Golf's New Rules: Major Changes
The following are the main changes to the Rules of Golf that took effect on January 1, 2019. The items covered on this page are organized into nine categories. Within each individual item, you will find the main reasons for the change as well as any relevant resources. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us any time.
Taking Relief
Relief For an Embedded Ball

Relief allowed without penalty for an embedded ball anywhere (except in sand) in the “general area” (a new term for “through the green”).
Procedure for Taking Lateral Relief

In taking lateral relief, drop within two club-lengths of where your ball entered the penalty area. The size of a club-length is always measured using the longest club in your bag, other than your putter.
When to Play During a Round
Player Behavior
Code of Player Conduct

Committees are given authority to adopt their own code of player conduct and to set penalties for breaches of that code.