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To read about the proposed changes to the Handicapping System click here
Go to questions and answers regarding the new Course Rating system from Golf Australia.
Effective from 1st January 2012 there are changes to the
Rules of Golf. The key changes are:
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 vitually 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.
Other changes relate to the Rules of Amateur status.
These changes are the outcome of The R and A's regular four yearly review cycle. Details regarding distribution of the new Rule books will be communicated to clubs by Golf NSW. The New Rules Book is available online at Golf Australia. Golf NSW also has Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2012-2013, and Golf Rules Illustrated 2012-2015 for sale.
For full details of the changes including a full series of video explanations, visit the Golf Australia website (go to Rules and Handicapping, then Rules and Competition Management the News and Communications).
The Complete 2012 Rules of Golf Book is now online from Golf Australia.
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Before commencing your round:
Read the Local Rules on the score card or notice board
Put an identification mark on your ball. (Rules 12-2 and 27-1)
Count your clubs. You're allowed a maximum of 14 clubs (Rule 4-4)
During the round:
Don't ask for "advice" from anyone except your partner (i.e. a player on your side) or your caddies.
Don't give advice to anyone except your partner.
You may ask for information on the Rules, distances and the position of hazards, the flag stick, etc
Don't play any practice shots during play of a hole
At the end of your round:
In match play, ensure the result of the match is posted
In stroke play, ensure that your card is completed properly and return it as soon as possible.