With R&A Rules Limited, the Rules of Golf Committee concluded this four-year cycle of the Rules in 2007. The changes for 2008 generally fall into two broad categories: (1) those that improve the clarity of the Rules and (2) those that reduce penalties in certain circumstances to ensure that they are proportionate.

In addition to the Rules changes, there are also 39 new Decisions and 59 Decisions with significant revisions.

Rules education remains a priority, with more than 1,500 people attending a PGA/USGA Rules workshop in 2007. In addition to these programs, Rules Department and Regional Affairs staff conducted a number of half-day and one-day Rules seminars for state and regional golf associations, PGA sections, high school leagues and others.  The USGA Web site offers the opportunity to reach many more individuals than on-site Rules seminars taught by USGA staff and committee members. Such opportunities continue to be investigated.

Answering the daily telephone calls, letters and e-mails remains a primary function of the Rules Department, as it answered more than 18,000 inquiries in 2007.  These replies assist committees with ongoing competitions as well as those individuals seeking a better understanding of the Rules.

The following is a brief summary of some of the more significant Rules changes that went into effect January 1, 2008:

Definition of "Lost Ball"

Amended to clarify substituted ball issues and to include the concept of "stroke and distance."

Rule 4-1.  Form and Make of Clubs

Amended to reduce the penalty for carrying, but not using, a non-conforming club or a club in breach of Rule 4-2 from disqualification to the same as for carrying more than 14 clubs.

Rule 12-2.  Identifying Ball

Amended to allow a player to lift his ball for identification in a hazard.  Under Rule 15-3, a player would now be penalized for playing a wrong ball from a hazard.

Rule 15-2.  Substituted Ball

Exception added to avoid a "double penalty" when the player incorrectly substitutes a ball and plays from a wrong place.

Rule 19-2.  Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped by Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment

Amended to reduce the penalty in both match play and stroke play to one stroke.

Rule 24-1.  Movable Obstruction

Amended to allow a flagstick, whether attended, removed or held up, to be moved while a ball is in motion.

Rule 24-3.  Ball in Obstruction Not Found

Rule 25-1c.  Ball in Abnormal Ground Condition Not Found

Rule 26-1.  Water Hazards (Including Lateral Water Hazards)

Rule 27-1. Stroke and Distance; Ball Out of Bounds; Ball Not Found Within Five Minutes

In the above four Rules, the term "reasonable evidence" has been replaced by "known or virtually certain" when determining whether a ball that has not been found may be treated as an obstruction (Rule 24-3), an abnormal ground condition (Rule 25-1c), or a water hazard (Rule 26-1).