Handicapping Update
The documents relating to the handicapping review can be viewed on the Golf Australia Web Site using the following link.
This link will take you to the latest document relating to handicapping
R and A Announce Key Changes to the Rules of Golf
Below outlines the changes to the Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status that were announced last week by The R&A. (The R&A is based in St Andrews, Scotland, and is the international governing body for the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status.)
These changes are the outcome of The R&A’s regular four-yearly review cycle that it operates in conjunction with the United States Golf Association. The changes will come into effect in Australia on 1 January 2012.
Ball Moving After Address (Rule 18-2b). A new exception is added which exonerates the player from penalty if their ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain they did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position.
Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions (Rule 13-4). Exception 2 to this Rule is amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 (improving lie, area of intended stance or swing or line of play) is not breached.
Time of Starting (Rule 6-3a). The rule is amended to provide that the penalty for starting late, but within five minutes of the starting time, is reduced from disqualification to loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Previously this penalty reduction could be introduced as a condition of competition.
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