Phone-In Rules Officials, Sticklers For Timeliness Big Losers In Rules Changes
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All three major rule modifications make great sense, and with the Ball in Hazard rule for those poor souls who leave a shot in a bunker but feel the need to rake before extricating themselves.
• 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 that 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.
A major blow to the at-home rules officials.
• 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.
Now Rory can kick the sand in frustration and still not be penalized, only this time no inquiry will be necessary.
• 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.
Another no-brainer.
"Kinder and gentler" was Ryan Herrington's takeaway on the latest changes.
