New Rules For 2019

The turn of the year means the much debated rules changes take effect so to clear up any confusion and explain how to implement them, R&CPGC member Mark Ward, gave a small presentation. If you couldn't make it, here's a run down of what's changed...

1. Search time for lost balls reduced from 5 minutes to 3 minutes
2. You can now replace a ball moved during search under NO PENALTY
3. You will be entitled to FREE RELEIF if you ball is embedded anywhere through the green
4. You must use your longest club (except putter) when measuring a drop
5. You can now drop from knee height rather than shoulder height
6. You are no longer allowed to take your stance on the wrong putting green
7. There is no penalty for the ball unintentionally hitting player (you) or equipment
8. There is no penalty for a double hit; now counts as one shot
9. In a bunker, you can now touch the sand other than immediately in front, behind or on the backswing
10. Loose impediments can be moved anywhere, including hazards
11. A two stroke penalty will be incurred for dropping outside a bunker
12. Water hazards renamed to "Penalty Areas"
13. No penalty for touching the ground in Penalty Areas
14. If a ball moves on the putting green, after being marked, moves you can replace it with no penalty
15. If the ball accidentally moves on the putting green you can replace it with no penalty
16. All damage to the putting green can be repaired
17. Positioning a club for alignment is not permitted
18. Caddies can now assist with alignment
19. You can now putt with the flagstick in
20. Ball wedged between flag and side of hole now deemed as holed

The number of rules have now been reduced from 34 to 24, with the aim of increasing the pace of play. The new rule books also come with illustrations for extra clarity. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to pop into the ProShop and we can clear up any questions you may have.