As I start studying the rules for next year, I thought I'd write about them. These are points that I find interesting. It is not meant to be a discussion solely about what is new for this year, although that will be a primary focus. It is not a thorough dissection of the rules. It is just a casual commentary on parts of the new rule book, of both new and existing rules, that I find noteworthy.

Hopefully some will find this interesting and perhaps promote some discussion. Maybe it will help those that haven't really looked into what the game of golf will be like come January, from a rules perspective. I am not a whiz. I will most certainly come to some conclusions that others will feel are incorrect. Please feel free to point out any errors.

4.1a - Clubs allowed in Making a Stroke

(1) Conforming Clubs

"...But if the performance characteristics of a conforming club change because of wear through normal use, it is still a conforming club".

That means your Ti Burner Bubble is still legit.

(2) Use or Repair of Club Damaged During Round

"...But no matter the nature or cause of the damage, the damaged club is treated as conforming for the rest of the round..."

"Damaged during round" is defined in this rule as the result of an act "...by the player (such as making a stroke or practice swing with the club, putting it in or taking it out of a golf bag, dropping or leaning on it, or throwing or abusing it)..."

(emphasis mine)

So here we have a 180* change from the old rules. Not that this will ever be invoked that often, but it is a conceptually radical change.

4.1b - Limit of 14 Clubs; Sharing, Adding, or Replacing Clubs During Round

(2) No Sharing of Clubs

Interpretation 4.1b(2)/1 - Multiple Players May Carry Clubs in One Bag

"The rules do not restrict multiple players (such as partners) from carrying their clubs in one bag. However, to reduce the risk of penalty under rule 4.1b, they should make sure the clubs are clearly identifiable to each player".

The point of this interpretation is to make sure you don't use a partner's club.

But wait, there's more! There is a note to 4.1b(2) telling you to flash forward to rule 22.5 and 23.7. Each of these rules is worded identically: "Rule 4.1b(2) is modified to allow partners to share clubs, so long as the total number of clubs they have together is not more than 14."

Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.1b:

"...Penalty in Match Play - Match Score Revised by Deducting Hole, Maximum of Two Holes: This is a match adjustment penalty - it is not the same as a loss of hole penalty..."

This is an interesting and very unusual application of the rules. For example, say you finish the 2nd hole of a match and find yourself 2-down. Leaving the 2nd green you realize you have more than 14 clubs in the bag. This means you tee off #3 4-down! The penalty is applied to the match score at the time, not to the individual hole decisions.

4.2a - Balls allowed in Play of Round

(1) Conforming Ball Must be Played

"In making each stroke, a player must use a ball that conforms to the requirements in the Equipment Rules".

Basic stuff, the equipment list for balls has some general parameters the ball must abide by.

Interpretation 4.2a(1)/1 - Status of Ball Not on List of Conforming Golf Balls

"In a competition in which the committee has not adopted the Local Rule requiring players to use a brand and model of ball on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls, a player may use the following golf balls:..."

[follows a list of items about tested and non-tested balls]

"...However, brands and models that have been tested and found not to conform to the Equipment Rules must not be played, whether or not the Local Rule has been adopted".

This is interesting although virtually never will it be encountered.

First off, there is a local rule that can be adopted that requires the brand and model to be on the conforming list. Without this local rule, one can play a ball not on the list, theoretically. But, the 'however' clause states that if the local rule is not in place, a ball that has been tested and rejected by the USGA cannot be used. End of story.

TL;DR: If tested and rejected, you can never use it.

There's more:

Interpretation 4.2a(1)/2 - Status of "X-Out", "Refurbished" and "Practice" Balls

"X-Out is the common name used for a golf ball that a manufacturer considers to be imperfect (often for aesthetic reasons only, such as paint or printing errors), and therefor has crossed out the brand name. "Refurbished" refers to a second-hand golf ball that has been cleaned and stamped as "refurbished" or a similar stamping...

...However, if the Committee has adopted the List of Conforming Golf Balls as a Local Rule, such a ball must not be used even if the identification markings on the ball in question appear on the List."

So the USGA defines X-out and refurbs as having applicable stamps on them.

This means that if the local rule for conforming balls is in place, you cannot use anything marked as an x-out or refurb, no matter the brand and model.

4.2c - Ball Becomes Cut or Cracked While Playing Hole

(1) Lifting Ball to See if Cut or Cracked

Here is a major new rule change! No longer does the player have to announce his intentions to an opponent/another player nor to have one witness the lift and examination. The only requirement is to mark the ball. This also applies when lifting to identify a ball.

4.3a - Allowed and Prohibited Uses of Equipment

(2) Information on Wind and Other Weather Conditions

"...Not Allowed:...Using an artificial object to get other wind-related information (such as using powder to assess wind direction)."

So using any non-matural object to judge wind is a violation. I take this to mean if you pick up a small piece of paper and toss it to see wind direction, you are busted.

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