New Rule Changes for 2008 from the USGA

January 4, 2008

The last set of United States Golf Association (USGA) rules of golf were in effect from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2007. Now that is 2008, a new set of rules is in effect. Many of the changes are matters of clarification, but some are changes of real importance. Here is a breakdown of the major changes you need to know from http://www.usga.org:

I. The exchange of information about distance is no longer considered advice. Whereas previously, there would be a two stroke penalty for discussing the distance of any given shot or hole, there is now no penalty.

II. The penalty for carrying non-conforming clubs (including those altered during a round) has been reduced for both stroke play and match play. While the previous penalty for breach of this rule was disqualification, the new penalties are as follows:

Stroke play - 2 stroke penalty for each hole played up to a maximum of 4 strokes
Match play - Loss of hole for each hole played up to a maximum of 2 holes

III. There is no longer a penalty for moving a ball while searching in an obstruction.

IV. A ball may now be lifted in a hazard for the purpose of identification. However, there is now a 1 stroke penalty for hitting the wrong ball.

V. Special equipment is now allowed for medical purposes, so long as it does not provide for an undue advantage.

VI. If a player plays an incorrectly substituted ball in the wrong place, the player now incurs a penalty for only one infraction to avoid double penalty.

VII. Administering a penalty to a player for inadvertently stepping in another player’s line of putt is no longer allowed.

VIII. There is no longer a double penalty when a player lifts a ball without authority and incorrectly substitutes a ball; there is only a single penalty.

IX. The penalty for accidental deflection of the ball by the player, his partner, or either of their caddies or equipment, has been reduced from loss of hole in match play and a 2 stroke penalty in stroke play to only a 1 stroke penalty in both stroke play and match play.

X. The penalty for having the wrong person place or replace a ball has been reduced to a 1 stroke penalty.

XI. A flagstick that is removed or held up may now be moved when a ball is in motion, in addition to a flagstick that is attended.

XII. When searching for a ball, the location of the ball must be “known or virtually certain” to treat it as lost in an obstruction, abnormal ground condition (leaf piles in the area of play, for instance), or a water hazard. The new phrase replaces the words “reasonable evidence” and increases the burden of proof.

This is just a brief overview of the many rule changes that are now in effect. These are the most relevant changes to most people, but everyone should look at the rules section of the USGA website and read them in full. It’s our responsibility to protect the game.

Written by John at 5:41 pm. Miscellaneous