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• Far-reaching Rule changes were open for discussion, but golf’s essential principles and character must be preserved.
• Revisions were to be assessed with all golfers in mind, so that the Rules would be easier to understand and apply not only for professionals and elite amateurs, but also for beginners, high-handicappers and typical club and recreational golfers at all levels of play around the world.

We believe the changes to the Rules are a major step forward in achieving the following goals and objectives:

Overall Goals.

We want the Rules of Golf to:

• Be more easily understood and applied by all golfers;
• Be more consistent, simple and fair; and
• Reinforce the game’s longstanding principles and character.

Specific Objectives for Revising the Substance of the Rules.

We want the new Rules to:

• Use concepts, procedures and outcomes that are more intuitive and easier to learn;
• Use a consistent approach for similar situations;
• Avoid unnecessary concepts and exceptions that may create ‘penalty traps’ for the player; and
• Support broader objectives for the game, such as pace of play and environmental stewardship.

Specific Objectives for How the Rules are Presented.

We want the new Rules materials to:

• Be written in a modern, plain style that uses more common words, shorter sentences and explanatory headings, and that ends the use of male-only references;
• Be easier to translate into other languages;
• Make greater use of visual aids such as graphics, photos and videos;
• Clarify the purposes and principles underlying each of the main Rules;
• Include a version of the Rules that is written from the player’s perspective and focuses on what the typical golfer needs to know; and
• Use technology to make it easier to search and review the Rules, both on and off the course.

The new Rules will come into effect on 1 January 2019.