New Local Rule at Fieldstone for 2017

As you may have recently heard the USGA and the R & A (the two governing bodies on The Rules of Golf) recently announced a massive overhaul to the current 34 Rules of Golf.  Although proposed changes have been announced and lots of information given as to what the impending changes involve we must remember that it is business as usual for the next two years.  The Rules of Golf are only able to be changed once every four years.  Thus, for the 2017 and 2018 golf seasons keep playing golf with the 34 Rules of Golf as they currently stand.  The proposed changes have been announced and given a review period, where anyone can go to the USGA website and write in on what they feel about any or all of the proposed changes.  I strongly encourage each of you to read through the changes and let the USGA know your feelings about any potential issues with the proposed changes.

However, all of this being said there is one new local rule that the USGA and R & A are allowing clubs who wish to adopt for the 2017 golf season and beyond.  Fieldstone Golf Club is adopting this local rule for all play, regular and tournament rounds.  The new local rule reads as follows.

When a player's ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or the ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.

The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.

This Local Rule applies only when the player's ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental.

Note: If it is determined that a player's ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water, or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location.  A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced.

For more information about the new Local Rule, including explanatory diagrams, videos and a detailed question-and-answer document, please visit http://www.usga.org/rules-hub/2017-local-rule/new-local-rule.html