Updated December 16, 2022
Additional clarifications will normally be updated on a quarterly basis each January, April, July, and October and the next quarterly update will be in April 2023.
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Additional Clarifications of the 2023 Rules of Golf
RULES
Rule 5.2:
5.2b/3 - Application of Penalty for Practising on Course Before Round in Stroke Play
Rule 5.2b explains when a player is not allowed to practise on the course before a round in stroke play. The penalty statement in Rule 5.2b is not limited to making a stroke as the term “practising on the course” also includes testing the surface of the putting green by rolling a ball or rubbing the surface.
If a player rubs the surface of a single green, they have only breached Rule 5.2 once no matter how many times they rub the surface of the same green. (Added December 2022)
Rule 10.2:
10.2b/1 - Use of Self-Standing Putter for Alignment Help is Not Allowed
[Note: A delay of implementation is in effect until January 1, 2025 that applies to certain uses of self-standing putters. For more information, see Clarification 10.2b(3)/2] (Added December 2022)
10.2b(3)/1 - Setting Clubhead on Ground Behind Ball to Help the Player Take a Stance is Allowed
[Note: A delay of implementation is in effect until January 1, 2025 that applies to certain uses of self-standing putters. For more information, see Clarification 10.2b(3)/2] (Added December 2022)
10.2b(3)/2 - Delay of Implementation for Certain Uses of Self-Standing Putters
A two-year delay of implementation in relation to certain uses of self-standing putters under Rule 10.2b(3) is in effect as follows:
- Until January 1, 2025, a player may use a self-standing putter by setting it down right behind or right next to the spot on which the ball came to rest to help aim or to take a stance or position their feet.
- From January 1, 2025, Rule 10.2b(3) will apply to self-standing putters and the acts described in the previous paragraph will no longer be allowed. But a player will still be allowed to use a self-standing putter that conforms to the Rules to make a stroke or take other actions allowed by the Rules. (Added December 2022)