Far Hills, N.J. - The United States Golf Association
and The R&A, golf's governing bodies, have announced 111 changes
to the book "Decisions on the Rules of Golf," published every two
years and effective for all golfers starting Jan. 1, 2006.
The 2006-2007 Decisions book includes
37 new Decisions and 66 revised Decisions, while eight Decisions
have been withdrawn.
Each year The R&A and the USGA receive thousands of requests
to clarify the Rules for on-course incidents that have occurred
at all levels of the game, throughout the world. With changes to
the Rules of Golf established on a four-year rolling cycle, the
ability to publish official interpretations of the Rules in the
Decisions book every two years is helpful to the game. The book
contains more than 1,200 individual Decisions, which are set out
in question-and-answer format.
A noteworthy change is the governing bodies' sanction of the use
of distance measuring devices, including GPS-based systems and laser
rangefinders. New Decision 14-3/0.5 allows a Committee to permit
the use of distance-measuring devices by Local Rule. This applies
to devices that measure distance only, not any other conditions
that might affect a player's play (e.g., wind or gradient). In the
absence of such a Local Rule, the use of a distance-measuring device
remains contrary to the Rules.
The latest Decisions book also gives a Committee the ability to
help the player who has signed for the correct score, but on another
player's score card.
Mark
Roe
and
Jesper
Parnevik
were disqualified from the 2003 British Open in such circumstances.
In the future, such an error can be corrected without penalty.
Revised Decision 6-6d/4 gives a Committee the authority to strike
the wrong name from an otherwise correctly completed score card
without a time limit.
Another new Decision (Decision 16-1e/2) helps the player who makes
a putting stroke with his feet inadvertently positioned on an extension
of the line of putt behind the ball, something often done to avoid
standing on another player's line of putt. In this instance, the
player will not now be penalized under Rule 16-1e, which has as
its true purpose the prevention of "croquet style" putting.
A significant revision to Decision 4-3/1 is also a feature of the
2006-2007 Decisions on the Rules of Golf. A liberalized interpretation
of what is considered to be the "normal course of play" will allow
the repair or replacement of a damaged club in more circumstances,
provided that the club was not abused.
The new edition of Decisions on the Rules of Golf will be available
in mid-December and can be purchased for $15.95 (or $12.95 for USGA
Members and Regional/State Amateur Golf Associations) by calling
the USGA Order Department at (800) 336-4446 or through the USGA
Web site at www.usga.org.
Amendments For The 2006-07 Decisions On The Rules Of Golf Book
New Decisions
1-2/1.5 Competitor Alters Line of Play of Fellow-Competitor
1-2/3.8 Player Jumps Close to Hole to Cause Ball to Drop;
Ball
Does Not Move
1-2/7 Player Purposely Deflects Partner's Ball in Motion on Putting
Green
4-4a/14 Player Carries Pieces of Broken Club
6-4/5.3 Additional Persons Carry Items for Player
6-8b/9 Resumption of Play; When Players Must Be Present
6-8d/3 Player Who Drops Ball Immediately
After Committee Has Ordered Resumption of Play Subsequently Lifts
Ball Under Rule 6-8d(ii)
8-2b/2 Caddie Attending Flagstick Advises Player to Aim at His
Foot
9-2/3.5 Player Refuses to Tell Opponent How Many Strokes He Has
Taken
10/4 Order of Play for Provisional Ball Other Than from Teeing
Ground
13-2/8.7 Player's Area of Intended Stance Affected by Another
Player's Stroke
13-2/12 Player Presses Down Sand Behind Ball in Grounding Club
13-4/35.8
Player
Deems
Ball
Unplayable in Bunker, Announces His Intention
to Proceed Under Rule 28a Outside Bunker and Then Rakes Bunker
on New Line of Play
14-3/0.5 Local Rule Permitting Use of Distance Measuring Device
14-3/10.5 Use of Stretching Devices
16-1e/2 Player Plays from Stance Astride Extension of Line of
Putt Behind Ball
16-2/4 Ball Overhanging Lip of Hole Moves When Flagstick Removed
16-2/5 Ball Overhanging Lip of Hole Moves and Strikes Flagstick
During Removal of Flagstick
17/3.5 Reflector on Flagstick
18-2a/30.5 Ball Moves After Removal of Loose Impediment Near
Ball
20-5/2 Player Proceeding Under Rule 20-5 Drops Ball on Different
Part of Course
20-6/4 Substituting Ball When Re-Dropping
20-6/5 Player Drops Ball Under Rules and Then Wishes to Replace
Ball in Original Position
20-7/2.5 Ball Deemed Unplayable in Water Hazard; Another Ball
Is Dropped in Hazard But
Player
Realizes Error
Before Playing
23/5.5 Status of Insect-Like Creatures
25-1c/2.5 Ball Dropped Under Rule 25-1c with Reasonable Evidence;
Original Ball Then Found
25-2/8 Ball Embedded in Teeing Ground
26-1/3.5 Ball Dropped Under Water Hazard Rule with Reasonable
Evidence;
Original Ball Then Found
27-2a/4 Three Balls Played from Same Spot; Only Second Ball Was
Provisional Ball
30-3/1 Examples of Rulings in Four-Ball Match with Concurrent
Singles Matches
30-3/2 Effect of State of Match Penalties in Four-Ball Play
33/8 Application of Disqualification Penalty in Competition in
Which Not All Scores Used to Determine Winner
33-8/40 Local Rule Clarifying Status of Material Similar to Sand
34-3/1.5 Committee Error and Scoring in Stroke Play
34-3/3.3 Player Placed at Serious Disadvantage Due to Incorrect
Ruling
34-3/7 Player Proceeds on Basis of Ruling; Subsequent Facts Prove
Ruling to Be Incorrect
34-3/8 Player Proceeds on Basis of Ruling; Player's Version of
Facts Subsequently Found to Be Incorrect
Revised Decisions
1-1/1 Two Balls in Play Simultaneously at Different Holes
Reference to Rule 2-3 changed to Rule 2-1.
1-2/5.5
Player
Purposely Stops or Deflects
Ball; Where Next Stroke Must Be Played From
Amended to address the situation where the player has deflected
rather than stopped his ball in motion after a stroke.
1-2/6 Player Removes Loose Impediment Affecting Lie of Opponent
or Fellow-Competitor in Hazard
Answer expanded to explain that the opponent or fellow-competitor
is not required to replace the loose impediment.
1-4/5 Removal of Obstruction in Hazard Would Move Loose Impediment
Answer expanded to clarify the penalty if the player fails
to replace the loose impediment
1-4/12 Player Breaches Rules More Than Once Prior to Stroke;
Whether Multiple Penalties Applied
Expansion of example under Principle 4 and edits to chart
of principles.
2-1/1.5 Players Agree to Consider Hole Halved During Play of
Hole
Reference to Rule 2-3 changed to Rule 2-1.
2-1/4 Two Holes Purposely Omitted in Match
Reference to Rule 2-3 changed to Rule 2-1 (Formerly 2-3/3).
3-3/0.5 Guidelines for Determining Which Ball Counts When
Player
Proceeds Under Rule 3-3
Reference to Withdrawn Decision 3-3/5.5 removed.
4-3/1 Meaning of Damage Sustained in "Normal Course of Play"
Meaning of "normal course of play" expanded to include
a number of reasonable acts in addition to making a stroke, practice
swing or practice stroke.
4-3/7 Club Broken While Used as Cane
Answer altered to allow replacement of the club due to change
in meaning of damage in the 'normal course of play.'
4-3/9 Club Broken Due to Habit of Hitting Head of Club on Ground
Answer altered for consistency with interpretation of meaning
of damage in the 'normal course of play.'
4-4a/13 Player Practices with Another Player's Club
Answer revised to reflect that a breach did not occur because
the stroke did not count in the player's score rather than that
it could not count.
6-6a/7 Different Score Card Returned
Clarified to include examples of why the original score card
was not returned and to explain that the returned score card met
the requirements of Rule 6-6.
6-6d/4 Competitor's Scores Recorded on Score Card with Fellow-Competitor's
Name and Vice Versa
Amended to recommend that the Committee rectify this administrative
error by changing the names on the score cards.
6-8d/2 Lie in Bunker Altered Prior to Resumption of Play
Reference to Decision 20-3b/5 removed due to revision to that
Decision
6-8d/4 Ball Visible from Tee Disappears While Play Suspended
Answer clarified to explain that the player must proceed in
accordance with Rule 6-8d(iii) -- Formerly 18-1/2.
7-1b/5 Competitor's Caddie Practices on or Tests Putting Green
Surfaces of the Course Before Stroke Play Round
Reference to Rule 6-4 changed to Rule 6-1.
8-1/2 Exchanging Distance Information
Revised to specify that the distance between any objects is
a matter of public information and therefore not advice.
9-2/2 Incorrect Information Given by Caddie or Partner
Clarified to be consistent with Rule 9-2 regarding its use
of the term 'wrong information.'
9-2/3 Wrong Information on Strokes Taken Given Voluntarily
Clarified to be consistent with Rule 9-2 regarding its use
of the term 'wrong information.'
9-2/5 Incorrect Information Causes Opponent to Lift His Ball-Marker
Clarified to be consistent with Rule 9-2 regarding its use
of the term 'wrong information.'
9-2/7 Incorrect Information Given by Player Corrected Before
Opponent Makes Next Stroke But After Opponent Has Conceded Player's
Putt
Clarified to be consistent with Rule 9-2 regarding its use
of the term 'wrong information.'
9-2/14 Incorrect Information Causes Opponent Mistakenly to Think
He Has Putt for Half; Opponent Holes Putt and Then Error Discovered
Clarified to be consistent with Rule 9-2 regarding its use
of the term 'wrong information.'
9-2/15 Wrong Information After Play of Hole; When Penalty Applicable
Clarified to be consistent with Rule 9-2 regarding its use
of the term 'wrong information.'
12-1/5 Player Kicks Ball While Probing for It in Water in Water
Hazard
Answer expanded to clarify that the movement of the ball was
not directly attributable to the act of probing for the ball;
therefore, a penalty was incurred under Rule 18-2a.
13-2/26 Natural Object Interfering with Swing Moved to Determine
Whether It Is Loose
Answer revised to clarify that the player is in breach of
Rule 13-2 if he moved a growing natural object other than for
the purpose of determining whether it was loose or if he failed
to replace such an object if it was not loose.
13-2/29 Worsening and Then Restoring Line of Play
Answer expanded to clarify that the player may not restore
any areas covered by Rule 13-2 that he may have worsened prior
to his stroke.
13-4/25 Taking Firm Stance in Bunker Some Distance from Where
Ball Lies in Bunker to Simulate Next Stroke
Question modified to reflect that it is not relevant whether
the player is holding a club.
13-4/35.7 Player Deems
Ball
Unplayable in Bunker,
Lifts Ball and Then Removes Loose Impediment from Bunker
Answer revised to permit the player to remove the loose impediment
without penalty if he has stated that he will proceed under Rule
28a and he does so.
13-4/36 Smoothing Irregularities in Bunker After Stroke But Before
Ball Extricated
Reference to "test consistency of the sand during the
first stroke" in the Answer deleted as the smoothing is specifically
permitted by Exception 2 to Rule 13-4
14-2/4 Caddie Inadvertently Stands on Extension of Line of Play
Behind Ball
Revised to clarify that Rule 14-2b is applicable regardless
of the part of the course on which the ball lies prior to the
stroke.
14-3/1 Distance Meter Attached to Golf Cart
Reference to Decision 14-3/0.5 added to clarify that distance
measuring equipment may be permitted by Local Rule.
14-3/2 Pencil or Score Card Used to Assist in Gauging Distance
Reference to Decision 14-3/0.5 added to clarify that distance
measuring equipment may be permitted by Local Rule.
14-3/3 Standard Spectacles and Field Glasses
Reference to Decision 14-3/0.5 added to clarify that distance
measuring equipment may be permitted by Local Rule.
14-3/5.5 Electronic Device Providing Distances Between Various
Points
Reference to Decision 14-3/0.5 added to clarify that distance
measuring equipment may be permitted by Local Rule.
14-3/10 Use of Training or Swing Aid During Round
Reference to Decision 4-4a/7 expanded for clarity.
14-3/13.5 Golf Ball Artificially Warmed
Amended to clarify that the use of a ball which was warmed
prior to the stipulated round is not a breach of Rule 14-3.
14-3/14 Electronic Instrument Used to Find
Ball
Answer expanded to clarify that the ball itself may be used
only if it conforms with the Rules including any applicable conditions
of competition.
14-3/16 Use of Electronic Devices
Reformatted and expanded to provide examples of uses of various
electronic devices that would or would not be a breach of Rule
14-3.
15/5 Original Ball Found and Played After Another Ball Put into
Play
Amended in light of the revision to Decision 27-1/2.
15/9 Ball Thrown into Bounds by Outside Agency and Played; Caddie
Aware of Action of Outside Agency
Reference to Rule 6-4 changed to Rule 6-1.
15/13 Stray Ball Dropped Under Unplayable Ball Rule But Not
Played
Revised to clarify that the stray ball which is dropped is
an improperly substituted ball; not a wrong ball.
16-1a/11 Raised Tuft of Grass on Line of Putt Brushed to Determine
Whether It Is Loose
Answer revised to clarify that the player is in breach of
Rule 16-1 if he moved a growing natural object other than for
the purpose of determining whether it was loose or if he failed
to replace such an object if it was not loose.
16-1b/3 Ball Lifted from Putting Green;
Ball
Replaced While Another Ball in Motion Subsequently Deflects
Ball
Revised to clarify that A's ball was not on the putting green
when B made his stroke from the putting green.
16-1d/6 Caddie Roughens Surface of Putting Green But
Player
Does Not Benefit
Reference to Rule 6-4 changed to Rule 6-1.
18-2a/12.5 Player Entitled to Relief Without Penalty from Condition
Lifts Ball; Chooses Not to Take Relief and Wishes to Proceed Under
the Unplayable Ball Rule
Answer expanded to explain that the player may proceed directly
under Rule 28a without incurring a penalty under Rule 18-2a.
18-2a/24 Ball Moved by Flagstick When Measuring
Revised to clarify that a ball moved by a dropped flagstick
has not been moved in a manner directly attributable to the act
of measuring.
18-2b/10 Ball Falls into Hole After Being Addressed
Answer expanded to clarify that the player's ball has not
been holed.
19-2/1.5 Ball Moves Prior to Address and Is Accidentally Stopped
by Player's Club; Player Removes Club and Ball Rolls Away
Amended to clarify the penalty incurred if the player fails
to replace his ball on the spot at which it was stopped.
20-3b/5 Lie of Ball to Be Replaced Altered and Spot Where
Ball
Originally Lay Not Determinable
Answer expanded to clarify the circumstances under which the
player must proceed under Rule 20-3b and those under which he
must proceed under Rule 20-3c.
20-7c/4 Competitor's Ball Played by Fellow-Competitor; Competitor
Substitutes Another Ball at Wrong Place, Plays It and Then Abandons
It and Plays Out Original Ball from Right Place
Question modified to reflect that Rule 15-3 provides the proper
procedure for Player A to follow when his ball is played by another
player and is the applicable Rule under which he is penalized
when he proceeds improperly.
21/3 Whether
Ball
Cleaned Through Act of Caddie
Throwing It to Player
Question revised to clarify that the player's ball did not
lie on the putting green when it was lifted.
23-1/7 Loose Impediment Affecting Lie Moved When
Ball
Lifted
Amended to clarify the penalty incurred if the player fails
to replace the loose impediment.
24-2b/20 Interference by Line or
Mark
on Ground Consisting of Lime or Paint
Answer expanded to clarify that a Local Rule may be adopted
declaring such areas to be ground under repair.
25-1b/26 Player Unaware Ball in Water Hazard Takes Relief from
Interference by Burrowing Animal Hole
Answer expanded to clarify that the player has proceeded under
an inapplicable Rule thus he is permitted to correct his error
under Rule 20-6.
25-1c/3 Ball Played in Ground Under Repair Area Lost in Same
Area
Expanded to clarify that the ball did not cross the outermost
limits of the area of ground under repair when it was played from
within that area and that the player is entitled to relief without
penalty under Rule 25-1b if, after having dropped a ball under
Rule 27-1, he has interference from this condition.
26-1/16 Point Where
Ball
Last Crossed Margin
of Lateral Water Hazard Determined and
Ball
Dropped;
Point Then Proves to Be Wrong Point
Amended to clarify that the player may drop a ball in accordance
with any of his options under Rule 26-1 when correcting his error.
27-1/2 Original Ball Found Within Five-Minute Search Period
After Another Ball Dropped
Revised to specify that Rule 20-6 does not apply as the
player has substituted a ball under an applicable Rule (Rule 27-1).
27-1/2.3 Original Ball Found Within Five-Minute Search Period
After Another Ball Dropped; Original Ball Played
Revised to specify that the original ball, if played, is a
wrong ball because the original ball is no longer the player's
ball in play in view of the Revision to Decision 27-1/2.
32-1/3 Determination of Honor in Handicap Stableford Competition
Question clarified through the removal of unnecessary information.
33-1/9.5 Breach of Transportation Condition by Caddie
Reference to Rule 6-4 changed to Rule 6-1.
33-8/13 Local Rule for Ball Deflected by Power Line
Answer expanded to clarify that the Local Rule may include
supporting poles which are located such that they interfere with
play of the hole.
33-8/34 Local Rule Establishes Ball Drop or Dropping Zone; Procedure
for Dropping
Part (e) of Answer amended to include Rule 20-2c(vi).
34-2/5 Referee Reverses Ruling Made at Last Hole of Match After
Players Leave Putting Green
Clarification of circumstances under which ruling may be corrected.
34-2/6 Referee Reverses Ruling After Player Subsequently Plays
a Ball
Clarification of circumstances under which ruling may be corrected.
34-3/3 Player Plays Based on Incorrect Ruling; Procedure for
Player When Error is Discovered
Clarification of circumstances under which ruling may be corrected.
Withdrawn Decisions
3-3/5.5 Procedure If Both Original and Second Balls Dropped in
Wrong Place and Played
6-4/2 Who May Serve as Caddie
8-1/2.5 Players Exchange Distance Information to Determine Order
of Play
11-3/2 Lifting Ball in Play But Still Within Teeing Ground
16/6 Cutting Hole on Slope
26/7 Ball Apparently in Water Hazard Found Outside Hazard After
Another Ball Played Under Stroke-and-Distance Procedure
33/4 Direction Posts
33-1/9 Breach of Condition Prohibiting Golf Carts
Re-Numbered Decisions
2-1/3 Hole Inadvertently Omitted in Match; Error Discovered After
Match Concluded (Formerly 2-3/2)
2-1/4 Two Holes Purposely Omitted in Match (Formerly 2-3/3)
2-1/5 Three Holes Played Out of Sequence in Match (Formerly 2-3/4)
2-1/6 Replaying Match When Play Discontinued Instead of Resuming
from Where Play Stopped (Formerly 2-3/5)
2-3/2 Result of Match When Player Dormie and Opponent Concedes
(Formerly 2-3/6)
6-8d/4 Ball Visible from Tee Disappears While Play Suspended
(Formerly 18-1/2)
