Changes made to the rules of golf- all you need to know

As of January 2019, the rules of golf according to the R&A will change. Together with the United State Golf Association, they’re in the process of introducing a new set of rules that make golf easier to understand – perfect for newcomers looking for a comprehensive introduction to the game. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes…

No penalty for ball moves
Under the current set of rules, if you accidentally move your ball while you’re on the putting green, you’ll get a one-stroke penalty. Thanks to the new rules, those pesky accidental knocks will be inconsequential – great news for people just starting out.

Building on from this, if the wind – or another accidental force – moves the ball from its current position, you can move it back to its original spot without penalty.

Flagstick strikes
In a move that will relieve most golfers, you’ll no longer be punished with a penalty if you strike the flagstick with the ball while you’re on the putting green. Instead, you can leave the flagstick in the hole without consequence.

No more water hazards
Interestingly, the R&A are doing away with the concept of water hazards and replacing them with red- and yellow-marked areas that include water, desert, jungle and lava rock. If your ball rolls into one of these areas, you’ll be subject to a one-strike penalty if you take relief.

Moving loose impediments
According to the current rules, moving loose impediments in penalty or bunker areas will cause you a loss of hole or a two-shot penalty. Under the new rules, however, this will be allowed without penalty – as well as touching the ground with your hand and club.
  

Changes to ball in motion rules
At the moment, hitting your opponent or your caddie – or, in some cases, yourself – with the ball results in a one- or two-stroke penalty. From next year, if you accidentally hit a person with your ball, you just play it as it lies – but be aware that if you’re suspected to have done it on purpose, a penalty still applies.

Dropping the ball
Rather than the shoulder-height, extended-arm rules that apply to taking a drop, the new guidelines will only stipulate that the ball needs to be held above the ground and away from any other object before it falls through the air and comes to rest.

Embedded relief
Embedded balls are the nemesis of many golfers, and under current rules, you only get free relief for balls embedded in closely mowed areas. According to the new rules, you can take free relief for any embedded balls, save for those in sand areas.

Extra gadgets
No more checking Local Rules to see if you can use your latest golfing gadget gear: according to the new rules, distance-measuring devices like rangefinders and GPS watches can be used unless a Local Rule specifically prohibits their use.