The Golf Monthly team tests the new Rules of Golf in an outing at Burnham and Berrow GC.
Verdict: New Golf Rules Tested
Golf Monthly visited Burnham and Berrow Golf Club to play a round of golf, testing the new rules for 2019.
The R&A and USGA have reduced the rulebook by fifty pages, making the rules fairer and easier to understand while improving the pace of play.
Search time for a lost ball: The search time for a lost ball has been reduced from five to three minutes to speed up play. The majority of the time you will know whether you are likely to find your ball within the first thirty seconds of arriving, so the new rule will not particularly impact score. However, if you do not quite know where the ball went, there may be a few instances where the new rule costs you a shot.
An alternative to stroke and distance for a lost ball: A new local rule will be available, giving golfers the option to drop a ball on the edge of the fairway near a lost ball, for a two-stroke penalty. However, this rule won't be used in elite amateur or professional tournaments.While this is a positive change, we don't believe it will increase your options around the green. For example, if you lose a ball pin-high, you cannot come out sideways as you would be nearer the hole, which the rules prohibit.
Dropping procedure: You need to drop at knee height instead of shoulder height. This should prevent the ball rolling out of the dropping zone; however, it is quite easy for the ball to ricochet off the ground and hit you. So, please take extra care when dropping.
Putting with the flag in: There will no longer be a two-shot penalty if the ball goes in the hole while putting with the flag in.This is a good addition to the rules helping to speed up play. However, there may be conflict between two players wanting the flag in or out, which would slow play down. In this scenario, we would recommend the players come to an agreement where the flag is left in for long distance putts, then removed when nearer the hole.
Repairing damage to the putting surface: Players will be able to repair any damage on the putting green, making the game fairer.
We believe the R&A and USGA have improved the rules, but would like to hear your comments.
Expand New Golf Rules Explained: Local Rules
New Golf Rules Explained: Local Rules
The new golf rules have come into play,…
Expand Golf Rules Explained: Putting Green
Golf Rules Explained: Putting Green
Several things changed on the shortest grass from…
Expand New Golf Rules Explained: Bunker Changes
New Golf Rules Explained: Bunker Changes
From 2019 the rules regarding loose impediments and…
Expand New Golf Rules Explained: Penalty Areas
New Golf Rules Explained: Penalty Areas
The new Rules of Golf came into force…
Expand Golf Rules Explained: Dropping And Measuring
Golf Rules Explained: Dropping And Measuring
We explain the dropping and measuring techniques to…
Expand New Golf Rules Explained: Searching For Your Ball
New Golf Rules Explained: Searching For Your Ball
Ball search time has been reduced to three…
For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels.
-
The Three Most Confusing Rules In Golf And How To Interpret ThemAt times, golf’s rules can be complex and confusing. Here we look at three of the most confusing rules in golf and give you the info you need to understand them.
-
There's A Growing Divide Between Club Members And Nomadic Golfers When It Comes To Handicapping... And I'm Concerned About ItSome golfers believe competition play should be a pre-requisite to achieving a ‘valid’ handicap, while others feel you should be able to submit a card whenever you want
-
7 Most Annoying Golf Playing PartnersWe showcase the seven most annoying playing partners that golfers can have the misfortune of teeing it up with!
-
How To Clean Golf Clubs And GripsIf you want to know how to clean golf clubs and grips, check out this step-by-step guide
-
In Praise Of Golfing In WinterFergus Bisset on why he enjoys playing golf through the winter months
-
'Why Do Golfers Only Wear One Glove?' You Asked Google And We've Got The Answer...You asked Google and we've got the answer...
-
How To Regrip Golf ClubsKnowing how to regrip golf clubs means you can afford to replace them as and when they need replacing
-
The 7 Scariest Shots in GolfWith Halloween creeping up, we have selected the 7 scariest shots in golf
-
17 Ways To Tell You're Obsessed With GolfThe tell-tale signs that you are a true golf fanatic
-
10 Of The Best Arnold Palmer QuotesHere we take a look at 10 of our favourite Arnold Palmer quotes
