opposite side from point of reference (point where ball last crossed the hazard line).
- Yellow stakes, see Drop Option 2.
Ball must be dropped behind the yellow line/stake.
5. Ball lost in OPEN fairways of same teeing ground: - Free Drop at spot best determined by the player
Drop options…
1. Play another ball from location where you last played, eg re-tee
2. Play another ball from where the original ball last crossed the unplayable line:
⁃ Dropped within 2 club length (left or right) Or
⁃ Dropped as far back as you want on imaginary line from point to pin (back-on-the-line) Or
⁃ Play anywhere within GAC (ground already covered) area
Winter Rules…..
To determine and declare before hitting our 1st Tee:
1. Free drop: within 1 club length anywhere in the general area even under tree but Excluding penalty areas, bunkers, tee box and greens.
2. Free drop = LCP (lift, clean, place)
3. However, after the free drop and your line of play is still blocked, you may chipped out or take the Unplayable option with 1 stroke penalty.
Some Illustrations......
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| The Magnificent 8 |
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