Know the Rules - 2012 Rule Changes

Scott R Chilcutt, Edmond, OK (January 20, 2012)  As we look forward to our kick off events of 2012 we wanted to make sure everyone is aware of the changes the USGA and the R&A have made to the rules of golf.  Following a four-year review of golf's 34 playing Rules, nine principal rules have been amended.   Two of the significant changes that can effect each of you:
  

Ball Moving After Address (Rule 18-2b). A new exception is added which exonerates the player from penalty if their ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that they did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position.

Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions (Rule 13-4). Exception 2 to this Rule is amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 (improving lie, area of intended stance or swing or line of play) is not breached.

For more detail see the following pages at the USGA website -

Principal Changes To The Rules Of Golf

New Decisions

Revised Decisions

Next Up - Hill Country Tour tees it up at the Kerrville Championship at The Club @ Comanche Trace on February 11, 2012.  Dallas Tour resumes play at the Grand Prairie Classic on February 18, 2012.   Oklahoma Tour is off until 2012 at the ST. Patty's Day @ KickingBird event.  The first Major in the Central Region of the 2012 points year (another sell out) will be held at Horseshoe Bay for the Texas Open.  

For more information:


Scott R Chilcutt
Tour DirectorDallas / Fort Worth - Hill Country - Oklahoma
Golf Channel Amateur Tour
405.513.1467 - 972.201.9478
schilcutt@gcamtour.com
www.gcamtour.com

Visit the Tour Blogs:

Dallas - gcatdallas.blogspot.com - Hill Country - gcatsanantonio.blogspot.com

Oklahoma - gcatoklahoma.blogspot.com