By Geoff Mangum
The R&A and the USGA — apparently acting in panic mode as the game of golf continues to shrivel from its “golden age” in the 1970s and 1980s — have acted to simplify the Rules of Golf to shed some of the more ridiculous, picky technicalities that have accrued over the decades to more align the Rules with how amateurs actually play the game and to pick up the pace of play. Much more can and should be done to simplify the game’s Rules by eliminating technicalities without undermining the vital role of skill.
Below is a summary of the nine major changes that affect play on the green.
1. Touching green
2. Marking ball
3. Repairing damage
4. Flagstick in the hole
5. Ball moves
6. Ball deflected
7. Pace of play
8. Damaged clubs
9. Caddie alignment
Plus:
10. Missed opportunities — anchoring and caddie books
Read the rest of what Geoff has to say about New Rules for the Green for 2019 in the February 2018 Monthly Handicap Improver here:
https://www.swingmangolf.com/register.php