Modernizing Golf’s Rules for 2019
Major Changes
Ball at Rest
No Penalty for Moving a Ball on the Putting Green
Standard for Deciding Why a Ball Moved
Replacing Ball When Original Spot is Not Known
Ball in Motion
Ball in Motion Accidentally Deflected
Taking Relief
Measuring the Size of a Relief Area Where a Ball Must Be Dropped and Played
New Procedure for Dropping a Ball
Where a Dropped Ball Must Come to Rest
Fixed Distances to be Used for Measuring
Time For Search Before Ball is Lost
Relief For an Embedded Ball
Procedure for Taking Lateral Relief
Procedure for Taking Back-on-the-line Relief
Areas of the Course
When to Replace a Ball that Moves on the Putting Green
Repairing Damage on the Putting Green
Touching Line of Play on a Putting Green
Ball Played From Green Hits Unattended Flagstick in Hole
Areas the Committee May Mark as Penalty Areas
Touching Loose Impediments or Ground in a Penalty Area
Expanded Use of Red-Marked Penalty Areas
Elimination of Opposite Side Relief for Red Penalty Areas
Moving or Touching Loose Impediments or Touching Sand in a Bunker
Equipment
Use of Clubs Damaged During Round
Adding Clubs to Replace a Club Damaged During Round
Use of Distance-Measuring Devices
Playing a Ball
Caddie Standing Behind a Player to Help Line the Player Up
Caddie Lifting Ball on the Putting Green
Ball Accidentally Struck More Than Once During a Stroke
When to Play During a Round
Encouraging Prompt Pace of Play
Maximum Score Form of Stroke Play
Player Behavior
Expected Standards of Player Conduct
Elimination of the Requirement to Announce the Player's Intent to Lift a Ball