Rule changes are a big step forward for our sport
THE proposed changes to the Rules of Golf by the R&A and the USGA will bring a welcome dose of common sense back to golf.
The changes are radical, but we need that. The game has been too etched in history, and things need to be updated.
Sometimes, golf has made itself look foolish to outsiders with some of its outdated ways. This is a big step in the right direction.
Here I’ve picked out a few of the proposed alterations which I think will make the biggest difference to the game.
NEW standard for deciding if you caused your ball to move – or if you like, the Dustin Johnson rule:
Now there will be no repeat of the farcical situation at Oakmont where Johnson was unfairly penalised for his ball moving.
It was assumed he had moved it. But rather than 51% assumption, there now has to be 95% certainty.
This was a necessity, because that issue with Johnson caused such bad publicity. The focus was on an antiquated law instead of his brilliant golf.
SPIKE marks:
Sadly this rule is years out of date, as most golfers wear shoes with soft spikes these days.
Every pro will be cursing those countless shots they have lost over the years from putting on spike marks late in the day.
However, the new change will make it a level playing field for everyone, rather than giving an advantage to those out early.
EXPANDED restriction on caddie help with alignment:
Caddies will be banned from standing behind their players and lining them up with the target.
Golf is an individual game, and the player has to make the final call. I’ve always found it an unedifying sight.
Sir Nick Faldo and Fanny Sunesson did it for years and were very successful, but I’m glad it’s going to be outlawed.
RELAXED dropping procedure:
This is another decision which is all about common sense.
The current situation of dropping a ball from shoulder height is a palaver, as you have to make sure your playing partners can see you do it properly.
Now you’ll be your own referee and can drop the ball a couple of inches above the ground.
UNPLAYABLE ball in a bunker:
Tommy Nakajima and David Duval might have a wry smile as two of the most-famous victims of the Road Hole bunker at St Andrews.
Now instead of contemplating the near impossible, a golfer will be able to take a two-stroke penalty outside of the bunker.
This will most likely come in to play at seaside courses, where the bunkers are more difficult.
USE of Distance Measuring Devices:
Golfers will now be allowed to use these DMDs.
Players won’t now have to wander off to yardage posts and it’s a welcome acceptance of modern technology and how it can help golf.
Overall, the message is about speeding up the game.
Reducing the time looking for a lost ball from five minutes to three minutes and putting with the flag in the hole on the green are clear indicators of this.
There is no reason why all these changes can’t save two to three minutes per hole for a fourball. That is nearly an hour off a round and makes a big difference.
‘Ready to play’ needs to be marketed aggressively by the rule makers, so every golfer is aware of their responsibility.
The pros have to set the example. It doesn’t help when Jason Day says he would not alter any part of his routine. Everyone must find a faster routine.
The only shame is that these rules don’t come in until 2019. But there’s no reason they can’t be adopted by all of us right away.