Susan White, Director of Rules, Competition and Education, BC Golf Association
Recently I was invited to conduct a rules workshop for a mixed group of players, with varied knowledge of the rules of golf. During introductions, it was apparent the majority of these golfers did own a rule book, but most did not hold the current edition and several of the books on hand were several editions old! The Rules of Golf is updated every four years; each update provides some changes either in wording, the application and occasionally the applicable penalty. The Rules of Golf effective January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2011 produced some of the most significant changes in many years. This included penalty reductions in many situations. Following are a few of the changes which have a significant impact on the game, and probably your day to day play too.
Identifying the Ball (12-2) – This rule provides the player is responsible for ensuring the ball he plays is his. Each player should put an identifying mark on his ball. If a player has reason to believe a ball may be his, but he is not able to confirm, he may lift the ball for identification. The ball may lie anywhere on the course – including a hazard (bunkers and water hazards). If the player plays a stroke at a ball which is not his, he will incur a two stroke penalty in stroke play (loss of hole in match play) – Rule 15-3. “What?” you say. “I can lift my ball in a hazard?” The rule provides you may lift a ball if it is necessary to do so in order to identify it. If you lift it when it is not necessary to do so; i.e. it is obviously yours as you see your markings, or you saw it come to rest at that spot, you will be penalized under Rule 12-2 – 1 stroke penalty. And be careful! There is a procedure you must follow when wishing to identify a ball as yours. Look at Rule 12-2 to find out how you must proceed.
The flag stick also enjoyed a significant change in the 2008 change, with its addition to Rule 24-1, Movable Obstructions. This rule talks about the ability to move movable obstructions on the course except when a ball is in motion, and the movement may influence the moving ball. You must not move a rake or a pop can if a ball is in motion, but, if you look at this rule, it provides “When a ball is in motion, a movable obstruction that might influence the movement of the ball, other than the equipment of any player or the flagstick, whether attended, removed, or held up, must not be moved.” So, if the flag stick has been placed on the ground, any one may lift it if they think another’s ball in motion may strike the flag stick – no penalty! The flag stick takes on the same status as equipment in this rule. Much better than the 2 stroke penalty or loss of hole applied previously.
Up to December 31, 2007, if you accidently deflected or stopped your own ball in motion, you would have received a two stroke penalty (loss of hole in match play). The Rules Makers recognized the unfairness, as this was an accident, and adjusted the penalty to one stroke in either forms of play. However, if the player deflects or stops his ball on purpose, he will be penalized under Rule 1-2 (Exerting Influence) and the penalty could be serious – possible disqualification.
These are only three of the many changes which came into effect January 1, 2008. For further details of the other significant changes to the Rules of Golf, purchase a new rules book (Effective until December 31, 2011) or visit the RCGA’s website www.rcga.org. You’ll find the complete Rules of Golf in the Competitive Section.
The BCGA is available to help you find the answers to situations which may occur. We also provide a comprehensive Rules Education Program. Visit our website at www.bcga.org to find out more.
