Three-minute warning

No doubt we’ve all seen the proposed rules changes for 2019. But while I agree that the game needs to be simplified, I do not agree with all of the proposals. Reducing the search time for a lost ball from five minutes to three seems like a good idea in Tour events, especially as the pros have marshals and crowds looking for errant balls. But most amateurs don’t have that luxury in a monthly medal. It would make more sense if there was a separate rule to give amateurs those extra two minutes to try and save our handicap from going up 0.1. If the R&A really wants to speed up play, they should implement a new ruling so putts from 15 inches are ‘put away’ immediately. It amazes me how much time is wasted faffing about on the green. To make matters worse, the R&A are going to allow drops to be taken from one-inch above the ground. We could save time if we were allowed to place, which is effectively what we’d be

doing anyway. I just hope the R&A and USGA seriously consider the opinions of amateurs as well as pros before finalising new rules. After all, we play the same game. DARREL CARVER, WALES