New Local Rule introduced by R&A and USGA

New Local Rule introduced by R&A and USGA

A new Local Rule eliminating the penalty for any accidental movement of a ball or ball-marker on the putting green will be available for implementation on 1 January 2017.  Read More

Please note:

This is not a new, or amended Rule of Golf.

·         It is the recommended wording for a Local Rule that may (should!) be introduced on or after 1st Jan 2017.

·         Committees will have to introduce the Local Rule for it to take effect on 1st January 2017 and they are encouraged to do so.

·         It only applies to a ball, or ball marker, at rest on the putting green being played, not anywhere else on the course.

·         It does not matter how the ball or ball-marker was accidentally moved, e.g. with the head of a putter, kicked, or as a result of a glove being dropped on it.

·         It only applies when a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved; it does not apply to a ball that is purposely touched or moved, e.g. a ball that is lifted without being marked.

·         It applies to the player, their partner, their opponent(s), or any of their caddies or equipment.

·         The ball or ball-marker that was accidentally moved must be replaced, as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.

·         If a player does not think that they caused their ball to move in any way they must play it from where it came to rest, e.g. if it was moved by wind, water or gravity.

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