June - 2016

There was an interesting article in one of the golf magazines, that I read recently, that covered some of the changes in the Rules of Golf from the past, and how they have been revised to better fit into our modern world.

In the past, when you grounded your club, it required two acts; one was to take your stance, and the other was to place your club behind the ball.
Now, under Definitions, Addressing the Ball (outside a hazard):

Addressing the Ball

A player has "addressed the ball" when he has grounded his club immediately in front of or immediately behind the ball, whether or not he has taken his stance.

You also were never allowed to ask any distance information such a how far a ball is from the hole.

Under the new Definition's regarding advice;

Advice

"Advice" is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke.

Information on the Rules, distance or matters of public information, such as the position of hazards or the flagstick on the putting green, is not advice.

So now asking or giving yardages to other golfers at anytime is legal.

Just being aware of these two changes to the Rules, are great to know because they apply wherever you play.

      Derek Duesler