The USGA currently has a
strong initiative to make the
rules of golf less confusing
and more user friendly. To
support that, a new rule is
being implemented January
1st, 2016 that will
eliminate a
penalty if your golf ball moves
when on the putting green.
You may remember the
confusion that ensued at the
2016 US Open when Dustin
Johnson’s golf ball moved
while at address on the
green. He did not touch the
ball but it did oscillate and
the Committee declared the
movement was probably due
to his stance and/or the
grounding of his putter. They
then assessed hima one stroke
penalty. While you may
disagree with this outcome,
the result did support the
current rule
18-2.The USGA issues rules every
four years but to integrate
this rule change immediately
it will be enacted through
course local rules.
Starting in 2017, rules 18-2, 18-3, and 20-1 are modified as follows:•
When a player’s ball lies
on the putting green, there
is no penalty if the ball or
ball-marker is accidentally
moved by the player, his
partner, his opponent, or
NEW RULE!
Accidental Movement
of Golf Ball
By
Richard Todd
NWO Golf Links