Back-on-the-Line Change for 2023

There has been a slight change to the back-on-the-line procedure from 1st January 2023 and it is probably more in line with what golfers actually did, rather than what they were meant to do, following the 2019 rule changes. This procedure for getting a ball in play is relevant for a few situations: Penalty Area … Continue reading Back-on-the-Line Change for 2023

Main Rules Changes for 2023

The revised rule book for 2023 and beyond is now published. As expected not many changes to get our heads around - here is the R&A/USGA's "infographic" on the main changes. I'll go through each one in turn over the next few days and pick out any others of interest as well. Make sure you … Continue reading Main Rules Changes for 2023

Look What’s Arrived!!

The new rules for 2019 seems like only a few months ago, but we are having an update and a new set go live on 1st January 2023. There won't be the wholesale changes that we had for 2019 - just a few tweaks, incorporation of some of the clarifications, and perhaps some of the … Continue reading Look What’s Arrived!!

Can’t Explain the Physics, but what’s the ruling?

This should be easy - what is the ruling (for Tommy and the player's ball he hit)? Any concerns about leaving the other ball next to the hole? https://twitter.com/i/status/1575179681472487424

Speeding Up Play

Are you normally "behind the group in front" or "in front of the group behind"? I have been around golf courses since I was born - my first home as a baby was in the clubhouse of the course where my Dad was the Golf Pro & Head Greenkeeper and my Mum was the Steward. … Continue reading Speeding Up Play

Searching for 2 Balls in the Same Place

Everyone knows that you now have 3 minutes to search for your ball, and if it isn't found within that time it is "lost". Bit what happens if you are looking for 2 balls (perhaps the original and a provisional or for two different players) in the same area? Surely you have 3 minutes to … Continue reading Searching for 2 Balls in the Same Place

Cam Smith – Penalty Area Relief

An illustration of how simple things can go wrong - also perhaps why Tour Players will call a referee for situations where you might expect them to know the rules. The language used in the video is a little "loose" when referring to "complete relief" (which he doesn't need to take), but it does teach … Continue reading Cam Smith – Penalty Area Relief

“Declaring a Ball Lost”

A fairly common phrase heard on the course after a poor shot "I'll declare that ball lost". The problem is that this has no meaning within the rules - under Rule 18.2a the only time a ball is lost is when it is "not found in three minutes after the player or his or her caddie begins … Continue reading “Declaring a Ball Lost”

(Not) Attending the Flag

So this wasn't during a competition round, but what would your ruling be if you witnessed this happening? (Just Jack's putt - don't worry about the banter with Johnny Miller before or the fact that he had just popped the ball down on the green). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9KrMQDU94g You will notice that Jack's caddie ran over to … Continue reading (Not) Attending the Flag

Rory’s tee shot hits JT’s

A great example of exactly what to do when given a ruling. At the Canadian Open Justin Thomas hits a nice drive down the middle of the fairway. Rory then hits and his tee shot, also straight down the middle, hits JT's. What do you do? JT's ball has been moved by an "outside influence" … Continue reading Rory’s tee shot hits JT’s