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NWO Golf Links
RICHARD TODD
RULES?
Who needs
RULES?
MANY GOLFERS SAY THEY DON’T PLAY BY THE RULES;
I
think that’s a bit of an exaggeration, without rules, it just isn’t
golf. Many rules are not punitive, but are designed to help a
player get out of a difficult situation. Would it really be any fun
if, while playing Monopoly, the person across the table decided
to advance his token an extra square just because he landed on
‘Go To Jail’?
TheUSGAworks hard to assure
the rules ofgolf are equitable
and up to date, making
periodic changes to reflect
new technology and playing
situations. These rules are also
agreed to by all global golf
governing bodies. No matter
where you play, or who you
play with, you can be assured
everyone on the planet follows
the same set of rules.
The USGA has announced four
new rule changes for 2016.
One of those changes, effective
January 1st, 2016, clarifies if
a penalty should be imposed
when a ball moves that’s been
addressed (rule 18-2b).
This was an area of much
concern in the past, if a golf ball
moved due to wind, gravity, or
a player pressing the ground
too hard. The new rule will
simply state a penalty of one
stroke will be assessed, when
an addressed ball moves ‘if
due to the player’ interference.
WOW! That’s clear, concise,
easy to understand and
implement. Thanks USGA.
Another high profile rule
is that of anchored swings,
which focuses mainly on the
long putters.
Summarizing this long (pun
intended) anticipated change,
rule 14-1b says
‘don’t directly or indirectly
secure part of the club to your
body when making a stroke’.
You can still use your belly or
long putter, just don’t anchor it
and remember to swing freely.
Have you ever used a practice
tool before your round started,
a weighted club or other
training aid, called ‘artificial
devices’? They have not been
and still are not allowed during
play (rule 14-3). In the past,
however, use during a round
required disqualification, but
next year the statute will be
graduated.
Many rules are not
punitive, but are
designed to help a
player get out of a
difficult situation.