New Decisions on Rules of Golf Announced
A
s part of a continuing commitment to
provide greater clarity to the Rules
of Golf, the United States Golf Association
(USGA) and The R&A, golf’s governing bodies,
has announced revisions to the 2012-2013
edition of “Decisions on the Rules of Golf.”
The changes, part of a customary two-year
Decisions review cycle, become effective on
Jan. 1, 2014.
“Decisions on the Rules of Golf, 20142015” contains more than 1,200 entries
addressing specific situations under the Rules
of Golf. A total of 87 changes have been
made to the 2012-2013 Decisions book:
three new Decisions, 59 revised Decisions,
one re-numbered Decision and 24 Decisions
withdrawn.
“The Rules of Golf are constantly
evolving,” said Thomas Pagel, USGA senior
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Connecticut State Golf Association
director of the Rules of Golf. “The Decisions
review process is an opportunity for The R&A
and the USGA to continue to help make the
game more understandable and accessible for
players, officials and others who participate in
the game.”
David Rickman, The R&A’s executive
director – Rules and Equipment Standards,
said, “It is important to consider carefully new
developments in the game and that is reflected
in the new Decisions on the Rules which give
greater clarity on the use of smart phones and
advanced video technology.”
Among the changes for 2014-2015, four
decisions are particularly noteworthy:
- New Decision 14-3/18 confirms that players
can access reports on weather conditions on a
smartphone during a round without breaching