Time is changing; so is golf. The sport has been trying to make changes from its traditional outlook to catch up with the advancements in the modern world. As a result, the R&A and USGA have added some new changes to the existing golf rules and released an updated version of it.

“The growing popularity of golf continues to guide our decision-making,” Thomas Pagel, USGA Chief Governance Officer, said about the new rules update. “…and modernizing the Rules to promote inclusivity and accessibility is clearly a great step in the right direction.” 

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The governing bodies have tried to make the golf rules more inclusive

1. For disabled players:

One of the main changes in the rules of golf is that they favor players with disabilities. The new version included modifications to the Rules for players with disabilities. “We hope it will encourage more people to play and enjoy the game,” Pagel explained why the officials felt the importance of such rules.

2. Committee to record handicap scores for the players:

The golfers are no longer required to show their handicap on their scorecard in stroke play. In fact, the officials will keep a record of it and then calculate a player’s scores accordingly.

3. Replacement of the damaged Club:

It was impossible to replace a club if it gets damaged during a game with the old rules. However, the updated version allows players to replace clubs if they didn’t damage them through abuse.

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4. Ball Moved by Natural Forces:

The updated set of rules asks the player to replace a ball at rest if it moves to another area of the course or comes to rest out of bounds. The rule applies if the ball moves after being dropped, placed, or replaced.

5. Simplified Back-on-the-Line Relief Procedure:

The procedure is often used for penalty area and unplayable ball relief. The simplified rule allows the players to drop their ball on the line, and the ball must come to rest within one club length.

The simplified version of rules to help all golfers

The players come from different backgrounds. Therefore, they can’t always get an understanding of what each rule is and the officials have made sure that such issues don’t arise from now on. 

“…making the Rules easier to understand and access for all golfers,” Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said about the new changes in the rule book. “And making the sport more inclusive and welcoming for golfers with disabilities.” 

Notably, the players still have to follow the rules from 2019 until the end of 2022. The new version of it will be applicable only after this year. 

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